Talinum Triangulare Research Articles

Health Implications of Bioaccumulation of PAHs in Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) and Waterleaf (Talinum fruticosum) along the Imo River Watershed, Imo State, Nigeria

The health implication of PAHs has been of great concern due to its contamination of the food chain. This study was carried out to identify the health challenges associated with the bioaccumulation of PAHs in Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) and Waterleaf (Talinum fruticosum) along Imo River Watershed, Imo State, Nigeria. A total of 8 soil samples (0-30cm) were randomly collected from different activity areas on the watershed and analyzed for the presence of the 16 US-EPA priority PAHs in both soil and vegetable samples. The analysis of PAHs in the soil and vegetable samples were carried out in accordance with EPA 8270: (GC-MSD) and the results revealed that amongst the 16 US-EPA priority PAHs, eight of them were detected in the soil and vegetable samples. The total concentration of PAHs detected in the soil and vegetable samples were Naphthalene(0.146mg/kg), Acenaphthylene(0.010mg/kg), Acenaphthene(0.210mg/kg),Phenanthrene(0.021mg/kg),Anthracene(0.041mg/kg),Flouranthene(0.130mg/kg),Pyrene(0.020mg/kg),Benzo(b)fluoranthene(8.641mg/kg) and Naphthalene(0.090mg/kg),Acenaphthene(0.011mg/kg),Fluorene(0.010mg/kg),Phenanthrene(0.230mg/kg),Anthracene(0.190mg/kg),Flouranthene(0.010mg/kg),Benzo(b)fluoranthene(2.711mg/kg),I(1,2,3-cd)PY(0.540mg/kg) respectively. The decreasing order for individual PAHs concentration in the soil and vegetable samples within the study area were Benzo(b)Flouranthene>Acenaphthene>Naphthalene>Fluoranthene>Anthracene> Phenanthrene> Pyrene> Acenaphthelyne and Benzo(b) Flouranthene>I(1,2,3-cd)PY> Phenanthrene> Anthracene> Naphthalene>Acenaphthene> Fluorene>Fluoranthene respectively. For both soil and vegetables, total PAHs concentrations recorded in Obowo zone were observed to be higher than Okigwe zone. The result also revealed high values of PAHs in the edible vegetable samples collected around abattoirs and abandoned waste dump. It is therefore evident from this study that abattoirs and waste dumps have the potential to emit huge amount of PAHs to soil resource, which is taken up by edible vegetables leading to several health challenges when the vegetables are consumed. Different exposure to PAHs results in immune function suppression, cataracts, kidney and liver damage, skin inflammation, asthma, nausea, vomiting, eye irritation, diarrhea, confusion, lung and other cancers and probably death in chronic cases. There is need for public education on the consumption of vegetables grown in and around abattoirs and areas dominated by waste dumps.

Supplementation of hen diets with dried or freshly harvested Talinum triangulare: the effect on egg production and egg lipid profile

This study investigated the comparative effects of administration of dried and fresh Talinum triangulare (Tt) plant supplements on the egg production and egg quality of laying hens. Two hundred and ten pullets, purchased at the age of 18 weeks, were randomly assigned to seven study groups: A1 , A2 , A3 ; B1 , B2 , B3 ; and C. Aqueous extracts derived from a dried sample of Tt were administered at 62.5, 250, and 1000 mg/L doses for treatment of Group A (A1, A2, and A3 ); or from freshly harvested samples of Tt at 62.5, 250, and 1000 mg/L dose for treatment of Group B (B1 , B2 , and B3 ). Hens in Group C (CC) served as an un-supplemented experimental control group. Laying rate and egg lipid profile were determined at two-month intervals following standard procedures. Supplementation with Tt significantly enhanced egg production, with extended higher laying rates in groups A and B. A significant (P<0.05) reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentration and an increase in the high density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration of eggs were observed in the supplemented groups (A and B). Dietary supplementation with dried samples of Tt at doses of 250 and 1000 mg/L increased the number of eggs laid, and resulted in the production of eggs with lower LDL and higher HDL cholesterol. Further research is needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms behind the hypolipidemic principle and egg production enhancement.

Molecular detection of Cucumber mosaic virus from Basella alba, Telfairia occidentalis and Talinum fruticosum in Nigeria

Molecular detection of Cucumber mosaic virus from Basella alba, Telfairia occidentalis and Talinum fruticosum in Nigeria

Enterococcus faecalis-Aided Fermentation to Facilitate Edible Properties and Bioactive Transformation of Underutilized Cyathea dregei Leaves

Cyathea dregei (CD) is a weed plant that is rarely consumed. This study investigated the impact of Enterococcus faecalis as an agent of 3–5-day fermentation, thus stimulating the edible properties of the leaves from CD using Talinum fruticosum as the control. The proximate content, biochemical, antioxidant properties, and phytochemical constituents of the unfermented and fermented leaves were examined. The lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH) activity significantly increased (p < 0.05) due to the fermentation, which peaked on the third day. The fat, ash, and crude fiber constituents of the fermented CD leaves were significantly higher (p < 0.05), especially on day 3, compared to the unfermented leaves of CD. The leaves of CD naturally possess significantly higher (p < 0.05) values of calcium, selenium, magnesium potassium, sodium, zinc, and vitamin C but significantly lower (p < 0.05) values of vitamins A and E compared to those of water leaf. The fermentation aided the synthesis of caffeic acid (61.71 mg/10 g extract), eleven other bioactive phytochemicals (0.14–60.24 mg/10 g extract), two unexplored saponins (P-Scd, 52.05 mg/10 g extract), and a phenolic compound (P-Pcd, 0.23 mg/10 g extract). Four novel intermediary compounds and six other established compounds were freshly identified with fermentation. The leaves of C. dregei are naturally rich in bioactive nutrients and phytochemicals that trigger their strong antioxidant qualities, which were improved by this fermentation technique. E. faecalis is most likely to engage LDH in driving the fermentation transforming the C. dregei into a potential edible vegetable.

Effect of Brine Concentration on Bacteria Isolated from Leafy Vegetables (Talinum triangulare, Telfairia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina)

The effect of brine on bacteria isolated from leafy vegetables was evaluated. Fresh waterleaf (Talinum triangulare), Pumpkin leaves (Telfairia occidentalis) and Bitter leaves (Vernonia amygdalina) including cooking salt were bought from vendors in Mile 3 market, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Brine concentrations of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% were prepared by dissolving appropriate grams of salt in distilled water. Nine millilitres of the respective concentrations were transferred into clean test tubes, labelled, stoppered with foil and autoclaved at 121℃ for 15 minutes at 15psi. Sterile distilled water served as a control. The test isolates were standardized based on 0.5McFarland and 1mL each was introduced into different brine concentrations. The standard plate count was used to monitor brine effects on isolates and this was done hourly for six hours. Inoculated plates were incubated at 37℃ for 24 hours. After incubation, enumerated colonies were used to deduce isolate mortality. The total heterotrophic bacterial (THB) load of bitter, Pumpkin and water leaves were 3.49±0.4×106, 3.25±0.4×106 and 1.99±0.2×106 CFU/g, respectively. The staphylococcal counts for bitter, Pumpkin and water leaves were 1.65±0.3×104, 3.13±0.5×104 and 1.55±0.4×104 CFU/g, respectively. Total coliform counts for bitter, Pumpkin and water leaves were 1.52±0.8×105, 2.85±0.1×105 and 1.75±0.6×105 CFU/g, respectively. Staphylococcal counts of pumpkin leaves were significantly (P≤0.05) higher than those obtained for bitter leaf and water leaf. There was no significant difference(P>0.05) in the THB and Coliform counts of all samples. E. coli was predominant in Pumpkin and water leaves while Staphylococcus sp was predominant in bitter leaves. The LC50 values for E. coli, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus, and Bacillus sp were; 5.39, 3.88, 1.62, and -0.41mg/ml, respectively. The LC50 showed that the brine was very lethal on Bacillus sp and Staphylococcus sp. High brine concentration is recommended to achieve reduced bacterial load.

Evaluation of proximate compositions and heavy metal concentrations of Amaranthus spinosus L. and Talinum fruticosum (L.) Juss. harvested on some poultry dumpsites in Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract Poultry waste as enhancement for crop development has become a norm for nutrients’ source but their pollution potentials is a source for concern. Thus, this study aimed at assessing proximate compositions and heavy metal accumulation in organs of Amaranthus spinosus and Talinum fruticosum handpicked from three poultry faecal sites in Badagry, Lagos State. Leaves and roots of A. spinosus and T. fruticosum as well as soil samples were collected from Yafin, Agric and Badagry dumpsites in Badagry Local Government and these were subjected to proximate and heavy metal analyses using standard analytical procedures. Data obtained were analyzed using mean-standard deviation. Proximate analyses of A. spinosus and T. fruticosum from three faecal sites contained appreciable Moisture, protein, carbohydrate, fiber, ash, and fat contents. Also, heavy metal analyses of the vegetables from the three faecal sites ranged as follows: Cd: 0.01-0.05mg/100g in leaves; 0.04-0.12mg/100g in roots, Co: 0.04-0.05 in leaves; 0.04-0.12mg/100g in roots, Cr: 0.58-0.84mg/100g in leaves; 0.91-1.01mg/100g in roots, Cu: 0.27-70.51mg/100g in leaves; 0.50-58.55mg/100g in roots for A. spinosus; Cd: 0.04-0.07mg/100g in leaves; 0.06-0.12mg/100g in roots, Co: 0.02-0.06mg/100g in leaves; 0.08-0.34mg/100g in roots, Cr: 0.05-0.12mg/100g in leaves; 0.04-0.23mg/100g in roots, Cu: 61.55-121.81mg/100g in leaves; 48.45-147.45mg/100g in roots for T. fruticosum and Cd: 3.53-9.05mg/100g, Co: 0.14-0.69mg/100g, Cr:0.14-4.22mg/100g: and Cu: 2.59-8.11mg/100g in soils for all three dumpsites sampled. However, all metals analysed were below WHO limits for vegetable and soils except cobalt, copper and chromium. Thus, locals should be advised against consumption of vegetables from dumpsites since toxic substances often accumulates in the environment and maybe hazardous to man’s health.

Phytochemical Constituents, Nutritional and Antibacterial Potentials of Selected Medicinal Plants (Allium sativum, Chromolaena odorata, and Talinum triangulare)

Alternate medicine practices using natural plant extract may be of great importance in combating public health challenges. Medicinal plants are the bases for the development of modern drugs; accepted to treat infectious diseases globally. This study investigated the phytochemical constituents, proximate composition, and antibacterial activity of Allium sativum (garlic), Chromolaena odorata (Siam weed), and Talinum triangulare (Waterleaf) due to their reported medicinal properties. The phytochemical constituents and proximate composition were analysed using standard protocols. Agar diffusion technique was used to evaluate the antibacterial activities of the plants. All three plants included innumerable quantities of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, tannins, phlobatannins, saponins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, steroids, phenol, and cardiac glycoside. Proximate analysis indicated that the moisture (9.88%), fiber (4.57%), crude fat (2.89%), crude protein (3.67%), ash (3.78%), and carbohydrate (75.21%) present in Allium sativum; moisture (9.26%), fiber (15.28%), crude fat (3.56%), crude protein (18.86%), ash (11.76%), and carbohydrate (41.28%) present in Chromolaena odorata; moisture (10.37%), fiber (16.43%), crude fat (2.23%), crude protein (11.88%), ash (13.29%), and carbohydrate (45.80%) present in Talinum triangulare. The crude extract of Chromolaena odorata had the highest zone of inhibition against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.5mm). These bioactive substances, such as phenol, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins, augment the therapeutic characteristics of these plants, making them a common component of traditional remedies. They may serve as primes to drug discovery and be integrated into the health care delivery system. The investigations proved these plants' medicinal potential and further demonstrated Chromolaena odorata and Talinum triangulare's nutritional potential. They are good sources of income for individuals and bioprospecting.

Molecular Characterization of Talinum triangulare (Jacq.)Wild Germplasm Using DNA Barcoding Method

Talinum triangulare (Jacq.) Willd is extensively cultivated vegetable in the agro-ecological zone of the tropical rainforest. It grows to the height of about 10-100 cm tall, bearing small pink flowers, some with white to light purple flowers and with fleshy light green to forest green leaves with swollen roots. It is one of the commonly preferred leafy vegetables in southern Nigeria and Cameroon, where it is used in thickening of soup and as additive in increasing the bulk of stews. It is now attracting considerable interest worldwide as medicinal plant and spice. Previously, we have carried out the morphological characterization of this plant germplasm, where we reported paucity of information on the genetics and molecular characteristics of the plant. This present study aimed at carrying out molecular characterization of different land races of Talinum triangulare germplasm with a view to describing the genetic information / traits of the available land races. The different land races of Talinum triangulare were collected from different part of Nigeria including Uyo, AkwaIbom State bordering Cameroon republic. The research work was carried out at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture Laboratory, IITA, Ibadan, Nigeria. High quality total DNA was isolated from the different Talinumsamples, quantified and cross examined for purity. The genomic DNA samples were treated to PCR amplification using different primers (ribulosebisphosphatecarboxylase rbcL, trnH-psbA intergenic spacer trn H-psbA, maturase K matK, nuclear internal transcribed spacer ITS) and DNAbarcoding technique. Gel electrophoresis was performed and the fragment of the intact DNAi.e. the amplicons was gel eluted, subjected to sequencing and the Basic local alignment search tool BLAST were carry out to verify the sequence homology. Nevertheless, no difference was detected among the Talinum samples, signifying that the land races were genotypically identical and that the phenotypical differences observed were invariably due to environments.

Attributes and Ecological Potentials of Dumpsite Flora in the Peri-urban Area of Ibadan, Nigeria

Dumpsites are spaces used disposal of urban and peri-urban wastes. Their public health concern has not made them to be adequately explored for positive potentials in Nigeria. This study investigated the the floristic structure and comparative potential of a dumpsite with arable farms for conservation and phytoremediation. The study was conducted at a 10-hectare peri-urban Lapite dumpsite (N 07o34.121ʹ, E 003o54.857ʹ) in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; and three arable farmlands (Control) located 200 m-300 m away from Dumpsite. Stratified sampling was conducted using 414 quadrats (each 1m2) in five strata of dumpsite, and a systematic sampling of flora of farms with 263 quaddrats in 21 transects laid 5 m apart. Data were collected on species composition, abundance,density and frequency of occurence. They were subjected to analysis of Relative importance value (RIV), density, and multivariate analysis. Species with phytoremediation potentials were identified. Ninety one species of herbaceous flora in 33 families and 99 species in 38 families were enumerated on the dumpsite and farmlands respectively. Solanum nigrum L., Tridax procumbens Linn., Amaranthus spinosus Linn., Laportea aestuans (Linn.) Chew., Acalypha fimbriata Schum. & Thonn., and Lufa cylindrica Mill were the most dominant species on the dumpsite with RIVs of 8.40, 8.17, 7.54, 7.21, 6.38 and 5.79 respectively. Talinum fruticosum (L.) Juss., Tridax procumbens L., Euphorbia heterophylla Linn., Spermacoce ocymoides Burm f., and Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray were most dominant on farmlands with RIVs of 13.74, 7.05, 6.60, 6.07, and 5.57 respectively. Dumpsite flora had higher diversity (H`=3.501) than control plots (H`=3.294). The dominance value (0.0486) was low compared to the control farms (0.07131). The lora of the two sites were grouped by habitatt preference.Higher species diversity and pervasive presence of invasive Tridax procumbens Linn., Laportea aestuans (Linn.) Chew., and Lufa cylindrica Mill. on dumpsite indicated potentials for phytoremediation, and candidacy as functional groups and bio-indicators of ecosystem health.

Carcinogenic Potentials of Toxic Metals and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Telfairia occidentalis and Talinum triangulare Impacted by Wastewater, Southern Nigeria

Health risks of toxic metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with the consumption of Telfairia occidentalis and Talinum triangulare impacted by wastewater from water treatment plants within Uyo Metropolis, Southern Nigeria, were investigated using standard methods. The level of toxic metals and PAHs was higher in vegetables impacted by wastewater from food processing industries than in the other investigated sources. The levels of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr) in the vegetables exceeded their recommended limits by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Wastewater was confirmed as the major source of toxic metals in the vegetables. The estimated chronic daily intake of toxic metals through vegetables for both child and adult populations was lower than their tolerable daily intake. The hazard quotients of noncarcinogenic PAHs indicated higher values for children than adults. The vegetables contained all the priority PAHs except dibenz[a,h]anthracene. The estimated daily intake of PAHs was higher in children than in adults, except for phenanthrene. The threshold screening values for PAHs indicated lower non-carcinogenic health risks for consumers. The carcinogenic health risks of metals and PAHs via vegetables indicated a moderately high risk for both populations. The consumption of vegetables impacted by wastewater could result in serious health problems for both child and adult populations. This study has exposed the environmental and human health problems related to the use of wastewater for the irrigation of vegetable gardens, which hitherto were unavailable in the study area.

STYLAR MOVEMENT IN Talinum fruticosum (TALINACEAE): CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS OF THE SPECIES IN POPULATIONS FROM CENTRAL-WEST BRAZIL

In plant species, the movement of reproductive structures can be an adaptive advantage in mating system studies. This phenomenon can promote outcrossing or cause a reduction in intrafloral male-female sexual interference. Consequently, this contributes to the avoidance of self-pollination and/or delayed autonomous self-pollination. The aim of this short communication is to report the results of assessments done in two natural populations of a native species from central-west Brazil that grows spontaneously and sub-spontaneously in opening and ruderal areas of Pantanal. In this study, the movement of the stigma was recorded throughout floral anthesis, and the mating system was determined. Floral measurements such as: flower opening time, pollen viability and the period that the stigma was receptive were also reported. The formation of fruits by spontaneous self-pollination and cross-pollination reinforces the hypothesis that stylar movement in Talinum fruticosum can facilitate or hinder self-pollination in some situations.

Ultrasonic Extraction of Java Ginseng Leaves (Talinum Triangulare (Jacq.) Willd) with Variables of Ethanol Solution Ratio and Extraction Time

Indonesia has abundant biodiversity for types of plants that are thought to have efficacy as herbal medicines. Javanese Ginseng (Talinum Triangulare (Jacq.) Willd) is one of them, so it is necessary to conduct research to utilize it. The purpose of this study was to determine the process conditions to obtain the highest extraction yield and to determine what components of flavonoid bioactive compounds contained in the Javanese Ginseng extract. As part of the ultrasonic extraction method, the variables tested were, among others, various ratios between ethanol-dried Javanese Ginseng powder and sonication time. Javanese ginseng was dried in an oven at 60°C for 4 days to a moisture content of less than 4%, then ground and filtered using a 40-mesh filter. The first phase of this study was to test the various ratios of solutions between dried Javanese Ginseng powder and 96% ethanol (m/v), which were 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5 at constant concentration for 30 minutes. The second phase is to vary the sonication time, namely 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 minutes at a constant solution ratio, namely the ratio with the highest extract yield obtained from extraction with various solution ratios between dried Java Ginseng powder and 96% ethanol (m/v). Through this research, the ultrasonic wavelength used was 40kHz and the temperature of the water bath to concentrate the Javanese Ginseng was set at a temperature of 50 – 60oC. The best yield of both phases was 10.14% for the parameter ratio 1:5 (m/v) and the sonication time was 30 minutes with an extract pH of 4.36, a density of 1.0415 g/cm³, and a greenish-brown color.

Assessment of Potential Human Health Risk of Heavy Metals in Waterleaf (Talinum triangulare) Sold in Major Markets in Calabar, Nigeria

Assessment of Potential Human Health Risk of Heavy Metals in Waterleaf (Talinum triangulare) Sold in Major Markets in Calabar, Nigeria

Assessment of Phyto-Remediation Quotient of Cultivated Waterleaf Talinum Triangulare on Soil Contaminated With Sodium Arsenate Pesticide

The potential of Waterleaf Talinum triangulare to abstract and consequently remediate As from As-pesticide contaminated soil was investigated by pot experiment and the concentration of As in the plant and soil was determined through mass plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES). The composite soil in two separate groups of pots was spiked with 50 mg/kg and 70 mg/kg disodium arsenate pesticide and stands of Waterleaf were grown on them over a 9 weeks growth period. The plant parts (leave and root) and soil after harvesting were pretreated, acid digested and subjected to MP-AES analysis. The results depicted that As concentrations in the plant parts differ at all the treatment levels over the graded period of growth for frequency of harvest and time of harvest and exceeded the maximum permissible limit established by FAO/WHO, and makes the plant unfit for human and animal consumption. The experimental results revealed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in the bioaccumulation of As over the graded period of growth at all the treatment levels. The Bio-accumulation factor (BAF) and Bio-concentration factor (BCF) were generally greater than unity (BAF > 1 and BCF > 1) in all treatment levels at the time of harvest which indicates that Waterleaf is suitable for phytoextraction and phytostabilization. However, BAF < 1 and BCF < 1 were observed in the 3rd week and 9th week in the frequency of harvest. Furthermore, Translocation factor (TF <1 and TF > 1) were observed for frequency of harvest and time of harvest, implying that the plant can serve as a bad and good accumulator of As in contaminated soil for phytoremediation if the plant is frequently harvested or allowed to fallow. TF > 1 means that the vegetable will be suitable as a good phytoextractor. It can, therefore, be concluded that Waterleaf can be used for commercial and environmental friendly phytoremediation technology (Green technology) to clean up As polluted sites and environmental monitoring.

Bioaccumulation of Arsenic by Cultivated Waterleaf Talinum triangulare from Soil Contaminated with Sodium Arsenate Pesticide and Health Risk Assessment

Through a pot experiment, the as concentration in the Waterleaf T. Triangulare plant grown on As-pesticide contaminated soil was examined at two treatment doses of 50 mg/kg and 70 mg/kg. After being harvested, the plant's leaves and roots as well as the soil around them were pre-treated, acid-digested, and analyzed for as content using mass plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES Model 42100). The results from this analysis were used to determine the health risk posed by ingesting the crop. The study revealed that in all treatment levels for frequency of harvest and time of harvest, the concentration of as in the plant grew continuously over the graded period of growth (between 3 and 9 weeks after planting). Additionally, the increase in as content seen in the plant (leaf) exceeded the permissible limit of 0.1 mg/kg or 0.5mg/kg in vegetables as set by FAO/WHO/USEPA and EC/CODEX, from the third week of growth through the ninth week. The results of this investigation have demonstrated that Waterleaf's edible portions can bioaccumulate as to a great extent. Health risks results depicted that the estimated daily intake of as (EDIM) averages were below 1.0mg/kg/day and the FAO/WHO-recommended permissible tolerated daily intake of 0.002 mg/kg/day for inorganic arsenic. Similarly, the target health quotient (THQ) was below unity (THQ < 1), indicating that there is no expectation of a health danger from ingesting the plant. However, HRI or HQ was greater than unity (HRI or HQ > 1) and target cancer risk (TCR) was within the permissible predicted lifetime risk of getting cancer (1×10-6 to 1 ×10-4), thus, suggesting the possibility of cancerous disease. In addition, the ratio of HRI to RFD indicates that consumption carries a very high health risk of cancer. The overall result indicates that a serious health issue for public health concern either now or in the future may arise from the consumption of waterleaf vegetable cultivated with high use of arsenate pesticides, based on the HRI and TCR which indicates the possibility of developing cancer during a lifetime.

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Gnetum africanum (Welw.) Germplasm Using DNA Barcoding Method

Gnetum africanum is a twisted woody climbing wild plant i.e.liana found growing naturally in dense equatorial rainforest but currently domesticated in tropical areas of the world. There has been taxonomic confusion in classifying this liana due to its observable diverse morphological characters. Indeed, morphological characterization alone has not offered the needed solution. However, there is dearth of information on the molecular characterization of Gnetum africanum. Morphological and molecular descriptors, could help offers the needed phenotypic and genotypic characterization of this plant much better. This study is aimed at characterizing Gnetum africanum land races to identify species that could be used for the development of high yielding hybrids. Three different land races or accessions of Gnetum africanum was collected from different locations in Nigeria. High quality genomic DNA was isolated from the different samples; it was checked for purity and quantified as appropriate. The DNA samples were subjected to PCR amplification and DNA barcoding studies (chloroplast large subunit of ribulose -1, 5-bisphophate carboxylase rbcL gene). The amplicons were gel eluted, sequenced and checked for homology by using Basic local alignment search tool -BLAST. Identification was obtained from the top similar outcomes of the samples. For Ekim Fig. 1b sample, the forward blast showed 95% similarity with Basella alba voucherID: NC041293.1 and the reverse had 88% similarity with Talinum fruticosum cultivar ID: MK598685.1. For Etinan Fig. 1a sample, the forward blast had 86% similarity with Rhabdothamnussolandri voucher ID: JQ933464.1 and for reverse, there was no similarity founded.

Effects of Stem Cutting Length and Split Application of NPK Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Waterleaf (Talinum Triangulare JACQ)

Effects of Stem Cutting Length and Split Application of NPK Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Waterleaf (Talinum Triangulare JACQ)

Glycemic index and glycemic load of yam (Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata) porridge with Talinum triangulare sauce tested in human subjects

Yam (Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata) is a major staple foods consumed in Côte d’Ivoire. Their porridge is eaten with different sauces such as Talinum triangulare sauce. This study was undertaken to determine the influence of this sauce on the post-prandial response of yam (Kponan variety) porridge. Methods: Twelve human subjects consumed Kponan boiled, Kponan boiled with T. triangulare sauce without fish and Kponan boiled with T. triangulare sauce with fish after 10-12 h overnight fasting. Tests food portions containing 50 g of available carbohydrate were evaluated for fasting blood glucose using Accu-chek active glucometer. Glycemic index (GI) and Glycemic Load (GL) were calculated using a standard method with anhydrous glucose as reference food. Results: The glycosylated hemoglobin of the volunteers was 4.57 % ± 0.01 with fasting blood sugar of 4.71 ± 0.02 mmol / L. The glycemic index (GI) were 61.64 ±11.20, 42.20 ± 3.24 and 41.63 ± 24.56 for Kponan without sauce, Kponan with T. triangulare sauce, Kponan with T. triangulare + fish sauce respectively. The glycemic load (GL) of Kponan with T. triangulare sauce (23.39 ± 1.14), Kponan with T. triangulare + fish sauce (19.47 ± 0.13) were lower than that of control meal (Kponan without sauce). Conclusion: The present survey revealed a significant effect of Ivorian traditional sauces based on T. triangulare on GI and GL of Kponan yam. T. triangulare sauce improves the nutritional quality of starchy foods and could be consumed by healthy persons or those suffering from diab

Effects of Javanese Ginseng Root Extracts (Talinum triangulare W.) on Thickness of Seminiferous Tubules of Male Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Exposed by Cigarette Smoke

Highlights:1. Infertility in men can be caused by smoking, the content of free radicals in cigarettes can affect male reproductive organs.2. Javanese ginseng root (Talinum triangulare w.) extract contains ginsenoside which is a natural antioxidant to reduce free radical levels inside the body.3. Javanese ginseng root (Talinum triangulare w.) extract was able to reduce free radical levels as seen from the appearance of the seminiferous tubules of male white rats exposed to cigarette smoke. AbstractIntroduction: Cigarette smoke contains various radical chemical compounds that can increase oxidative stress, which may cause lipid peroxidation in the body and affect various different organs. This study aimed to examine the effects of Javanese ginseng root extracts (Talinum triangulare W.) on the thickness of seminiferous tubules of white male rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to cigarette smoke.Methods: This was an experimental study with a randomized controlled method and a post-test control group design. Post-test control group design with 15 white male rats was divided into five groups: a normal group, a control group (exposed to cigarette smoke), and three treatment groups (exposed to cigarette smoke and Javanese ginseng root extract with doses of 12.5mg, 25mg, and 50mg/200grBW, respectively) for 30 days. The seminiferous tubule thickness was observed using H&E staining under a light microscope with 200x magnification in five fields view.Results: One-way ANOVA showed that Javanese ginseng root extracts significantly affected seminiferous tubule thickness (p = 0.000). With a dose of 12.5mg/200mgBW, Javanese ginseng root extract started to show a significant effect (p = 0.000) on the thickness of the epithelium of the seminiferous tubules. The group exposed to cigarette smoke had an average thickness of seminiferous tubules of 7.92 mm, the normal group had an average thickness of 9.13 mm, and treatment groups with doses 12.5mg, 25mg, and 50mg/200gBW had an average thickness of 11.85 mm, 12.7mm, and 14.69 mm, respectively.Conclusion: Javanese ginseng root extract increased seminiferous tubule thickness in white male rats exposed to cigarette smoke.

Influence of Leaf Extract of Lantana camara Integrated with Maize-based Coating on the Quality of Fresh Talinum triangulare and Telfairia occidentalis Leaves

Fresh <em>Talinum triangulare</em> and <em>Telfairia occidentalis</em> leaves have a short shelf life; therefore, there is a need to enhance their shelf life using natural antimicrobials to maintain their freshness. The effect of an ethanolic extract of <em>Lantana camara</em> leaf (10% w/v) integrated with a maize-based edible coating on fresh <em>T. triangulare</em> and <em>T. occidentalis</em> leaves was studied. Fresh <em>T. triangulare</em> and <em>T. occidentalis</em> leaves were evaluated for quality (pH, total carotenoid content, ascorbic acid, total phenolic content, fungal load, antioxidant activity, total soluble solids and browning potential) using a centered second-order polynomial (quadratic) model over a 9-day period. The pH values, browning potential, total soluble solids, and fungal loads of <em>T. triangulare</em> and <em>T. occidentalis</em> treated with the ethanolic leaf extract of <em>L. camara</em> integrated with maize-based coating had higher values than those of <em>T. triangulare</em> and <em>T. occidentalis </em>without treatment. Meanwhile, the total carotenoid content, ascorbic acid, total phenolic acid, and total antioxidant capacity of <em>T. triangulare</em> and <em>T. occidentalis</em> treated with the ethanolic leaf extract of <em>L. camara</em> integrated with maize-based coating had reduced values compared to <em>T. triangulare</em> and <em>T. occidentalis </em>without treatment. The disparity in the quality parameter values indicates bioactivity in <em>L. camara</em> integrated with a maize-based coating. This study shows that the integration of the ethanolic extract of the leaf of <em>L. camara</em> with the maize-based coating could be used as a biopreservation agent to improve the shelf life of <em>T. triangulare</em> and <em>T. occidentalis</em>.