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Phytochemistry and Toxicity Studies on Aqueous Extracts of Leaf and Stem of Mistletoe (Viscum album) in Albino Rats
John Wasagwa,
Buratai Bala Lawan,
Biu Abubakar Abdullahi,
Luka Joshua,
Ngulde Ibrahim Saidu,
Onyiche Emmanuel Thank God
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, June 2018
Pages:
1-5
Received:
19 December 2017
Accepted:
4 January 2018
Published:
19 January 2018
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijhnm.20180401.11
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Abstract: Phytochemistry and acute toxicity studies on the aqueous extracts of leaves and stem of mistletoe (Viscum album) in albino rats was carried out. Phytochemical screening of leaves and stem of Viscum album from Azadirachta indica, Acacia albida and Psidium guajava trees revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, combined anthraquinones, reducing sugars and combined sugars. Saponins had the highest scores (+++) in all the extracts followed by phenols and carbohydrates with moderate scores (++), while lower concentrations (+) was observed for reducing and combined sugars. The calculated median lethal dose (LD50) values following the intraperitoneal administration of graded doses of these extracts in albino rats were 1440mg/kg/bw and 600mg/kg/bw for A. albida leaf and stem; 2400mg/kg/bw each for A. albida leaf and stem, and 2400mg/kg/bw and 2880mg/kg/bw for P. guajava leaf and stem aqueous extracts respectively. The clinical signs associated with acute toxicity testing using graded doses of Viscum album aqueous extracts administered to albino rats were arched back, bulging eyes, weakness, depression, unsteady movement, lack of apetite, dizziness, dyspnoea, sleep, coma and death.
Abstract: Phytochemistry and acute toxicity studies on the aqueous extracts of leaves and stem of mistletoe (Viscum album) in albino rats was carried out. Phytochemical screening of leaves and stem of Viscum album from Azadirachta indica, Acacia albida and Psidium guajava trees revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, ph...
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Substances Containing Caffeine–Friend or Foe: A Review
Ilesanmi Esther,
Ayuba Yohanna Musa,
Abubakar Muhammad Nazif,
Ter Thomas Vincent
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, June 2018
Pages:
6-12
Received:
7 November 2017
Accepted:
23 November 2017
Published:
19 January 2018
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijhnm.20180401.12
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Abstract: Caffeine is the most widely used and commercialized pharmacological active substances in the world. It is found in common beverages such as; coffee, tea, energy drink and even drugs. Performance benefits attributed to intake of caffeine include; physical endurance, reduction of fatigue, and enhancing mental alertness and concentration, and it has been believed by many researchers that moderate consumption of substance containing stimulants is considered safe and its uses as food ingredient within certain/control limits, by many regulatory agencies around the world but despite all the benefits attributed to caffeine, the potential side effects of excessive intake of substances containing caffeine should also be considered, particularly among children and pregnant women which is why this research gives a comprehensive review into the composition, consumption, safety and regulatory measures of commercially sold substances containing caffeine.
Abstract: Caffeine is the most widely used and commercialized pharmacological active substances in the world. It is found in common beverages such as; coffee, tea, energy drink and even drugs. Performance benefits attributed to intake of caffeine include; physical endurance, reduction of fatigue, and enhancing mental alertness and concentration, and it has b...
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Physicochemical Properties of Aqueous Extract from Curry Paste of Selected Local Medicinal Soups in Eastern Nigeria
Beatrice Olawumi Temilade Ifesan
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, June 2018
Pages:
13-17
Received:
2 November 2017
Accepted:
23 November 2017
Published:
22 January 2018
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijhnm.20180401.13
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Abstract: Aqueous extract from curry paste of some local soups commonly consumed in South East Nigeria were analysed for their physicochemical and antibacterial properties. Ingredients for soups namely ‘Kontomire’, ‘Ofensala’ and ‘Igbagba’ were either blanched in boiling water or un-blanched, blended into paste and the extracts were subjected to various analyses using standard methods. The results revealed that the soup water extracts were in the neutral pH values of 6.62-6.75. Proximate composition determination showed that the curry paste contained very low protein (0.57% to 1.60%). It was observed that all the soup extracts were able to inhibit the growth of S. aureus (19.0 mm-25.0 mm). In addition, soup extracts scavenged DPPH radical (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) with values ranging from 41.41%-94.00%. The result from the phytochemical analysis showed that all the soups contained flavonoid (2.82mg/g-3.81mg/g). These findings may explain the medicinal value attributed to the soups by the local consumer.
Abstract: Aqueous extract from curry paste of some local soups commonly consumed in South East Nigeria were analysed for their physicochemical and antibacterial properties. Ingredients for soups namely ‘Kontomire’, ‘Ofensala’ and ‘Igbagba’ were either blanched in boiling water or un-blanched, blended into paste and the extracts were subjected to various anal...
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Determination of In Vitro Photoprotective Potential of Methanolic Leaf Extract of x Citrofortunella microcarpa (Calamondin)
Amarathunga Achchi Maddumage Dona Dinithi Nuwanga Amarathunga,
Samamalee Upekshi Kankanamge,
Nuwarapakshage Ashoka Sanjeewani,
Ranjith Pathirana,
Wanigasekara Daya Ratnasooriya
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, June 2018
Pages:
18-23
Received:
28 December 2017
Accepted:
16 January 2018
Published:
2 February 2018
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijhnm.20180401.14
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Abstract: This study focused on the evaluation of in vitro Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of leaf extract of x Citrofortunella microcarpa since it has not been investigated. Collected leaves were air-dried, powdered and macerated in methanol. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness and subjected to preliminary phytochemical analysis. The concentration series of 2.0, 1.0, 0.5, 0.25, and 0.05 mgmL-1 of leaf extract and a solution of 2.0 mgmL-1 Dermatone® were prepared in methanol. The absorbance of each sample was determined in triplicate by spectrophotometry in the range of 290–320 nm, at 5 nm intervals, using methanol as the blank. The SPF values were calculated using the Mansur-equation. Alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, sterols, saponins, terpenoids, and glycosides were qualitatively observed. The SPF of leaf extract with respect to the concentrations 2.0, 1.0, 0.5, 0.25, 0.05 mgmL-1 and Dermatone® were 43.93, 42.38, 40.97, 36.63, 13.31 and 34.26 respectively. According to Pearson’s correlation, a positive statically not significant relationship was observed in between SPF and concentration (r = 0.655, p > 0.05). Since the presence of profound sun screening activity, this would offer an exciting avenue for further research towards the development of herbal sunscreens of high importance especially for the people living in tropical countries.
Abstract: This study focused on the evaluation of in vitro Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of leaf extract of x Citrofortunella microcarpa since it has not been investigated. Collected leaves were air-dried, powdered and macerated in methanol. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness and subjected to preliminary phytochemical analysis. The concentration series of ...
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Characterization and Identification of Fungi in the Sorrel Beverage (Zobo) Hawked in Ifite Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
Onuorah Samuel,
Odibo Frederick
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 1, June 2018
Pages:
24-30
Received:
30 November 2017
Accepted:
21 December 2017
Published:
8 April 2018
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijhnm.20180401.15
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Abstract: Sorrel beverage (Zobo) is a nutritive, medicinal and refreshing drink made from the dried calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa. The fungal assessment of the Zobo samples purchased from ten hawkers in Ifite Awka, Nigeria as well as the control sample were carried out using standard methods. The pH values of the samples were also determined. The average fungal counts of the hawked samples ranged between 110 and 210 cfu/ml while the pH ranged between 2.1 and 2.6. No fungus was isolated from the control sample prepared under aseptic conditions in the laboratory while it’s pH was 2.2. The fungi were identified as Aspergillus niger (23.77%), Rhizopus stolonifer (19.48%), Fusarium oxysporum (8.57%), Penicillium expansum (17.14%), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (31.04%). Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium expansum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were present in 70%, 60%, 30%, 50% and 90% of the samples respectively. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was the predominant fungus isolated from the samples. The presence of most of these fungi in significant numbers in the product is a public health problem. Effective preservation methods should be used while adequate quality control during production, packaging and storage as well as good personal and environmental hygiene should be encouraged. These measures will minimize the entry and proliferation of fungi and the health risk associated with them.
Abstract: Sorrel beverage (Zobo) is a nutritive, medicinal and refreshing drink made from the dried calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa. The fungal assessment of the Zobo samples purchased from ten hawkers in Ifite Awka, Nigeria as well as the control sample were carried out using standard methods. The pH values of the samples were also determined. The average fu...
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