Kehinde Amisu1, Christopher Fakorede1, Seun Akinlosotu1 and Oladipupo Lawal2

Introduction: Staphylococci are clinically-important bacteria notable for catalase production when grown in-vitro and during host infections. However, comparative activities of the enzyme in the presence and absence of different chemical components in body fluids is apparently unknown. Aim: This study investigated the qualitative influence of blood plasma on in-vitro activity of staphylococcal enzyme and virulence potentials of the organism. Materials and methods: Twenty-seven (27) clinical staphylococcal isolates, comprising 33% coagulase positive strains were screened for catalase production using swabbed colonies and thick cell suspensions exposed to 6% w/v H2O2. Thereafter, separate 25 µL and 50 µL of any of ten (10) blood plasma samples with little or no catalase activities were added to different cell suspensions of 25 µL on Petri dishes and 50 µL contained in tubes respectively. Individual cell suspensions and test plasma samples of same volumes served as controls. Equal volumes (25 µL / 50 µL) of H2O2 were added to all preparations and observed for characteristic bubble formation. Results: All the bacterial suspensions without plasma showed immediate vigorous bursting bubbling reaction for a few seconds but those with plasma took about 15 seconds before producing tiny bubbles and progressed to forming profuse foams, rising high in narrow tubes or extending beyond the droplet spots. The foams persisted for several minutes or till dryness. The plasma control produced very little or no foams. Conclusion: This study shows blood plasma has the potential of slowing down the characteristic intense rapid in-vitro activity of staphylococcal catalase activity and if applicable in-vivo, it may be tissue protective but the observed suboptimal enzyme performance may reduce oxidative stress survival of the bacteria during invasive infections. , , , ,, , .

Ojewumi, A.W., Oluwa, O.K., Oyetunji O.S., Oluwole, S.O., Makinde, S.C.

Biological metabolites released by plants have regulatory effects on seed germination, growth and some other physiological functions of plants found at rhizospere of such plants. Hence, this study investigated inhibitory influence of Azadirachta indica. Juss.,Senna siameaLam and Mangifera indica L. leaf cold extracts on Zea mays. Phytochemical contents of leaves of the three plants were determined. Five viable Z. mays seeds were planted in thirty perforated buckets filled with loamy soil and arranged using completely randomized design with five replicates. Z. mays seedlings in each pot were treated with 20 ML, 40 ML, 60 ML, 80 ML and 100 ML A. indica, S. siamea, and M. indica leaf cold extracts. Water served as control. Growth parameters of Z. mays were measured at 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks after planting. Also nutritional contents of grains of the Z. mays were evaluated. Data were analyzed using Statistical Analysis System (SAS, 2013). Means were calculated using Analysis of Variance and separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at p < 0.05. Results revealed that cyanogenic glycolside (3.69 gmg/kg) and flanonoids (14.27 mg/kg) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in A. Indica leaves, phenol (8.13 mg/kg) in M. indica while saponins (3.44 mg/kg) were observed in S. siamea leaves. The growth parameters showed significant decrease with inclusion of the extracts. Highest number of leaf (8.51), root length (9.97 cm) and plant height (115.13 cm) were recorded in Z. mays controlled. Highest vitamin A (1.31 mg/kg) was recorded in Z, mays treated with 20 m ML A. indica leaf cold extract, Vitamin B1 (5.257 mg/kg) in Z. mays treated with 20 ML. siamea leaf cold extract. Also, Vitamin B2 (1.473 mg/kg) and Vitamin C (5.683 mg/kg) were significantly higher in control. Sodium (164.60 mg/kg), potassium (50.79 mg/kg), calcium (374.64 mg/kg), iron (325.87 mg/kg), zinc (3.81 mg/kg) and magnesium (2.92 mg/kg) were significantly higher in controlled Z .mays. Crude protein (4.83 mg/kg) and moisture (3.81 mg/kg), crude fibre (14.54 mg/kg) and carbohydrate (9.27 mg/kg) and ash (10.54 mg/kg) were relatively higher in control compared with leaf cold extracts of A. indica, S. siamea and M. Indica. In conclusion, A. indica, S. siamea and M. indica leaves contained appreciable amount of allelopathic contents capable of inhibiting growth and reduced nutritional contents of grains Z. mays studied. Also, 100ML leaf cold extracts of the three plants produced highest inhibitory effects on the germination and growth of Z. mays

Ifabunmi Osonuga, Olusoji Oyesola, Albert Ogunlade, Baliqis Olukade, Samuel Olalekan

Background: Metals long-term exposure can lead to significant problems. Environmental exposure to lead is very prevalent and it causes a wide range of health hazards. The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of lead acetate exposure on systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adult male Wistar rats. Methods: The aqueous lead acetate at dose of 2ml/kg body weight was administrated for 21 days. 20 male adult Wistar rats weighing between 180-200gm were distributed into two groups, (control and lead treated). Control group received normal food and water; treated group received 2ml/kg body weight of lead Results: Oral administration of aqueous lead acetate at the dose of 2ml/kg body weights decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure though not significant (p>0.05) Conclusions: The result of the present study showed that low-level exposure to lead acetate might not affect systolic and diastolic blood pressure due to duration of exposure which might imply that individuals should minimize their continuous exposure to lead acetate as this can contribute to onset of hypertension and to avoid chronic effect of lead on body system generally.

Isiaka Adio Hassan

The ever-increasing usage of plastic [Poly Ethylene Terephthalate (PET bottle)] in our day-to-day life is inevitable; hence need to find remedy to inundated waste generated from its usage. The aims of this study is to bio remediate the polyethylene terephthalate (pet bottle) from contaminated soil with pet bottles. Soil sample contaminated with the pet bottle was collected from Elepe dumpsite, Ikorodu, Lagos State. Five different bacteria (Pseudomonas alcaligenes, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas fluorescence, Pseudomonas cepacia and Bacillus firmus were isolated from the soil using a spread plate method and were identified using colonial and cellular morphology, and biochemical characterisation. However the isolated and identified organisms were inoculated into the new sterile pet bottle in nutrient broth and incubated for 10, 20, 30 days. The result of the degradation of the pet bottle in 10, 20, and 30 days by pseudomonas alcaligenes (11.43, 17.14 and 27.14 %); Pseudomonas putida (8.57, 14.28, and 22.86 %); Pseudomonas flourescence (9, 10.5, and 12.8 %); Pseudomonas cepacia (0, 0 and 0 %) and Bacillus firmus (0, 4.5, and 10.50 %) respectively. The Pseudomonas alcaligenes was found to be more effective than rest four degrading bacteria. It can be concluded that Pseudomonas alcaligenes, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas fluorescence, and Bacillus firmus can degrade pet bottle within 30 days, with the exception of Pseudomonas cepacia.

Abdulrafiu Majolagbe1, Kafeelah Yusuf1, Olumuyiwa Okedeyi2

Consumption of cruciferous vegetables has continue to gain more acceptance particularly now in Africa, for reasons including wide range of health benefits; reducing the risks of developing cancer, bone health, fighting heart disease and as a good source of vitamins and minerals. The presence of glucosinolates, a class of Organic Anionic Sulfur rich secondary metabolites confers the heath servicing capacities on crucifers. This study is aimed at evaluating total and individual glucosinolates levels in cultivars widely consumed in Nigeria using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), through both Cold methanol and Boiling water extraction treatments. A reverse phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) C18 column (Spherisorb 5µ ODS (2), 100 mm × 4.6 mm) was employed to evaluate the concentration of three intact glucosinolates: Progoitrin (2R)-2-Hydroxybut-3-enyl), Sinigrin (2-Propenyl) and Sulforaphane in four (4) different types of cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. italica), Kale (Brassica, oleracea L. acephala group), Cauli flower (Brassica oleracea L. botrytis ) and Green cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. capitata). Glucosinolates (as desulfoglucosinolates) were quantified at 229 nm wavelength within the UV spectrum. The results show concentration of Progoitrin, Sinigrin and Sulforaphane range 0.133- 0.154, 0.590 – 0.640, and 0.820 -0.980 respectively for boiling water method while the range 0.00- 0.056, 0.108 -0.302 and 0.364- 0.398 for Cold Methanol treatment. The level of glucosinolates investigated was observed higher in stems than in the levels of vegetables studied. ANOVA at P < 0.05 revealed varying degree of significant and non- significant difference between the two extraction methods. Boiling water extraction was observed to give a higher yield than cold methanol extraction treatment.

Gbemisola Saibu1*, Ayorinde James2, Adedoja Wusu1, Oluwadamilare Iyapo3, Gideon Adeyemo1, Sunday Soyemi4, Adewale Fadaka5, Michael Arowosegbe6, Oluwatosin Adu1, and Francis Faduyile4

Every year, cancer takes the life of millions of people. Indeed, medicinal plants have long been investigated by scientists for their anti-cancer properties. Herbal plants have recently attracted worldwide attention of researchers for their possible use in the management of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and respiratory diseases. Most of the conventional cancer treatment options have produced unsatisfactory results for some types of cancers, and in most instances, the side effects are severe, leading to a shift in the focus of treatment towards alternative medicines. Plant-derived compounds have been a vital source of most of the known clinically useful anti-cancer agents. These include vinblastine, vincristine, the camptothecin derivatives, topotecan and irinotecan, etoposide, derived from epipodophyllotoxin, and paclitaxel (taxol®), taxanes, homoharringtonine and elliptinium. Many promising new agents are in clinical development based on selective activity against cancer-related molecular targets. African plants have a vital role in cancer chemoprophylaxis and chemotherapy. With advanced knowledge of molecular science and refinement in isolation and structure elucidation techniques, various African plants with anticancer properties have been identified,and some of which exert their therapeutic effects by inhibiting cancer-activating enzymes and hormones, stimulating DNA repair mechanism, promoting production of protective enzymes, inducing antioxidant action or enhancing natural immunity of the individual. This review attempts to examine scientific information in the available literature on some specific African plants with anti-cancer properties.

Olabisi O. Ogunrinola, Olusegun O. Fajana, Rahmon I. Kanmodi, Oluwaseyi A. Ogunrinola, Aderemi Adeyemi, Oluwatosin B. Adu, Olugbenga S. Oladimeji, Babajide O. Elemo

Introduction: An imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants causes oxidative stress, which has detrimental consequences for a variety of health issues. Petiveria alliaceae (P. alliaceae) is a global plant having a variety of bioactive chemicals that have a variety of therapeutic uses. Aims: The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effect of P. alliaceae leaf aqueous extract on oxidative stress biomarkers in male rats with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced-endotoxicity. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five (25) male albino rats were divided into five (n = 5) groups at random. Group 1 was used as a control, Group 2 was given P. alliaceae aqueous extract (1000 mg/kg body weight), Group 3 was given LPS, a single intraperitoneal dose (4 ml/kg body weight), and was observed for 4 hours before being sacrificed, Group 4 was given LPS (observed for 4 hours) and treated with P. alliaceae for 7 days, Group 5 was given P. alliaceae extract for 7 days, then Spectrophotometric analysis was used to evaluate the activities of oxidative stress biomarkers (catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in plasma, erythrocytes, brain, liver, kidney, and heart. Results: As seen in this work, oxidative stress is a characteristic of LPS-induced endotoxicity. Following LPS injection, P. alliaceae leaf aqueous extract significantly (p 0.05) increased CAT and SOD activities. Conclusion The aqueous extract of P. alliaceae leaf reduced the effect of endotoxins in the body by mopping up free radicals, according to the findings

Ifabunmi Osonuga, Baliqis Olukade, Albert Ogunlade, Samuel Olalekan

Background: To date, only a few studies have attempted to monitor the changes in antioxidant enzyme levels by using massage devices. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of massage on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (antioxidant) in undergraduate students of Olabisi Onabanjo University. Methods: Ten (10) Subjects from Physiology department, Olabisi Onabanjo University were recruited for the study via personal contact. The participants received vibratory massage on the back for 10 days. Data from 10 participants were used for analysis. All subjects were apparently healthy as confirmed by their medical history and were not taking any medications. Results: There was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the antioxidant enzyme SOD level while a non-significant decrease (p>0.05) in Catalase level in the subjects under experiment when results at the end of experiment was compared to baseline result. Conclusion: The result of this present study showed that vibratory massage hammer may be an effective strategy for reducing oxidative stress and free radicals are eliminated and also useful in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with oxidation: stress, pain, injury.

Wusu Ashiribo S.1, Olabanjo Olusola A.2,3, Kazeem Moshood T.1, Okugbesan Basheerat O.1

Introduction: Application of classical methods to oscillatory or periodic problems is significantly hindered due to the fact that very small step size is required with corresponding decrease in performance, especially in terms of efficiency. Aims: To overcome this limitation, the construction of a class of two-step exponentially-fitted Milne--Simpson's methods involving first and second derivatives is presented in this work. Materials and Methods: This construction is based on the six-step flow chart described in the literature. In this work, a classical multi--derivative Milne--Simpson's method is constructed and fitted exponentially to allow for easy application to oscillatory or periodic problems. Results: In this work, we extended the classical two-step fourth-order Milne-Simpson to involve the second derivative and hence increasing the attainable order of the method, the extended method is fitted exponentially. Conclusion:The constructed class of methods is shown to be of order of six (6) and well suited for oscillatory or periodic problems.

Seide M. Akoro, Oyinlade C. Ogundare, Mutiat A. Omotayo1, Dorcas Durosimi, Deborah O. Awofeso

Introduction: Aristolochia ringens is a medicinal plant that has been used traditionally in the management of several diseases. Aim: This study is focused on investigating the phytochemical contents, mineral contents, free radical scavenging, and alpha-amylase inhibitory activities of Aristolochia ringens (Vahl.) root Materials and Methods: The plant materials were collected, dried, coarsely grounded, and extracted using methanol. The methanol extract was then partitioned into n-hexane and ethyl acetate to obtain the respective extracts. The qualitative phytochemical screening of the extracts was carried out using standard methods. Selected elements were determined from the plant material using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The antioxidant assays were carried out using the reducing power and 2,2-Diphenyl-l-1-picrylhydrazyl assay methods. The alpha-amylase inhibitory activities were determined preliminarily using the starch-iodide assay. Results: The extraction gave the methanol extract (ArMe) which on partitioning gave the n-Hexane (ArnH), ethyl acetate extract (ArEa), and the residual methanol extract (ArRMe), qualitative phytochemical screening shows the presence of flavonoids, steroids, cardiac glycosides, and phlobatannin in all the extracts with tannins and alkaloids found in only ArRMe, saponins is found in ArRMe and ArEa. Elemental analysis shows a significant level of the selected elements Ca, Mg, K, Fe, Zn, Na, Cu, Co, and Se in ppm. Antioxidant results show that all extracts exhibit dose-dependent reducing properties and an increase in DPPH scavenging activity. Conclusion: These results further confirmed some of the traditional uses of A. ringens in the management of high blood pressure, diabetes, and inflammatory conditions.

Oyinlade C. Ogundare*1, Seide M. Akoro1, Mutiu I. Kazeem2, Mutiat A. Omotayo1, Adewale O. Adepoju1, Victoria I. Oludare3

Introduction: Therapeutic application of medicinal plants is Therapeutic application of medicinal plants is largely based on their chemical contents which synergistically work together in the same or different plants. Aims: This research assessed the synergistic antidiabetic and hypolipidemic potential of ethanol leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina (VAMG) and Croton zambesicus (CZMG) in alloxan-induced diabetic male Wistar rats in other to justify the traditional medicinal application of the extracts as antidiabetic agents. Materials and Methods: The plants were collected, air-dried, and extracted separately in ethanol to produce the respective extracts (VAMG and CZMG). Secondary metabolites in each extract were screened using standard methods. The acute toxicity tests were carried out to determine the median lethal dose (LD50) of the respective extracts. The animals were induced with diabetics using alloxan monohydrate and the ones showing fasting blood glucose of 250 mg/ dL were used for the study. The blood sugar levels and body weights of the diabetic rats were observed after the administration of the different extracts and the combined extracts for 28 days. The effects of the different extracts on lipid profile and hepatic enzymes of the diabetic rats were also studied. Results: The blood sugar levels and body weights of the diabetic rats were observed after the administration of the different extracts and the combined extracts for 28 days. The effects of the different extracts on lipid profile and hepatic enzymes of the diabetic rats were also studied. The extracts contained tannins, flavonoids, saponins, phenolics and glycosides. Moreover, the exposure of the alloxan-induced diabetic rats to the combined plant extract (VACZ) caused a significantly (P < .05) reduced fasting blood sugar concentration, serum ALT, ALP, AST, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and VLDL cholesterol, and an increased body weight, total protein and HDL cholesterol. The activity was comparable with the glibenclamide. Conclusion: Thus, the tested leaf extracts contained bioactive components whose synergistic activity could trigger a significant reduction of the blood sugar concentration and regulates the activity of hepatic indices in alloxan-induced diabetic rats than during a single administration. The extracts’ biological activity was comparable to the glibenclamide, and could be used in the development of antidiabetic candidate. The results confirmed the scientific basis of the traditional application of these medicinal plants.