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O. C. Adumanya ¹, O. B. Odeghe ², A. A. Uwakwe ², F. C. Onwuka ², E. C. Ebiringa ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo, Imo State, NG
2 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NG

Abstract

Malaria is one of the most serious health challenges facing the world today. It is a disease caused by plasmodium. Successful malarial control depends greatly on treatment with effective anti-malarial drugs. Countries have implemented many national malarial treatment policy, which specifies drugs for treatment of both uncomplicated and severe malaria in pregnancy and what to do if first line treatment fails. This investigation is based on the antiplasmodial effects of Metaprim and Alaxin on some selected supplements such as grape juice, orange juice, supermalt and vitamin C. 80 patients (adults) infected with malaria parasites were chosen for this study. After which the anti-malarial drugs and the supplements were co-administered appropriately for 3 days. The result shows that the concomitant administration of the drugs with the multivitamin (super-malt) did not alter the efficacy and potency of the drugs, while grape juice, orange juice and vitamin C altered the efficacy and potency of the drugs. Therefore, the concomitant administration of these anti-malarial drugs with grape juice, orange juice and vitamin C as supplements should be avoided during the period of malaria treatment for the efficacy of drugs.

Keywords

Antiplasmodial ,Alaxin, Metaprim, Plasmodium, Supplements

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O. C. Adumanya ¹, A. A. Uwakwe ², R. C. Ohiri ², O. B. Odeghe ², G. A. Obi-Adumanya ¹, M. O. Chukwu ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo, Imo State, NG
2 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NG

Abstract

The inhabitants of the eastern part of Nigeria often process the Bambara nut flour into "Okpa". The "Okpa" is a well-cherished food, especially among the inhabitants of the eastern part of Nigeria. The vitamin and mineral contents (mg/100g) of "Okpa" prepared with fluted pumpkin and scent leaves were determined. The result shows that the addition of the vegetables increased the vitamin B₁, B₂, and B₃ contents of "Okpa" compared with the control at P ≤ 0.05. Nevertheless, it did not alter that of vitamin C levels at P ≤ 0.05. The order of increase in vitamin B₁ levels were, sample B > D > C > A. While that of vitamin B₂ levels were, sample C > D>B> A and that of B₃ contents were D > C >B > A. This points that the presence of these vegetables could serve as a booster to the vitamin contents of "Okpa". Also the mineral contents, especially phosphorus, magnesium and calcium ions were significantly change compared with the control at P ≤ 0.05. The "Okpa" with fluted pumpkin leaves had the highest phosphorus ion contents (136.623 ± 0.372), followed by "Okpa" with fluted pumpkin and scent leaves combined (114.433 ±0.377) and then "Okpa" with scent leaf (92.783 ± 0.377) compared with the control (22.533 ± 0.448). The magnesium ion levels was highest in "Okpa" with fluted pumpkin (18.400 ±1.131) followed by "Okpa" with combined leaves (16.000 ± 1.131) and then "Okpa" with scent leaf (12.800 ± 2.263) compared with the control (11.200 ± 1.131). The potassium contents was also highest in "Okpa" with fluted pumpkin leaf (165.860 ± 0.377), followed by "Okpa" with scent leaf (153.600 ± 0.653) and "Okpa" with the combined leaves (143.733 ± 28.097) compared with the control (70.133 ± 0.377). The levels of calcium ion was highest in "Okpa" with scent leaf and "Okpa" with the combined leaves (85.50 ±1.890) respectively, followed by "Okpa" with fluted pumpkin leaf compared with the control (78.833 ±1.890). The sodium ion levels was not affected significantly at P ≤ 0.05 compared with the control. These results suggest that the vegetables especially fluted pumpkin leaves could serve as a booster to the mineral and vitamin contents of "Okpa".

Keywords

Okpa, Bambara Nut, Fluted Pumpkin, Scent Leaves

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D. A. Onoriose ¹, A. A. Uwakwe ¹, C. C. Monago ¹, O. B. Odeghe ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of science, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B 5323, Port Harcourt, River state, NG

Abstract

The aqueous extract of Boswellia dalzielii Hutch was reported to strengthen the liver. Hence, the effect of this plant on carbon tetrachloride (CCL₄) induced hepatotoxicity was investigated. 96 male rats were divided into 7 groups of 12 rats each. 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg methanolic extract of the leaves of Boswellia dalzielii Hutch were administered orally for 4 weeks after 0.63ml of CCl₄/kg body weight was used to induce hepatotoxicity. Reducdyn and vitamin E were used as standard control drugs. Liver functions were assessed by the assay of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (TB) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). The biochemical observations were confirmed by histological examinations of the liver sections and are comparable with the standard hepatoprotective drug, reducdyn and vitamin E, which served as positive control. The effect of the extract increased with increase in the extract concentration. When the different concentrations of the extract were compared with the drugs, they were found to mimic the hepatoprotective effect of the drugs. The overall experimental results indicate that the biologically active antioxidant phytoconstituents of the methanolic extract of Boswellia dalzielii Hutch could alleviate the toxic action of CCl₄ in the liver of rat.

Keywords

Boswellia dalzielii Hutch, carbon Tetrachloride, Hepatotoxicity, Histopathology, Liver Function Enzymes, Reducdyn,vitamin E, Anti-oxidants.

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A. U. Ezirim ¹, V. I. Okachi ¹, A. B. James ¹, O. A. Adebeshi ², S. Ogunnowo ¹, O. B. Odeghe ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Lagos, Akoka, NG
2 Department of Cell biology, University of Lagos, Akoka, NG
3 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NG

Abstract

Prevalence of cancer, especially in Nigeria, is silently growing at exponential rates due to its nature and numerous risk factors associated with its development. Most chemotherapeutic drugs used today are expensive and toxic to normal cells, hence the need for alternative treatment options. In this present study, the efficacy of ethanolic extracts of Annona muricata leaves for its cytotoxicity potential and induction of apoptosis in K562 cancer cells, was investigated. Phytochemical screening verified presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, anthraquinones and cardiac glycosides. Using Neutral red uptake assay, the ethanolic extract showed peak cytotoxicity levels (PAnnona muricata induced apoptosis in the myelogenous leukemic K562 cell line. This supports the therapeutic application of Annona muricata to be considered as a natural product source for the development of pro-apoptotic drugs.

Keywords

Apoptosis, K562 Cells, Annona Muricata

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