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O. Obidoa ¹, Joshua ¹, Parker Elijah ¹, Egemole ¹, C. John ¹, Ikeyi Adachukwu ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, NG
2 Department of Science Laboratory Technology (Biochemistry Option), Institute of Management & Technology, Enugu, Enugu State, NG

Abstract

The phytochemical analyses of Hibiscus sabdariffa was extensively carried out using Harborne method. The qualitative test of the phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of some secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, acidic compounds and steroids. Macronutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates and reducing sugars were also found to be present. The results of the analyses also revealed the differences in solubility of the phytochemicals and macronutrients in polar solvent (water). In this study, flavonoids, tannins and carbohydrates were found to be present in higher concentration. On the other hand, bioactive compounds such as glycosides, steroids, acidic compounds, proteins and reducing sugars were found to be present in moderate concentration while alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids and fats and oil were absent in the zobo flower.

Keywords

Hibiscus sabdariffa, Phytochemicals, Macronutrients, Zobo.

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C. C. Monago ¹, O. Obidoa ², F. Onwuka ¹, E. Etim ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Portharcourt, Portharcourt, NG
2 Department of Biochemistry, University Of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, NG

Abstract

Effects of 1, 2 and 3 month - inhalation of 1216, 1824, and 2432ppm of gasoline representing GO1, GO2 and GO3 respectively were studied in rats. The OG1, OG2 and OG3 groups, represent 2432ppm of gasoline oxygenated with 1, 2 and 3% of equal volumes of methanol and isopropyl ether, respectively. Lung collapse was observed in all the groups after 3 months of exposure except in the control. In GO3 however, the severity of lung collapse was high with pneumonitis. Groups OG2 and OG3 showed mild to moderate lung collapse. This shows that oxygenation reduced the severity of lung collapse. In the trachea, there was fragmentation of muscle fibers which is more severe in GO3 groups leading to hemorrhage into the lumen of the trachea. It was generally observed from the study, that inhalation of high concentrations of gasoline for a long time like 3 months may be deleterious to health.

Keywords

Gasoline, Inhalation, Lungs, Treachea.

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