African Scientist Vol. 23, No. 3 September 30, 2022

Phytochemical Analysis and Anti-trypanosomal Efficacy of the Methanol Leaf Extract of Jatropha curcas

The efficacy of methanol leaf extract of Jatropha curcas was investigated through in-vitro assay against Trypanosoma brucei-brucei in 96 well micro-titer plates. Maceration method was used to obtain the leaf extract using absolute methanol.

Correlation of Fruit Yield with Lycopene Production in Tomato Genotypes from Igbodo, Nigeria

Tomato as vegetable and regarded as protective food is a very significant food crop globally. In this study, lycopene present in tomato and known for its anti-oxidative ability was correlated with fruit yield. Three varieties of tomato were selected and their growth rates were compared by measuring the length (cm) of stem from the day of transplanting till maturity (at flowering), on weekly basis. The three tomato varieties identified as Igb1/9/21, Igb2/9/21 and Igb3/9/21 were not significantly different in their growth.

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Assessment of Heavy Metals Contamination using Geochemical Indices and Potential Risks in Road Dust of an Urban Environment in Delta State, Nigeria

This study assessed heavy metals (HMs) contamination in road dust using geochemical indices and their potential risks from an urban environment in Delta State, Nigeria. Fifteen road dust samples were sampled, digested in aqua regia and their HMs concentrations determined using atomic absorption spectrometry.

Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activities of Selected Plant Extracts and Honey against Clinical Isolates

this study is aimed at assessing the in-vitro effect of Aframomum daniellii seed extract, Aloe vera gel, Gongronema Latifolium leaf extract, Monodora myristica seed extract and honey on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans. Agar well diffusion method was used for the susceptibility test. The plates were incubated at 37 oC for 24 h. Extracts and diameter zones of inhibition were measured. All test organisms were susceptible to honey and Aloe vera gel, and a combination of both honey and Aloe vera gel.

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The Effectiveness of Combined Ethanol Root Extract of Terminalia avicennioides, Terminalia superba and Seeds of Hunteria umbellata on Paroxetine-Induced Erectile Dysfunction in Male Wistar Rats

Erectile dysfunction (ED) has posed problems among several married couples. This study evaluated the efficacy of combined ethanol root extracts of Terminalia avicennioides, Terminalia superba and seeds of Hunteria umbellata on Paroxetine-induced erectile dysfunction in male Wistar rats. Fresh roots of plants were collected, pulverized, extracted with 70% ethanol, dried in an oven at 400C and subjected to phytochemical screening. The plants were mixed in a ratio of 1:1:1; T. superba and T. avicennioides (TASM) mixed; T. superba, T. avicennioides and H. umbellata (TASHM) mixed.

GC-MS Analysis of the Volatile Constituents and Antioxidant Activity of the Crude Honey Residue from Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria

 The GC-MS analysis of the volatile constituents of crude honey residue (VCHR) and its in vitro antioxidant study of the crude honey residue (CHR) has been carried out. Hydrodistillation technique was employed in the extraction of the VCHR. The various candidates present in the extract of crude honey residue (ECHR) were identified using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instrumental method of analysis. The ECHR was investigated for in vitro antioxidant study by exploring the free radical scavenging potential via the 2,2- diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl, DPPH technique.

Acute Toxicity of a Glass Manufacturing Effluent in Midwestern Nigeria on the African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

Untreated and improperly treated industrial effluents endanger the aquatic fauna of the receiving water bodies, making the appropriate monitoring of the effluent discharges from industrial facilities of utmost importance. The potential ecological impact of the effluent from a glass manufacturing facility was investigated using the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus).

Application of Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA to Detect the Effect of Warri Refinery and Petroleum Company (WRPC) Wastewater on Clarias gariepinus Juveniles

 This study is to determine the effect of wastewater disposal from the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) on the DNA integrity in the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus juveniles exposed to 1, 10, 20 and 30 % (v/v) of the wastewater.

Assessment of Metals Levels and their Potential Risks in Local Brands of Honey from Bayelsa State, Nigeria

 This study provides information on the levels and potential risks of six metals (Cd, Pb, Ni, Mn, Zn and Fe) in some local brands of honey in Bayelsa State. The honey samples were digested using hydrochloric acid, nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide mixture and their metal levels were quantified by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS).