M. Idu

Physostigma venenosum Balf., known as Calabar beans (Fabaceae family) is a very poisonous plant with reported therapeutic properties. Many studies have shown its use in medicine for eye problems, glaucoma, constipation, epilepsy, cholera, hypertension and tetanus. In this study, quantitative phytochemistry, proximate analysis and mineral constituents of the ethanol extracts of Physostigma venenosum seeds were investigated using standard analytical chemical procedures.

This study aims at documenting the awareness, approach and use of contraception amongst women and female youths in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. 100 respondents; 60 female youths and 40 women aged within 18-45 years were cross-examined using a structured questionnaire and informal dialogues. Data gathered were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools. Results show that respondents between ages 23 and 27 (female youths and young married women) attending higher institutions were most represented in this study.

Phytochemical properties of the extracts of ginger (Zingiber officinale) and bulb of garlic (Allium sativum) indicate the presence of saponins, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoid and phytic acids. Extracts of Z. officinale and A. sativum were more effective in the treatment of oral pathogens when compared to antifungi (Ketoconanzone) and antibacterial (ciprofloxacin) drugs used as positive controls. Z.

The antimicrobial screening, functional groups and elemental analysis of Aframomum melegueta seeds were investigated using standard microbiological methods. The results revealed that the extracts of Aframomum melegueta had inhibitory effect against selected oral microorganisms such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutans, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Rhizopus oryzae, Aspergillus flavus.

The effect of the ethanol extract of Aloe barbadensis root on selected serum biochemical parameters was investigated.Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly selected and administered 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of the extract and 0.2ml/kg of distilled water (control) for 14 days. The results of the liver marker enzymes revealed that there were non-significant changes (p>0.05) in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels on days 1, 7 and 14 of treatment.