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Nutrient and Essential Oil Compositions of Heterotis rotundifolia Leaves
Charity Uchechi Ogunka-Nnoka,
Jane Adaeze Agwu,
Felix Uchenna Igwe
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, March 2020
Pages:
28-36
Received:
6 April 2020
Accepted:
29 April 2020
Published:
30 April 2020
Abstract: This study evaluated the nutrient and essential oil compositions of Heterotis rotundifolia leaves. The leaves were carefully sorted and air-dried for 14 days at room temperature (20-25°C). The dried leaves were ground into powder using a grinding mill. Proximate composition, vitamins and physicochemical properties were analyzed using AOAC method while fatty acid and essential oil compositions were characterized using GC-MS. The proximate composition of the leaves showed higher carbohydrate content (80.97±0.03%) and moderate protein content (9.9±0.06%); while lipid (3.13±0.01%), fibre (1.30±0.01%), moisture (2.90±0.03%) and ash (1.89±0.02%) contents were low. Physicochemical properties of the oil revealed a high saponification value (238.43±0.84mg/KOH) and peroxide value (47.20±0.38mEq/kg). Fatty acid composition shows 83.69% saturated fatty acid with stearic acid (22.69±0.02%), myristic acid (18.54±0.01%) and palmitic acid (15.48±0.02%) as predominant fatty acids. Unsaturated fatty acid composition was 9.72% with oleic acid (9.49±0.04%) and linolenic acid (0.23±0.01%) as predominant fatty acids. Vitamin composition also revealed higher concentrations of vitamins C (695.57±0.20mg/kg), B6 (70.33±0.88mg/kg), A (61.67±0.02mg/kg) and D (26.08±0.06mg/kg). Essential oil composition revealed a total of 24 compounds which include; long chain fatty acid, fatty acid methyl esters, hydrocarbons and alcoholic compound amongst which Neophytadiene (14.427%), n-Hexadecanoic acid (14.148%) and squalene (11.258%) were present in substantial amount. The proximate and essential oil compositions, vitamin content and physicochemical characteristics suggest that H. rotundifolia leaves have potential nutritional and medicinal value to man and animals.
Abstract: This study evaluated the nutrient and essential oil compositions of Heterotis rotundifolia leaves. The leaves were carefully sorted and air-dried for 14 days at room temperature (20-25°C). The dried leaves were ground into powder using a grinding mill. Proximate composition, vitamins and physicochemical properties were analyzed using AOAC method wh...
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Analysis of Some Heavy Metal Contents in Selected Vegetables and Fruits from States in Nigeria
Theophilus Ohiomorhen Iriabije,
Sylvester Uwadiae
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, March 2020
Pages:
37-40
Received:
9 October 2019
Accepted:
15 November 2019
Published:
19 May 2020
Abstract: The consumption of fruits and vegetables is on the increase as these produce have nutritive values associated to the presence of essential metals that helps boost humans’ immune system, thus, avoiding health problems. However, there is also the presence of some non-essential metals in fruits and vegetables that are detrimental to humans. This study was carried out in order to determine the concentrations of some potentially toxic heavy metals namely; Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni) and Zinc (Zn) in some leafy vegetables namely; cucumber (Cucumis sativus), watermelon (Cucurbita lanatus), tomatoe (Solantum lycopersium) and pepper (Capsicum annuum), brought from Kano state as well as those cultivated in Edo state. 25 samples consisting of 4 different vegetables were each purchased from two major markets known to be a major depot for vegetables in Benin City as well as those produced in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Edible portions of the samples were used for analysis while bruised or rotten samples were removed. Samples for analysis were dried using the oven-dry method at 105°C for 24 hours to obtain the moisture content and then grounded. About 1.0g of the samples were each weighed and digested in a mixture of 10mls Nitric – Perchloric acid in a 250 ml Kjeldahl flask under a fume hood. The content was mixed and heated gently at 120 - 200°C for about 45 minutes on a hot plate. Heavy metals were present in all the vegetables analyse at various levels. Cadmium (Cd) concentration ranges between 0.02 – 0.47 mgkg-1, Lead (Pb) was within the range of 0.03 – 11.12 mgkg-1, Zinc (Zn) concentration ranges between 0.15 – 73.69 mgkg-1, and Nickel (Ni) concentration ranges between 0.07 – 35.54 mgkg-1 respectively in all the vegetables from the two states. Cd and Pb were observed to be higher than that of the Maximum Permissible Limit (MPL) stipulated by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Abstract: The consumption of fruits and vegetables is on the increase as these produce have nutritive values associated to the presence of essential metals that helps boost humans’ immune system, thus, avoiding health problems. However, there is also the presence of some non-essential metals in fruits and vegetables that are detrimental to humans. This study...
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Production of Amylase from Bacteria Isolated from Tannery Effluent
Oyeleke Solomon Bankole,
Erena Nuhu Bako,
Manga Shuaibu Bala,
Manga Sahabi
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, March 2020
Pages:
41-44
Received:
6 November 2019
Accepted:
23 November 2019
Published:
19 May 2020
Abstract: Bacteria isolated from tannery effluent collected from Erena local tannery in Niger State were examined for amylase production. Two of the isolates, Bacillus subtilis and Psuedomonas aeruginosa demonstrated ability of amylase production, where Bacillus subtilis has it highest amylase activity of 2.1mg/ml at 18hr, while Psuedomonas aerugionsa has highest activity of 1.7mg/ml at the same period. The optimum temperature and pH were also determined, Bacillus subtilis has highest amylase activity of 2.5mg/ml at 60°C, while Psuedomonas aeruginosa has highest activity of 2.3mg/ml at 80°C. The optimum pH for amylase produced by Bacillus subtilis and Psuedomonas aeruginosa at pH 7 were found to be 2.8mg/ml and 2.7mg/ml respectively. Streptococcus faecalis was not able to produce amylase. The research recommended that, production of the enzymes (amylase) from the two bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis) will pave way for industrialization and reduced cost of production and procurement of this enzymes. The production of amylase by Psuedomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis will also go a long way to conserve our hard earn foreign exchange thereby enhancing the economy, if these orgasms are fully exploited for the production of the enzyme, as well as utilizing the waste effluent that can pollute the environment to a beneficial aspect.
Abstract: Bacteria isolated from tannery effluent collected from Erena local tannery in Niger State were examined for amylase production. Two of the isolates, Bacillus subtilis and Psuedomonas aeruginosa demonstrated ability of amylase production, where Bacillus subtilis has it highest amylase activity of 2.1mg/ml at 18hr, while Psuedomonas aerugionsa has hi...
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