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Hypno-Sedative Activity of Gymnema sylvestre Extract in Sodium Barbiturate - Induced Hypnosis in Rattus novergicus
Omale James,
Menegbe Nasara Awam,
Ojogbane Eleojo
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, October 2014
Pages:
60-64
Received:
12 September 2014
Accepted:
19 September 2014
Published:
30 September 2014
Abstract: Gymnema sylvestre is a rare herb with significant medical attributes and ethno-botanical uses. Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders around the world. In this study, the effect of the aqueous extracts of this plant was investigated for its hypno-sedative effect in rats as well as acute toxicity. Leaf, stem and flowers of G.sylvestre have several therapeutic applications in folk medicine in curing or managing of a wide range of diseases including insomnia. Sleep was induced using sodium barbiturate in albino rats. Rats of either sex weighing between 100-115g were grouped into five groups A,B,C,D and E of four animals each. Group A was the negative control and received only water, groups B the positive control received 10mg/kg b.w of diazepam .Groups C,D and E were administered 150,700 and 1500mg/kg b.w of extracts respectively, each of the rat was placed in individual cage and observed over a period of 24 hours at 6 hours interval .The aqueous extracts produced significant sedative effect at the dose of 150mg/kg b.w and was more effective than diazepam. The extracts at the doses of 150 and 700mg/kg b.w exhibited hypno-sedative activity comparable to the reference drug. The stem extract at 1500mg/kg produced no sedative effect. No toxicity signs were observed following acute toxicity evaluation. The extracts showed hypno-sedative activity at lower doses of 150mg/kg b.w in this increasing order, stem→leaf →flower. In conclusion, these results suggest that the aqueous extract of G. sylvestre is relatively non-toxic and possess potent sedative and hypnotic effects which could support its therapeutic use for insomnia in folk medicine.
Abstract: Gymnema sylvestre is a rare herb with significant medical attributes and ethno-botanical uses. Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders around the world. In this study, the effect of the aqueous extracts of this plant was investigated for its hypno-sedative effect in rats as well as acute toxicity. Leaf, stem and flowers of G.sylvestre ha...
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Proximate and Organoleptic Assessment of Indigenous Dishes Based on Pumpkin Leaves, Pulp and Seeds (Cucurbita pepo)
Obiakor-Okeke Philomena Ngozi,
Ogbonna Ikenna Chukwuemeka,
Amadi Joy
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, October 2014
Pages:
65-70
Received:
4 September 2014
Accepted:
22 September 2014
Published:
30 September 2014
Abstract: Introduction: The study evaluated the proximate composition of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) based on leaves pulps and seeds and organoleptic attributes of dishes prepared using pumpkin pulps seeds and leaves were also determined. Methodology: The samples used in the study include raw seeds, uncooked pulp, leaves, roasted seeds and cooked pulp were prepared for proximate analysis and also different native meals were prepared using leaves for soup, pulp for pottage yam and seeds for snacks for sensory evaluation involving 25 panelists using nine point heldonic scale, the result of sensory evaluation was subjected to analysis using ANOVA and DUNCAN test to compare the means. The proximate analysis were determined following standard methods and means and standard deviation of triplicate samples were determine. Result: The results of proximate analysis showed that protein composition ranged from 2.23% in cooked pulp to 29.65% in raw seeds, the carbohydrate from 4.86% in uncooked pulp to 14.08% in roasted seeds, the fat from 0.92% in uncooked pulp to 43.28% in roasted seeds and the ash from 1.18% in cooked pulp to 14.86% in roasted seeds. The result of sensory evaluation revealed that samples pumpkin pulp pottage (PPP), pumpkin leaves soup (PLS) and roasted pumpkin seeds (RPS) are significantly different (P<0.05) for colour, PPP were preferred more and RPS were the least preferred. PPP were preferred more and RPS were the least preferred in flavor. Samples PPP and PLS were statistically similar but significantly different (P<0.05) from RPS. Samples PLS are significantly different (P<0.05) from PPP and RPS for texture, PLS were preferred more and RPS were the least preferred in texture. Samples PPP and PLS are statistically similar but significantly different (P<0.05) from RPS in generally acceptability. Conclusion: The result of this study showed that pumpkin has high nutrient profile concentrated in the different edible parts; the seed, pulp and leaves and it is also generally acceptable. Therefore we recommend that the vegetable be incorporated into our daily meals and all the different edible parts be consumed for variety and for its nutrient content. We also recommend that more research be done to consider the other nutritional value like minerals, vitamins and phytochemical composition of the vegetables.
Abstract: Introduction: The study evaluated the proximate composition of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) based on leaves pulps and seeds and organoleptic attributes of dishes prepared using pumpkin pulps seeds and leaves were also determined. Methodology: The samples used in the study include raw seeds, uncooked pulp, leaves, roasted seeds and cooked pulp were prep...
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In-Vitro Inhibition of Camel Hepatic Glutathione Transferase by Quercetin
Ghada Al-Amro,
Mohammad Ali Qorban,
Samina Hyder Haq
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, October 2014
Pages:
71-75
Received:
7 September 2014
Accepted:
19 September 2014
Published:
30 October 2014
Abstract: Glutathione S-transferases (GST) are a group of multifunctional ubiquitous enzymes widely present in animals and plants, which catalysis the conjugation of glutathione to different exogenous and endogenous electrophilic compounds. This study was carried out to characterize the purified GST enzyme from camel liver tissues and to investigate the in-vitro inhibitory effect of the flavonoid quercetin by measuring S-2,4-dinitrophenyl glutathione (DNP-GSH) formation from 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) and reduced glutathione(GSH) as substrates. The Km values for reduced GSH and CDNB were found to be 0.08438 and 0.6827 mM while Vmax values were 6.935 and 15.599 mM/min respectively. The IC50 was determined to be 1.8 mM. The inhibition constant (Ki) was estimated to be 1.91 mM at 0.5 mM and 1.76 mM at 2 mM. The mean inhibition constant (Ki) was estimated to be 1.835±0.075mM which revealed an uncompetitive profile and indicated quercetin as a weak inhibitor with the varied concentration of CDNB and fixed concentration of reduced GSH as a substrate.
Abstract: Glutathione S-transferases (GST) are a group of multifunctional ubiquitous enzymes widely present in animals and plants, which catalysis the conjugation of glutathione to different exogenous and endogenous electrophilic compounds. This study was carried out to characterize the purified GST enzyme from camel liver tissues and to investigate the in-v...
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Hydrolytic Enzyme Levels in Malted Cereals
Mohammed Adamu Milala,
Emmanuel Othumba Addy
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, October 2014
Pages:
76-79
Received:
27 August 2014
Accepted:
25 September 2014
Published:
10 November 2014
Abstract: Six grain samples namely barley, maize, millet, rice, sorghum and wheat were tested for enzyme levels (amylase, protease and lipase) in order to assess their malting characteristics, using barley as a standard. The levels of the enzymes were estimated in the whole dry grains, 24h steeped, 24h sprouted and 48h sprouted grains. A combined statistical analysis of linear regression and analysis of variance were used to test for enzyme interaction, similarities and interspecific relationship between the cereals. The estimated interspecific relationship between sorghum and barley was 84% based on the three enzymes, while millet had 75%. All the sprouted cereals with the exception of the standard barley had high lipase levels. This possibly suggests certain limitations as regards to production of off-flavours. Malt prepared from maize, sorghum, rice and millet had comparable protease levels with barley (P>0.05). The malts prepared from maize, millet, rice, sorghum and wheat had comparatively low alpha-amylase levels when compared with the standard barley. Multiple linear regressions showed amylase was dependent on lipase and protease. The relationship was not affected by either soaking (steeping) or sprouting of the grains. The implications of these findings suggest that a combination of these cereals might give good malt for food applications.
Abstract: Six grain samples namely barley, maize, millet, rice, sorghum and wheat were tested for enzyme levels (amylase, protease and lipase) in order to assess their malting characteristics, using barley as a standard. The levels of the enzymes were estimated in the whole dry grains, 24h steeped, 24h sprouted and 48h sprouted grains. A combined statistical...
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Effects of Shea Butter Based Diet on Hepatic and Renal Enzymes and Plasma Lipid Profile in Albino Rats
Malachi Oluwaseyi Israel,
Ajayi Olubunmi Bolanle,
Akomolafe Seun Funmiola
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, October 2014
Pages:
80-84
Received:
24 October 2014
Accepted:
11 November 2014
Published:
20 November 2014
Abstract: The effect of feeding Shea butter based diet on plasma, liver and kidney enzymes as well as the plasma lipid profile was studied. Twenty one weaned male rats weighing 35g to 45g were divided into three groups: control, test one and test two, each containing seven rats. Control group was given feed containing soya bean oil as lipid source ad libitum. In test groups one and two, Shea butter in 5% and 15% (w/w) respectively, replaced soya bean oil. The feeding lasted for 28 days after which the rats were sacrificed and the plasma as well as tissue samples from liver and kidney were collected. From the plasma, lipid profile; aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase and total protein were assayed. From the tissue samples, aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase and total protein were assayed. Significant decrease (P < 0.05) was observed in the total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and Triglyceride (TG) upon feeding with Shea butter based diet. Feeding with Shea butter did not pose any threat to hepatic and renal tissues.
Abstract: The effect of feeding Shea butter based diet on plasma, liver and kidney enzymes as well as the plasma lipid profile was studied. Twenty one weaned male rats weighing 35g to 45g were divided into three groups: control, test one and test two, each containing seven rats. Control group was given feed containing soya bean oil as lipid source ad libitum...
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