Advances in Environmental Health Sciences and Toxicology

Proximate analysis and modulatory effects of ginger-and-honey drink on gastric emptying and gastric acid secretion in male albino rats

J. A. Olowe — 2024-10-02

Background: It is known that using ginger and honey individually has contrasting effects on gastric emptying and residual volume. There have been few reports on the effects of products containing both ginger and honey on gastric functions and standard drugs relevant in gastric disorders. Objectives: The study investigated the effect of ginger-and-honey drink (GHD) on gastric emptying and gastric acid secretion and its pharmacological interaction with standard drugs used in the management of gastric disorders. Methods: Proximate analysis was carried out on ginger, GHD and honey using standard methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Physiological study was done in four experimental phases, The first phase examined GHD relative effect at optimal dose on gastric emptying , Groups I, II, III, IV, V, VI and VII were given distilled water, GHD (0.25 g/kg BW.), Ginger extract (0.25 g/kg BW), Honey (2.5 g/kg BW.), Honey (5 g/kg BW), Metoclopramide (1 mg/kg BW) and Loperamide (0.5 mg/kg BW) respectively. Phase two examined graded doses of GHD on gastric empying; Group I (10 ml/kg of distilled water), group II,III,IV and V received GHD in increasing dosages of 0.25, 0.50, 2.50 and 5 g/kg BW respectively. The next phase examined GHD and loperamide interaction with gastric emptying, Control group (0.25 g/kg of GHD). Group II received Loperamide (5 mg/kg BW) + ginger-and-honey drink (0.25 g/kg BW). Group III received loperamide (5 mg/kg). The last phase on gastric acid secretion has group I received normal saline (10 ml/kg BW), groups II, III, IV, V and VI received 2.5 g/kg honey, 0.25 g/kg GHD, 0.25 g/kg ginger extract, 5 mg/kg histamine, and 100 mg/kg cimetidine respectively. Results: GHD contained carbohydrate, mineral contents, protein and fats in different proportions; ginger, GHD significantly increased gastric emptying. Also, ginger extract and GHD significantly enhanced gastric emptying, increased gastric acid secretion and interfered with the actions of the Loperamide. Conclusion: The study shows that ginger-and-honey drink enhanced gastric emptying and gastric acid secretion and attenuated the inhibitory action of Loperamide on gastric emptying.

Keywords: Gastrointestinal Motility, Loperamide, Pharmacological Interaction, Gastric Disorders, Residual Volume

Potential use of members of genus Bougainvillea in alleviating environmental pollutions

O.O. Arogundade — 2024-10-02

Background: The present day environment in many urban areas is greatly polluted due to industrialization and over-exploitation of available natural resources. An acceptable way of combating this menace is bioremediation. Objectives: The leaves of five species of genus Bougainvillea, an attractive plant used in landscaping, were studied anatomically in order to document their taxonomic properties and establish their potential in mitigating environmental pollution. Methods: Epidermal peels were made following standard procedure. The epidermal cells – shape and size, anticlinal wall patterns, stomata shape, type and dimension as well as the stomata index of each of the species were studied and documented. Results: The epidermal characteristics of Bougainvillea species show more similarities than differences. All species have polygonal epidermal cells, straight anticlinal walls, elliptic stomata, and stomata complexes that are anisocytic, tetracytic, anomocytic, and heptacytic. They also possess multicellular uniseriate non-glandular trichomes. Hexacytic stomata were observed in all species except B. glabra. Octacytic stomata type was observed only in B. peruviana. The leaves of B. spectabilis and B. peruviana are hypostomatous. Raphides were observed only in B. brasiliensis. Typically, the stomatal index value was higher on the abaxial surfaces compared to the adaxial surfaces, while the stomatal size was lower on the abaxial surfaces than on the adaxial surfaces, except for the two hypostomatic species. Conclusion: The stomata distribution, stomata size and stomata index values observed in the Bougainvillea species established the effectiveness of the plants in transpiration and photosynthesis and also confirm the ability of the plants to help in improving air quality.

Keywords: Bougainvillea, Stomata Index, Pollution, Taxonomy, Stomata Complex

Computational investigation of the antifungal potential of phytochemicals in Senna Alata against six 1 and six 6 targets in Fusarium Oxysporum F. Sp. Lycopersici

F. B. Borokini — 2024-10-02

Background: Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.lycopersici is a pathogen, causing Fusarium wilt; a major fungi infection of tomatoes in Nigeria. This soilborne pathogen has proved difficult to control due to its ability to produce chlamydospores in the soil and strong resistance to the environmental factors and chemical fungicides. Several studies have confirmed the antifungal properties of Senna. alata extracts and the phytochemicals in the plant’s extracts against clinical pathogens and skin infections, but research data on its activities against plant pathogens are rare. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the potential antifungal property of S. alata phytochemicals against F. oxysporum sp.lycopersici through their binding interactions with SIX1 and SIX6 effector proteins, implicated as virulent agents in F. oxysporum sp.lycopersici . Methods: The study was carried out using computer-aided drug discovery/design (CADD). Results: XP docking analysis predicted six flavonoid derivatives as potential fungicides with probable better inhibitory interaction with the protein targets than the five standard antifungal agents used as controls. These hit compounds are kaempferol 3-gentiobioside (CID:9960512), kaempferol 3-o-beta-d-glucofuranoside (CID:72551445), astragalin (CID:5282102), thermopsoside (11294177), rhamnetin (CID: 5281691) and quercetin (CID: 5280343) with docking scores -9.257 & -8.772, -8.373 & -6.565, -7.919 & -6.398, -7.162 & -6.693, -5.318 and -5.403 Kcal/mol respectively. Their respective binding free energy (ΔG) are; -37.77 & -42.68, -50.61 & -27.75, -37.34 & -35.59, -37.57 & -34.5, -33.58 and -39.61 Kcal/mol. The binding scores and ΔG values for the reference antifungal compounds; prothioconazole, prochloraz, bromuconazole, thiophanate-methyl and azoxystrobin, ranged from -4.069 to -1.309 Kcal/mol and -42.84 to -9.57 Kcal/mol respectively. Conclusion: The higher binding affinity of the six compounds than the reference chemical fungicides in this study suggests their better fungicidal potential, they are therefore recommended for further studies.

Keywords: Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.lycopersici, Senna Alata, fungicides, virulent, proteins

Antibiotics susceptibility and hydrocarbon degradative ability of bacteria isolated from diesel-contaminated soil

I.A. Anuoluwa — 2024-10-02

Background: The most commonly used energy resources in the world are the hydrocarbons, which are major sources of environmental pollution. Objectives: This study determined both antibiotics susceptibility pattern and hydrocarbon-degrading capability of bacterial isolates obtained from soil samples contaminated with used diesel. Methods: Serial dilution technique was used to isolate bacterial samples from diesel-contaminated soil samples. Obtained isolates were characterized and identified using appropriate microbiological techniques and were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility test using disc diffusion assay. The isolates were screened for their ability to utilize hydrocarbon products by streaking pure culture of the isolates on Bushnell Haas agar (BHA) incorporated with 0.5% crude oil. Isolates that showed visible growth within three days were used for degradation studies on hydrocarbon products. Degradation of hydrocarbon products was carried out for 21 days at room temperature while monitoring growth and degradation with appropriate techniques. Results: Forty-one bacterial isolates were obtained from the diesel-contaminated soils, four of which showed visible growth when screened on BHA and these were identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, and Arthrobacter sp. All the isolates were resistant to Cefriaxome while all the Gram positive isolates were susceptible to Ciprofloxacin. The isolates utilized crude oil at different rates, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa having the highest growth and degradation rate followed by Bacillus sp. while Micrococcus sp. and Arthrobacter sp. showed moderate growth and degradation rate. Conclusion: Pseudomonas aeruginosa obtained from diesel-contaminated soil sample in this study has shown the ability to degrade hydrocarbon products and is a promising candidate for remediating hydrocarbon-contaminated sites.

Keywords: Bushnell Haas medium, hydrocarbon degradation, gravimetric analysis, spectrophotometry, antibiotics susceptibility

Effect of powdery formulation of entomopathogenic fungi on rice plants infested with African rice gall midge (AfRGM-Orseolia oryzivora)

O.E. Oyetunji — 2024-10-02

Background: Orseolia oryzivora (AfRGM), is a serious insect pest of rainfed and irrigated lowland rice in Africa which has resulted in huge yield losses on rice farms. The widespread usage of chemical pesticides for pest management has raised ecological and human health concerns, prompting a quest for alternatives. Objectives: This work was conducted to assess entomopathogenic fungi effect for controlling of Orseolia oryzivora using powdery formulation for easy application by the farmer on the field. Methods: Powdery formulation of Entomopathogenic fungi – EPF (Beauveria bassiana and, Metarhizium anisopliae) prepared in laboratory, were applied to the test plants to control adult AfRGM. The experimentation was established using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) method, which was replicated thrice inside cages in the screen house. Level of infestation was monitored while the agronomic data and physiological parameters were taken and analyzed. Results: Plants treated with B. bassiana Bba 5653 had the lowest tiller infestation with highest non-infested tiller followed by B. bassiana Bba 5654 and B. bassiana Bba 326 with percentage non-infested tiller of 89.14%, 85.94% and 76.49% respectively. Conclusion: Powdery formulation of B. bassiana effectively controlled AfRGM without negative effect on chlorophyll content, stem girth, grain weight, leaflength and breadth.

Keywords: Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisoplae, Orseolia oryzivora, Entomopathogenic fungi, Rice, Powdery

Antioxidant and glycemic potentials of the flesh, seeds, peels and the whole fruit of Picralima nitida

F.J. Gbenga-Fabusiwa Agbaje — 2024-10-02

Background: The total number of people living with diabetes is projected to rise to 783 million by 2045. Diabetes resulted in 6.7 million deaths and approximately 966 billion dollars is spent on diabetes per year. Thus, the discovery and application of antidiabetic potential of Picralima nitida (PN) (Akuamma) plant as dietary intervention in diabetes management is germane. Objectives: This study aimed at investigating the antioxidant potentials and glycemic indices of flesh, seed, peel, and whole of PN fruit flour. Methods: The cleansed fruit was peeled, the seed and the flesh were carefully separated, dried, and ground into powder. The aqueous extract of PN flour samples were extracted and used for the determination of polyphenol and other antioxidants parameters. The estimated glycemic index (eGI) was determined by digesting 50 mg of flour in 5 ml stomach solution containing pepsin of the piglets (HCl-KCl buffer pH 1.5). This was then incubated, centrifuged and the absorbance read at 30 minutes interval. Results: The highest polyphenol was found in the Peel (64.22), total flavonoids in Seed (14.31), scavenging and ferric reducing abilities in Whole (45.11) and (1162.82). The Whole flour had the least value in sugar (0.05), starch (0.091) and eGL (15.84) respectively. The eGI found in all the samples was low (˂ 60) which may make them good antidiabetic food additives. The Whole and the seed flour samples had good antioxidant potentials with medium eGL. Conclusion: Thus, utilizing the whole fruit or the seed instead of the flesh or peel could serve as an excellent antidiabetic food supplement.

Keywords: Picralima nitida; antidiabetics; estimated glycemic index: food additives

Development of environmental friendly multi-crop slicing machine to eradicate unhygienic manual processing for health safety

G.T. Ojolo — 2024-10-02

Background: Human health safety is very important and considered as the number one criterion in the design and fabrication of any food processing machine. Manual slicing methods are unhygienic, risky, stressful and inefficient while the use of an internal combustion engine as prime mover in the food processing machine is not environmental friendly due to the emission of gases. Objectives: The aim of this study was to design, fabricate and evaluate for performance an environmental friendly and hygienic multi-crop slicing machine. Methods: The major components of the machine include the hopper, mainframe, driving pulley, belt, driven pulley, shaft, main bearings, crank plate, connecting rod, slicing unit, groove bearings, spacers, electric motor and outlet. The machine is powered by a variable speed, three-phase 0.75 kW electric motor with rotational speed ranging between 284 and 800 rpm. The performance of the machine was evaluated in slicing six different crops namely yam, carrot, sweet potato, onion, plantain and cucumber at three machine speeds of 190, 362 and 533 rpm while the slice thickness was also varied as 3, 5 and 8 mm. The parameters that were investigated include functional efficiency (FE), slicing efficiency (SE), percentage mechanical damage (MD), percentage materials lost (ML), percentage materials retained (MR), throughput (TP), slicing capacity (SC) and quality performance efficiency (QPE). Results: Major performance criteria obtained for yam were 90.4% FE, 93.7% SE, 156.7 kg/h TP, 84.8% QPE and 11899 slices per hour. 88% FE, 93.7% SE, 120.7 kg/h TP, 82.4% QPE and 9365 slices per hour were obtained for sweet potato. 85% FE, 95.8% SE, 138.5 kg/h TP, 81.5% QPE and 31300 slices per hour were obtained for the carrot. 78% FE, 98.3% SE, 68.4 kg/h TP and 77% QPE were obtained for onion. 89% FE, 92.5% SE, 83.5 kg/h TP, 82.5% QPE and 15876 slices per hour were obtained for plantain. 93.5% FE, 94% SE, 128 kg/h TP, 88% QPE and 13790 slices per hour were obtained for cucumber. The result of the study shows that the machine can slice any fruit as well as root and tuber crops satisfactorily. Conclusion: The performance evaluation revealed that any of the speed and thickness range can be used without a significant side effect.

Keywords: multi-crop; functional efficiency; percentage materials retained; throughput; quality performance efficiency

Evaluation of histamine-producing bacteria in cold-smoked mackerel (Scomber scombrus) retailed in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria

C.T. Kester — 2024-10-02

Background: The occurrence of histamine-producing bacteria (HPB) in poorly preserved mackerel fish smoked and retailed in the majority of Nigerian markets is of public health concern and therefore necessitated this investigation. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate histamine-producing bacteria in cold-smoked mackerel (Scomber scombrus) retailed in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods: Cold-smoked mackerel fish samples (36 pieces) were purchased from four selected markets in Ota: Oju-Ore (OJ), Iyana-Iyesi (IY) Iju (IJ) and Oja Oba (OO). Each of the fish samples cut into Head (H), Trunk (Tr) and Tail (Tl) were analyzed for microbial loads; total plate count (TPC; log CFUg^-1) and histamine-producing bacteria (HPB; log CFUg^‑1) using pour plate method of isolation. Data were generated in triplicates and analyzed using ANOVA and Duncan’s multiple range at α 0.05. Results: The microbial loads showed that all the fish samples were of unsatisfactory microbial quality having mean counts of ≥ 10⁷, with the highest TPC values of 8.59±0.17, 8.44±0.47 and 8.43±0.21 log CFUg^-1 respectively recorded in TL, TR and H parts. Iyana-Iyesi market recorded the least (7.80±0.51 (TL) to 7.89±0.35 (H) log CFU/g) while Iju market had the highest value range of 8.43±0.21 (H) to 8.59±0.17 (TL). Pseudomonas spp. (45%, 299 colonies), Proteus spp. (24%, 130 colonies), Escherichia coli (20%, 157 colonies) and Morganella morganii (11%, 95 colonies) were the isolated HPB. Conclusion: This indicates that the safety of smoked mackerel fish retailed in Ota is compromised and may therefore be unsafe for human consumption. This information can be useful for critical monitoring to improve their quality and safety.

Keywords: Cold-smoked, Erratic electricity supply, Histamine-producing bacteria, Mackerel fish, Poor cold storage