The phytochemical and nutritional composition of Trichosanthes cucumerina L. an underutilized vegetable used as substitute for Solanaceous tomatoes by rural dwellers was examined in comparison with majorly cultivated tomato cultivars in Nigeria (Roma VF and Ibadan local). The fruit pulp of T. cucumerina was higher in carotenoid (2053.33 mg/100g), flavonoid (861.67 mg/100g), cardiac glycoside (11.67 mg/100g), alkaloids (93.33 mg/100g), lycopene (118.5 μg/100g), tannin (555.00 mg/100g), oxalate (2.55 mg/100g) and quercetin (5.25 mg/100g) than Roma VF and Ibadan local. However, Roma VF had the highest concentration of saponin (66.67 mg/100g) but there was no significant difference in steroid among the fruits. The Vitamins A, E and C contents of T. cucumerina (5346 μg/100g, 6.23 μg/100g and 25.33 μg/100g) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those in S. lycopersicum. T. cucumerina had the highest values of crude protein and crude lipid (1.97% and 0.40%). The fruit pulp of T. cucumerina also had the highest ash and total carbohydrate contents (1.63% and 16.50%). Roma VF was significantly higher in crude fibre and moisture contents (1.77% and 89.40%) than other vegetables investigated. All the evaluated mineral elements (Na, K, Ca Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn, P and S) in T. cucumerina compared favourably with S. lycopersicum cultivars. It was observed that T. cucumerina pulp contained an appreciable number of nutrients and secondary metabolites which qualify it as a good substitute to S. lycopersicum.

Background: The period of infancy, spanning through the neonatal stage to two years, is characterized by a series of health challenges for the affected child and concerned parents. This study conducted in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria was aimed at investigating the plants used in the traditional management of infantile dermatitis and other neonatal skin infections with emphasis on the role of SPICES. Methods: Structured questionnaires (and personal interview) were administered to 36 nursing mothers (age range, 15 – 50) and 30 herbsellers (age range, 21 – 60) in the LGA. The herbsellers prescribed recipes used in the management of general skin diseases including abscess, chicken pox, eczema, flaky skin spots, measles, rashes, ringworm, and small pox. Results: The survey yielded 69 plants belonging to 38 families and forming 25 polyherbal and mono-recipes. Fabaceae, Rutaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Annonaceae, Poaceae, Meliaceae, and Amaryllidaceae had high species representation. Trees (40.58%) were the most frequently used plant habit while leaves (40.58%) formed the most frequently used plant part. Decoction and infusion using pure water were the methods of preparation suggested. Administration ranged from drinking extracts (2-3 teaspoonfuls) three times daily, to bathing with warm extracts of the plants and the use of coconut oil as cream. Traditional black soap and Shea butter also featured in the herbal remedy for bath and as cream respectively. Local sponge was preferred for bathing. Conclusion: This study has documented the alternative medical approach in the management of infantile skin diseases. The cultural relevance of plants calls for sustainable use of plant resources. This research finds application in primary health care, microbiology, and in cosmetic industries for the development of new or improved baby skin care products. Further research should be conducted to confirm the claimed ethnomedicinal values as well as evaluate possible harm of crude plant extracts to skin structures of infants.

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The most common form of cancer among women worldwide and the leading cause of cancer death among black women is breast cancer (BC). Important biological targets in the therapy of cancer, epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) have been found to be substantially expressed in cases of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Thus, drugs that focus on this receptor may reduce the incidence of breast cancer. This study, therefore, aims at investigating the inhibitory potential of oil constituents from Garcinia kola against epidermal growth factor receptors in breast cancer using in-silico approaches. Human EGFR structure was obtained from Maestro module version 11.8. Docking of Garcinia kola oil constituents against human EGFR was done using Auto/Vina in Pymol 4.2 while physicochemical and pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed using Qikprop. Phytochemical analysis was carried out with GC-MS. This study revealed the presence of twenty phytocompounds in Garcinia kola oil. Docking of isolated compounds against EGFR showed that 1,2-Benzenediol, 3,5- bis (1,1-dimethyl ethyl)- and Phyto acetate had the best docking scores of -7.309 and -6.326 respectively. Many of the components of Garcinia kola oil may be eligible as oral medications because they met the criteria for drug-likeness while still being within allowable limits. A significant portion of the chemicals in Garcinia kola oil may act as novel EGFR inhibitors and may be a potent anti-breast cancer drug, according to in-silico data from molecular docking scores, binding free energy, projected pIC50 values, and ADMET evaluation. To confirm the oil components of Garcinia kola as an anticancer agent, however, more research is needed.