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A B S T R A C TObjective: To assess the effects of hot water leaf extract of Nauclea latifolia (N. latifolia) on antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation values and parasite levels in hepatic and brain tissue of experimental mice (BALB/c) infected with Plasmodium berghei (P. berghei) malaria. Methods: Forty nine mice were divided into seven groups (n = 7) and used for the study. Group A (control) were given 0.2 mL/kg phosphate buffer saline; Group B mice were infected with P. berghei and treated with phosphate buffer saline. Groups C and D mice were also infected but treated with 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight of leaf extract respectively. Groups E and F mice were not infected, but received 200 and 300 mg/kg of leaf extract respectively. Group G mice were infected and treated with chloroquine (5 mg/ kg). Liver and brain tissues of mice were prepared for both biochemical assay and microscopic examination. Results: Results showed that P. berghei malaria infection induced oxidative stress in both liver and brain tissues as evidenced by the significant (P < 0.05) decrease in antioxidants: superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and catalase. These reductions perhaps caused compromise in membrane integrity as indicated by the significant increase in lipid peroxidation product malondialdhyde. Malaria parasites were also identified in these tissues. However, N. latifolia treatment eliminated the parasites in tissues and protected them from oxidative damage even better than chloroquine treatment did, whose anti-malarial potency also cleared tissue parasites. The measurement of protection by N. latifolia against damage was strengthened by the insignificant micro structural alterations. Conclusions: The bioactive phytochemical(s) in N. latifolia should be structured and the mechanism(s) of its antimalarial tendency should be further investigated.

Objective:. To assess the level of regard and misconceptions of modern family planning methods in Abraka communities. Methods: The interviewer's administered questionnaire method was used to gather the required information from 657 respondents randomly chosen from PO, Ajalomi, Erho, Oria, Otorho, Umeghe, Urhuoka and Uruagbesa communities in Abraka kingdom. Results: Results show that 75.3% of those interviewed were aware of modern family planning but only 42.9% were using it to plan their families. Those using condom, safe periods and withdrawal constitute 32.6% of the 42.9% figure. Thus, data indicate a fairly high degree of awareness but little regard for family planning. Conclusion: Campaigns should be organized in order to educate Abraka communities on the benefits and need for family planning. Government should provide quality, comprehensive and subsidized family planning services. In addition, research efforts should be intensified on how to take advantage of the traditional methods of family planning to systematically introduce the modern method, so as to gradually eliminate the associated bias and misconceptions associated with modern methods of family planning.

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ABSTRACT:The effect of some processing techniques (germination boiling and dehulling) on the soluble sugar contents and the emulsion property of processed flour were studied. Results show that germination significantly reduced the raffinose level from the third to the fifth day sprouting period (P<0.05). Boiling and dehulling also reduced the content of this flatus oligosaccharide (raffinose) but not to a significant proportion (P>0.05). The contents of other soluble sugars-galactose, glucose and sucrose were increased by germination (P<0.05) and boiling (P>0.05) but reduced by dehulling (P>0.05). Germination, dehulling and boiling lowered the emulsion stability property of cowpea flour. Even though, it is not conventional to either malt or dehull cowpea seeds before cooking, individuals should be advised to do so, in order to minimize the flatus potential and the accompanied discomfort associated with beans consumption. However, such processing techniques would not be appropriate for foods that need good emulsion. @JASEM.