No abstract

The comparative studies of the proximate, phytochemical and antioxidant mineral compositions of four different brands of green tea were investigated. The four different brands, Tianshi®, Qualitea®, Slimfit®, and Xiang® were purchased from a supermarket in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. The samples were pulverized and stored in an airtight container prior to analysis. The proximate composition was analysed using AOAC method while phytochemical compositions of the green teas were investigated using standard methods. The result of the study indicated that the moisture content (15.80±0.01%) and protein content (1.05±0.00%) of Qualitea® was significantly higher (P<0.05) compared to Slimfit and Xiang tea while the fibre content of Xiang tea (80.35±0.03%) was significantly higher (P<0.05) than other tea studied. The phytochemical study showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins and cardiac glycosides in all the teas studied. However, Qualitea® contains the highest amount of phytochemicals when compared to the other brands of tea investigated. Data obtained from the antioxidant mineral study showed that the four brands of the tea are good sources of antioxidant minerals such as Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and Se. It is therefore recommended that tea be included in our menu because of their nutritive and health benefits.

This work investigated the effects of food additives on the oxidative stress markers and liver marker enzymes. Food additives are products added to the basic food stuff with an aim of improving its flavor, aspect, texture, color, taste, and value. Thirty (30) Wistar rats were divided into five groups of six rats each. Group A received a daily dose of distillated water and normal rat pellet, Group B, C, D and E received 20 mg/kg body of Aspartame, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium nitrite and sodium sulfite respectively. The duration for exposure of these animals to food additives was 30 days and the groups were observed daily for general conditions. At the end of feeding the animals, blood samples were collected and analyzed. The result of the analysis showed that ALT significantly (p<0.05) increased with sodium nitrite and sodium sulfite while ALP increased significantly (p<0.05) with sodium sulphite. The oxidative stress biomarker, catalase showed a significant increase with sodium benzoate and sodium sulphite. The results revealed that the food additives are injurious to the animals. The toxicity of the food additives studied at 20 mg/kg are in the order of Sodium nitrite > Sodium benzoate > Sodium sulphite > Aspartame.

Submission of an original paper with copyright agreement and authorship responsibility.I (corresponding author) certify that I have participated sufficiently in the conception and design of this work and the analysis of the data (wherever applicable), as well as the writing of the manuscript, to take public responsibility for it. I believe the manuscript represents valid work. I have reviewed the final version of the manuscript and approve it for publication. Neither has the manuscript nor one with substantially similar content under my authorship been published nor is being considered for publication elsewhere, except as described in an attachment. Furthermore I attest that I shall produce the data upon which the manuscript is based for examination by the editors or their assignees, if requested.Thanking you.

Submission of an original paper with copyright agreement and authorship responsibility.I (corresponding author) certify that I have participated sufficiently in the conception and design of this work and the analysis of the data (wherever applicable), as well as the writing of the manuscript, to take public responsibility for it. I believe the manuscript represents valid work. I have reviewed the final version of the manuscript and approve it for publication. Neither has the manuscript nor one with substantially similar content under my authorship been published nor is being considered for publication elsewhere, except as described in an attachment. Furthermore I attest that I shall produce the data upon which the manuscript is based for examination by the editors or their assignees, if requested.Thanking you.