This work investigates the proximate and quantitative phytochemical composition of Aframomum chrysanthum (AC). The result of proximate analysis showed carbohydrate composition of (65.44% ± 1.7%) to be the highest component, followed by crude protein (13.10% ± 1.2%) and ash with the least value (2.28% ± 0.1%). Quantification of the revealed phytochemical component showed the concentration (μg/ml) of the following in the order: alkaloids > flavonoids > tannins > phenol. The study provided needed information on the nutritional and phytochemical composition of AC.

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) which was only cultivated in Northern Nigeria in the past, is now cultivated in other parts of Nigeria. However there is no data to show the nutritional quality of cucumber as it relates to the location of cultivation. This research involved the cultivation of cucumber in three selected states of Nigeria, (Rivers, Imo and Plateau State) with the same variety, same technique and treatment. At ten weeks after planting, the cucumber was harvested. The fruit were observed, their quantity, weight and length measured and recorded. The proximate analysis was carried out using standard laboratory technique; mineral analysis (K + , Na + , Ca, Cu, Mg, Mn and Zn) was analyzed using the Atomic Absorption spectrophotometer technique.The result of the physical appearance showed no difference. Also the result of proximate analysis showed that the cucumber cultivated in Plateau State differ significantly at P<0.05 in moisture, protein, crude fiber, ash and fat content when compared with cucumber cultivated in Imo and Rivers States. The result of the mineral analysis showed that cucumber cultivated in Rivers state had the highest value in Ca and Mg content and cucumber cultivated in Plateau State had the highest value in K + , Cu, Mn, Na + and Zn content. The result revealed that cucumber cultivated in Plateau State significantly differ in mineral content. Thus we may say that location is an important factor that could reflect on the nutritional quality of the cucumber.

Diarrhoea is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children under the age of 5 years. Due to this problem, the World Health Organization has encouraged studies that will bring about the desired treatment and prevention of diarrhoea. Myrianthus arboreus leaves (MA) is used in some tribes of Nigeria for food. In this study, the antidiarrhoea activities of the aqueous extract of Myrianthus arboreus leaves were investigated with experimental animals via feacal count, measurement gastrointestinal charcoal meal distance and electrolyte composition.  The extract (500, 1000 and 2000) mg/kg in comparison with loperamide hydrochloride, decreased the degree of gastrointestinal motility, production of diarrhoea stool, reduced the frequency of defecation and delayed the onset of diarrhoea in castor oil induced in albino rats. Also the extract inhibited the concentration of intestinal fluid electrolytes.

Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) is a popular fruit consumed all over the world. This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of Citrullus lanatus seeds extract for its anti-diarrhoea potential. N-hexane was used for the extraction. 20 laboratory rats were used for this experiment, the animals where group in 5 groups of 4 in each group. Group 1 severed as the control which received normal feed and water, group 2, 3 and 4 severed as the treated which received 100, 200, 300 mg/kg of the seed extract respectively while group 5 severed as the standard which received 5 mg/kg of standard drugs (loperamide). The extract of Citrullus lanatus seed was administered to the animals for possible inhibition of castor oil induced diarrhoea. The result of this study showed that there was a significant decrease in the intestinal propulsion of charcoal meal in rats. There was also a significant loss of electrolytes shown in the control, compared with other groups. The study showed that the seed extract of Citrullus lanatus seed could possess anti-diarrhoea activity.

Crude oil exploration and its associated spillage pose a major threat to the environment in Nigeria and if not checked and managed properly, could lead to total annihilation of the ecosystem especially in the Niger Delta Region. Therefore, this study examines the impact of oil spill on soil, water and shrimps from Maa-or gbor. Water and soil samples were collected in the upstream, midstream and downstream, while shrimps from the river were also collected. They were digested with nitric acid. The heavy metal components were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer while physiochemical parameters were determined using different analytical methods. The result of the metals concentration in the soil showed that the values of some of the metals analyzed were within the acceptable limit of FAO/WHO except for Cu, Mn and Fe values. The result of water quality showed that pH values of the stations were in the range of 6.08-6.20 and a mean value of 6.15± 0.05 for the three stations, which is lower than the limit (6.5- 8.5) recommended for drinking water. Also the result showed that Station C had the highest conductivity value when compared with other stations, and significantly differs when compared with station B. However, the values of the electrical conductivity in all the stations were lower than that of FEPA acceptable limit of 250, while the mean value for the stations was 60.9± 3.42. Trace metals concentration in shrimps was below FAO/WHO acceptable limit. The result obtained for water quality index was147. This value is above the recommended standard for drinking water, thus indicates poor quality water status of Maa-or gbor and unfit for human consumption.