Background: Ficus capensis Moraceae and Cnidoscolus aconitifolius Euphorbiaceae leaves have been used separately in traditional medical practice to treat different ailments, of which anemia is one. This study aims to evaluate the effect of F. capensis and C. aconitifolius on hepatic, renal parameters and oxidative stress of phenylhydrazine-induced anemic rats. Methods: Thirty-five rats were randomized into seven groups (A-G) of five rats each. Groups A and B served as the normal control and anemic control, respectively, while Groups C, D, E, F, and G were treated with a standard drug (vitamin B 12), 200mg/kg bw. aqueous extract of F. capensis, 400mg/kg b.w. aqueous extract of F. capensis, 200mg/kg bw. of a combination of aqueous extract of F. capensis and C. aconitifolius and 400mg/kg bw. of a combination of aqueous extract of F. capensis and C. aconitifolius, respectively. The biochemical analysis (liver and kidney function analysis, oxidative stress) was carried out using standard diagnostic techniques. Results: The results showed that there was significant decrease (p<0.05) in the values obtained for Aspartate Transaminase (AST), alanine Transaminase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, potassium ion, Total Cholesterol (TCHOL), Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL-C), Triglycerides (TRIG), Very Low-density Lipoprotein (VLDL-C) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) and a significant increase (p<0.05) in obtained values for High-density Lipoprotein (HDL) in all the extract-treated groups compared with the anemic-untreated. The values obtained for most of these biochemical parameters in the extract-treated groups were in the range of the normal control showing that the extract did not, in any way, alter the biochemical parameters. There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in the glutathione peroxidase (Glut. Perox.) enzyme activity of the groups treated with the aqueous extract of F. capensis and its combination with C. aconitifolius compared with the anemic-untreated. Conclusion: These results suggest that the aqueous extracts of F. capensis and C. aconitifolius leaves may promote liver function parameters, maintain normal serum electrolyte level and kidney function indices, stimulate reduction of "bad cholesterols" and increase "good cholesterol" and reduce oxidative stress.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) belongs to the family Zingiberaceae and has long been used traditionally for centuries as a spice and medicinal elixir. Hence, the present study aimed to profile the nutritional and phytomedicinal properties of the plant in order to justify its relevance in traditional phytomedicine and advocate its application in novel pharmacological products. Using standard methods (High Performance Liquid Chromatography, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry), the dried rhizomes were washed, pulverized and ethanol extracts subjected to proximate, phytochemical, vitamins, amino acid and mineral determinations. Data obtained were analyzed using student's t-test in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21. Determined proximate indices indicated moisture content of 9.55%, carbohydrate (57.30%), ash (24.70%), crude fiber (1.12%), proteins (2.15%) and fat (5.32%). Mineral composition analyses showed that C. longa rhizomes had higher contents of calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium in parts per million (ppm) at 38.68 ± 0.114, 19.75 ± 0.001, 9.20 ± 0.002 and 7.06 ± 0.014 respectively. Amino acid profile revealed the presence of both essential and non-essential types with aspartate and glutamate in higher contents at 9.78 g/100 g and 9.65 g/100 g, respectively. Findings showed also the presence of vitamins A, C and D at 254.5 ± 2.19 mg/kg, 19.47 ± 0.16 mg/kg and 10.92 ± 0.92 mg/kg, respectively. Phytochemical analyses showed the presence of phenolic compounds with high retention times. This study thus revealed that C. longa possesses various nutritional and pharmacological/medicinal components in considerable quantities and can provide the body with basic nutrients for its therapeutic needs as well as secondary compounds with tremendous phytomedicinal potentials.

Aim: This study investigated the effects of pollutants on the biochemical and histopathological components of Papyrocranus afer obtained from the Banegbe River at different locations (upstream, middle-stream, and downstream). The effect of the pollutant on the checked were, levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in blood samples of the fishes and the histopathologic alterations of the gills and liver of the fishes.                                                                               Methodology: The gills and liver tissue of the fish were collected and processed using routine histologic techniques for fixing and embedding in paraffin and staining sections with hem eosin. All the indices of the enzyme tests were estimated with the aid of Randox Diagnostic Test Kits following the manufacturer’s methods.                                 Results: Evaluation of the plasma enzymes showed significant increases (p<0.05) in plasma ALT, AST, and ALP activity in all the sampled points of Banegbe River when compared to the control 1 (Orogodo river) with middle-stream having significant (p<0.05) higher concentrations when compared to down-stream and up-stream. The main alterations observed in the liver of the fish at the Banegbe River were Kupffer cell hyperplasia and focal necrosis of the liver. While the gills showed alteration of the structure of the epithelium, hyperplasia of the epithelium of the primary lamella, epithelial lifting, vacuolization, alteration of the structure, and occurrence of aneurysms in the secondary lamella, all these alterations were as a result of pollutant in the river. Control 1 showed normal parenchymal cells of the liver and normal gill structure.    Conclusion: The increase in enzyme activities suggests leakage of these enzymes from the liver cytosol into the bloodstream as a result of liver damage by contaminants. From our results, it can be concluded that the Banegbe River is polluted as a result of effluents channeled in the river by industries within the environs.

Aim: The incidence of heart-related disease conditions due to consumption of cholesterol containing oils and the increasing global demand for oil for domestic and industrial purposes have necessitated the need for scientific evaluation of other neglected indigenous plants for potential quality oil yield. This study thus aimed at extracting and comparing physicochemical and nutritional properties of seed oils from Glycine max and Sesamum indicum with a view to diversifying alternative sources of oil to meet teeming industrial and health needs and for food security. Methodology: Solvent extraction method was employed to extract oil from seed samples which were further subjected to estimation of physicochemical indices such as free fatty acid, saponification value, iodine value, peroxide value, specific gravity, refractive index, density, pH, melting temperature and viscosity according to methods described by using titration method. Results: Findings indicated higher saponification (412.33 mgKOH/mg), acid (2.99 mgKOH/g), free fatty acid (1.49 mgKOH/g), viscosity (0.13 Pas) and melting point (5.66 oC) values for sesame seed oil than for soybean seed oil. However, soybean seed oil showed higher density (0.837 g/ml), specific gravity (0.842 Kg/m3), pH (6.21), iodine (47.25 wij’s or g/iodine/g) and peroxide (40.80 mEq/Kg) indices than that obtained for sesame seed oil though mean values were not significantly different. Conclusion: From observed measured parameters, sesame seed may be suitable for industrial purposes such as the production of soap and paint owing to its high saponification, free fatty acid, viscosity and melting point values while soybean seed oil may be excellent source for domestic and nutritional consumption in addition to industrial use.

Papaya seeds, though rarely eaten, are used in folk medicine around the world. This study analysed the seeds to evaluate their nutritional and phytochemical content using standard methods. Proximate analysis showed the seeds are a good source of carbohydrate (48.91% ± 0.69) and protein (24.33% ± 0.74). Essential minerals such as iron (70.16 mg/kg ± 0.08), selenium (12.50 mg/kg ± 0.08), and calcium (26.96 mg/kg ± 0.08) are present in the seeds at optimal quantities. Amino acid and vitamin analysis indicated that papaya seeds are rich sources of vitamin A (117.28 ± 2.09 mg/kg), B6 (37.70 ± 1.84 mg/kg), D (27.60 ± 3.96 mg/kg), K (119.81 ± 15.88 mg/kg), and all essential amino acids. Phytochemical analysis of the seeds revealed forty-three bioactive compounds including acetic acid and pyrrole, both of which have antimicrobial properties. From the above analytical results, it was revealed that papaya seeds have nutraceutical properties and can be used, in the appropriate quantity as a food or health supplement or an adjunct animal feed.