The chemical and antioxidant properties of the ethanolic extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit peels were investigated. Dried peels of T. tetraptera fruits were extracted with ethanol. The extract was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening using standard procedures. GC-MS was used in identifying the secondary metabolites. The antioxidant properties of the extract were determined by its ferric reducing activity, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) radicals scavenging activities, and the inhibition of lipid peroxidation in hepatic tissues of albino male rats. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, terpenoids and phlebotannin. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of D-fructose, piperazine, octodrine, glycidol, glyceraldehydes, 6-octadecenoic acid and 9,12-octadecenoic acid, with D-fructose being the most predominant compound. The extract exhibited high antioxidant activities both in vitro and ex vivo, as indicated by its ability to scavenge DPPH and nitric oxide as well as inhibition of lipid peroxidation. This is further portrayed by its ferric reducing activity. These results suggest an antioxidant protective effect of the extract against oxidative hepatic damage and can be attributed to a synergetic action of the identified bioactive compounds.

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This study examined the effects of Petrol or Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) vapour on lungs and the impact of coconut oil and coconut water in ameliorating its degenerative effects. Thirty-five albino rats were grouped into seven groups (n= 5). Groups 1, 2,3,4,5, and 7 were exposed to PMS vapour using an inhalation chamber, 8 hours daily for two weeks. Groups 1 and 2 were treated with 0.4ml/kgb.w coconut oil and coconut water respectively; group 3 was treated with a regular drug (indapamine) at 0.4ml/kgb.w; and groups 4 and 5 were treated with 0.2ml/kgb.w coconut oil and coconut water respectively. Group 6 was negative control and were neither exposed nor treated while group 7 was positive control, exposed to petrol vapour but not treated. Histological analysis showed that the lungs of the experimental test groups indicated degenerative changes in the ultrastructural integrity of interstitium cells. The lungs showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the glutathione (GSH) level on exposure for two weeks when compared with the negative control. It was also observed that the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) increased significantly in all exposed groups compared with the negative control. Treatment with coconut water significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the effects of PMS vapor on the levels of GSH and MDA when compared with the other groups. Hence, treatment with coconut water and oil may provide a useful preventive measure against tissue injury consequent to exposure to PMS vapour experienced in our houses and at petrol filling stations.

The current research investigated the nutritional value of the Moringa oleifera leaves Four diets, different in their composition were used on sixteen male albino rats (n=4). Commercial vitamins and minerals premix (75.0 g) were used solely in diet 1; diet 2 contained 37.5 g of the vitamin-mineral premix and 37.5 g MOL. Diet 3 contained 19.0 g of vitamin-mineral premix and 56.0 g of MOL. Diet 4 contained only MOL (75.0 g) as the sole source of vitamins and minerals. Diets 1, 2, 3 and 4 were provided for groups A (control), B, C and D respectively. Nutritional evaluation of the Moringa oleifera leaves contained protein (28.23±0.02%), dry matter (25.56±05%), Calcium (723.01 ±0.11 mg), Magnesium (677.28±0.00 mg) and Zinc (214.51±0.02 mg). Concerning the respective diets on feed consumption, bodyweight gain and growth performance, results showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in dose-dependent manners compared with control (A). Groups C and D showed a significant decrease (p > 0.05) in the efficiency of feed conversion when compared to control. The organs of all the test groups showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) in weight compared to control. Conclusively, the study suggests the use of MOL may be needful only as a supplement, condiment or ingredient to enrich diets with essential vitamins and minerals but not for growth or bodyweight gain.