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Item Open Access Soil enivironmental metals speciation and associated health risks in selected edible leafy plants on Amaechi and Four-Corner dumpsites in Enugu State, Nigeria(U. P., 2014) Obasi, N. A.; Elom, S. O.; Edeogu, C. O.; Alisa, C. O.; Obasi, S. E.This work evaluated environmental metals speciation and the associated health risks using fiveselected edible leafy plants in Amaéchi and Four-Corner dumpsites in Enugu, Enugu State,Nigeria. The soil and plants samples were obtained from Amaéchi and Four-Corner dumpsitesin Enugu and a nearby farm land (control site) and were subjected to standard methods ofchemical analysis. Results obtained showed that mean soil physicochemical parameters andtotal extractable metals were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the dumpsites compared to controlsite. Carbon:Nitrogen (C:N) ratio was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the control site compared to that in Amaéchi dumpsite. Sequential extraction showed higher percentages (%) of the nonresidual fraction for all the metals studied except Cu and Cr. The mean order of mobility and bioavailability of the metals were: Pb > Fe > Cd > Zn > Mn > Cr > Ni > Cu. Total mean concentrationof metals in roots, stems and leaves of Amaranthus hybridus, Talinum triangulare, Carica papaya,Ipomea batatas and Luffa aegyptica were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the dumpsitescompared to control site. The translocation factor, biological concentration factor and biologicalaccumulation coefficient values of the plant species varied for all the metals. The health risks implications of the study were discussed.Item Open Access Antimicrobial potential of leaf juice and extracts of moringa oleifera lam against some human pathogenic bacteria(U. P., 2013) Onuoha, Stanley Chukwudozie; Alisa, Christopher OnyemeziriThe antibacterial activity of ethanol, hot and cold water extracts of both fresh and dried leaves as well as the juice extracts of Moringa oleifera Lam. were obtained by standard disc diffusion methods against some human pathogenic bacteria; Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The ethanol extracts of fresh leaves and dried leaves displayed a potential broad-spectrum activity against all the tested organisms, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp, E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Also, cold water extracts of fresh and dried leaves as well as hot water extracts of fresh and dried leaves inhibited the growth of the tested organisms with the exception of E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa which were not inhibited by cold and hot water extract of fresh and dried leaves. The result of this study revealed that, the antibacterial activity of the extract could be enhanced if the components are purified. The plant therefore holds a promise as a potential source of new drugs for treating infections caused by these clinical pathogens.Item Open Access Isolation and characterization of 13 -benzyl ethyl methyl abietata from the leaf of pentaclethra macrophylla.(P.BENTH)(Bloomfield Academic Society, 2015) Iwu, Irenus Chinonye; Alisa, Christopher Onyemeziri; Onu, UcheAs part of our study on the bioactive agents from Pentaclethra macrophylla tree, P.Benth (oil bean tree), 13- benzyl ethyl methyl abietate was isolated from its leaves. The structure was elucidated using spectra obtained from NMR spectroscopy in combination with IR and MS. its molecular formula is C26H32O2 with molecular weight 376, calculated for M/z 375.29. The IR spectrum showed absorptions of aliphatic carbon, (2924.85, 2855.09cm-1), carbonyl group, (1736. 68 cm -1), aromatic (1457.97 cm-1) and ether (1466.20 cm-1). The fragmentation pattern was also determinedItem Open Access Histopathological studies on the effects of chloroform and methanolic extracts of ilex kudingcha in trypanosoma brucei infected albino wistar rats(HATASO, USA, 2018) Soniran, Olajoju T.; Ngele, Kalu K.; Alisa, Christopher O.; Omoboyowa, Damilola A.; Agu, Nnabude H.Histopathological studies of the effects of chloroform and methanolic leaf extracts of Ilex kudingcha in Trypanosoma brucei infected albino wistar rats were investigated. The toxicity and phytochemical study were also carried out using standard protocol. T. brucei infected animals were administered orally with 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. of the extracts and 3.5 mg/kg b.w. of the standard drug (diminazene aceturate). Results on acute toxicity studies (LD50) revealed no sign of lethality up to the dose of 5,000 mg/kg body weight but the liver and kidney histology of infected animals treated with 5,000 mg/kg b.w. of I. kudingcha extracts were observed to be hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic. The methanol extracts showed appreciably high in vivo anti-trypanosomal activities compared to the reference drug. Histological examination of the organs revealed serious pathological lesions in the liver of the infected animals without treatment (negative control). In the positive control animals (infected animals administered standard drug), mild multifocal aggregate of inflammatory leucocytes was observed. In the other experimental animals, no pathological lesion was observed in the liver, kidney, brain, and heart of infected animals treated with the methanolic extract and combined methanol and chloroform extracts. The effectiveness of the methanolic extract at reducing the lesions caused by the parasite is the same compared with the standard drug. Phytochemical analysis of the plant extracts showed that methanol extract contained appreciable high levels of alkaloids, saponin, tannins, phenol, and glycoside while flavonoid was not detected.Hence, the curative properties of methanolic extract of I. kudingcha as observed in the organs indicate its anti-trypanosomal properties but it should be consumed at minimal doses.Item Open Access Survey of waste disposal methods in Awka metropolis(U. P., 2015) Ulaeto, Sarah Bill; Nnorom, Innocent Chidi; Alisa, ChristopherWaste disposal methods commonly practiced in Awka metropolis, Anambra state were investigated from August to October, 2013. Data was analyzed with both descriptive statistics of frequency and percentages, and alternate hypotheses were tested using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a significance level of 0.05. Respondents in support of open burning were 61.2 %, while 2.9 % took to burying waste as their preferred waste management option. Only about 34.0 % of the waste generated was collected at the dumpsites within the metropolis by the waste management agency, as the participants rely on their preferred waste management options without any consideration to the associated health and environmental consequences. Statistical analysis revealed that residents of Awka believed that their waste disposal methods were safe and waste collection points were enough. The residents do not shy away from participating in disposal of waste. Majority of the respondents were of the secondary school category that engages in domestic chores. © JASEMItem Open Access Comparative analysis of macro and micro nutrients of bio waste, compost and vermicompost (using indigenous Lumbricus terrestris) of solanum melongena (fruit) waste(CODEN(USA, 2017) Chinweuba, A. J.; Alisa, C. O.; Okoye, U. G.There is global demand for organic food due to perceived effects of foods produced with synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides. Owing to this, a comparative analysis of macro and micro nutrients in bio waste, compost and vermicompost of Solanum melongena waste were done to ascertain their efficiencies in organic farming. The vermicompost was done with indigenous Lumbricus terrestris (earth worm) in an earthen pot with mixture of Solanum melongena and cow dung in the ratio of 5:1. The biowaste was done in a similar way with exception of cow dung and Lumbricus terrestris. The compost was done similarly with the exception of Lumbricus terrestris. Results showed that macro nutrients (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) and micro nutrients (Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn) followed this trend; Vermicompost ˃ compost ˃ bio waste, with exception of zinc. Vermicompost and compost of Solanum melongena can be utilized as organic fertilizer in the production of organic foods.Item Open Access Pollution in Nigerian auto-mechanic villages: A review(U. P., 2018) Nkwoada, A. U.; Alisa, C. O.; Amakom, C. M.The increasing number of malfunctioning automobiles with subsequent increase in emission levels and waste handling is an environmental concern in Nigeria. The spills from lubricants, gasoline, diesel and byproducts of used and spent engine oil constitute the major pollutants in auto mechanic villages in Nigeria. Its environmental pollution has been predominant through soil and groundwater contamination and also poses a major anthropogenic threat. The studied heavy metals on contaminated soil showed that studies had focused on common metals of Cu, Cd, Pb and Zn in the east and west regions, while trace metals were studied in the south and radioactive elements in the north. Statistical evaluation showed high occurrences of Cu, Cd, Pb and Zn in the four geo-political zones of Nigeria. The detrimental effects of auto-mechanic village activities were on humans and also disrupted growth and flowering of arable plants. The remediation application showed that soil type and contaminant characteristics play a major role in determining the type of remediation procedure to be applied. Hence, Nigeria should provide standard repairs and services to automobiles in-line with emerging technology and best environmental practices.Item Open Access Synthesis, characterization and complexation of Sc (III) Ion using chloroquine diphosphate drug(U. P., 2019-01) Otuokere, I. E.; Okpara, L. O.; Amadi, K. C.; Ikpo, N.; Okafor, G. U.; Nwadire, F. C.; Olisa, C. O.Chloroquine possess lone pairs of electrons that can be donated to central metal ion. Scandium (III) complex of chloroquine was synthesized by reaction of chloroquine diphosphate with scandium (III) oxide. The metal complex was characterized based on melting point, UV, IR, and 1H NMR Spectroscopy. 1H NMR Spectra of the complex further showed the involvement of the amine group in coordination to the metal complex. The IR spectra of the complex showed the involvement of amine and imine group in coordination to the metal. The electronic spectrum of the complex suggested intraligand charge transfer (ILCT), ligand to metal charge transfer (LMCT), and d-d transition. The melting point of the complex was higher than the free ligand. Spectroscopic studies showed that chloroquine acted as a bidentate ligand. These results showed that chloroquine has the ability to sequestrate Sc (III) ion from solution. We recommend the use of chloroquine in scandium extraction and chelation therapy.Item Open Access Preliminary study of the potential industrial applications of micro algae (Oscillotoria sp.) oil(U. P., 2017) Chinweuba, A. J.; Alisa, C. O.; Okoye, U. G.Extraction and characterisation of micro algae (Oscillotoria sp) were done to assay the possible industrial applications of the oil. An open pond system was used to culture the microalgae prior to the oil extraction. Solvent extraction method using n-hexane was used to extract the oil from the algae biomass. The physical and chemical properties of the oil were determined and the results obtained showed that the percentage oil yield was 28. Saponification value of 123mgKOH, iodine value 95g/100g, free fatty acid value of 3.79mg/g and peroxide value of 3.20meq/kg were also obtained. These values showed that Oscillotoria sp oil could be used industrially for the production of alkyd resins, paint polish and body cream.Item Open Access Effect of seasonal water fluctuation of a water body on antioxidant activity of selected plants of lower phylum (A case study of Nche stream)(Academic Research Publishing Group, 2017) Duru, M. K. C.; Akubugwo, E. I.; Chinyere, G. C.; Alisa, C. O.; Nwaogwugwu, J. C.Effect of seasonal water fluctuation of a water body on antioxidant activity of selected plants of lower phylum using Nche stream as a case study was investigated using standard methods. Three plants of lower phylum (watercress, moss plant, and spirogyra) were selected and studied for both enzymatic and non enzymatic antioxidants. Results obtained for levels of ascorbic acid (0.81-11.87 µmoles/g DW), glutathione (1.47-3.01µmoles/g DW) and proline (1.27-3.01 g/100g) non-enzymatic antioxidants and those of superoxide dismutase (289.19-615.85 µg/g protein), peroxidase (32.56-52.79 µg/g protein), and catalase (57.8073.20µmoles/g DW) of enzymatic antioxidants were higher in dry season against rainy season. It has been noted that a slit difference in these indicators could be as result of enormous stress. The reduction in volume of water of the host stream in dry season may have resulted in increased concentration of the pollutants in the water body hence, inducing the plants to absorb more of the pollutants. This may have triggered more stress on the plants, which reflected on the levels of the observed stress indicators when compared to the indicators as observed in rainy season. This study has shown the seasonal water fluctuation of a water body on antioxidant activity of selected plants of lower phylum.Item Open Access Seasonal water quality study of nche stream: A water body in Imo State, Nigeria(Enviro Research Publishers, 2019) Duru, Majesty; Alisa, Christopher; Ike, Christian; Akubugwo, Emmanuel; Godwin, Chinyere; Onyeabo, Chimaraoke; Odika, Prince; Adindu, Eze; Edeh, PaulSeasonal variations in water quality of Nche stream was carried out using standard methods. The study lasted between April, 2014-March, 2015. Results obtained revealed that pH of the Nche stream varied from 6.41-6.87 in rainy season to 5.50-6.10 in dry season. Mean values for total solid, total dissolved solid, and total suspended solid for rainy season were 208.32 mg/l, 91.81 mg/l, and 116.50 mg/l respectively, while 139.88 mg/l, 72.47 mg/l, and 67.40 mg/l were the respective mean values for total solid, total dissolved solid and total suspended solid in dry season. Bacterial isolates from the stream include Actinomyces sp., Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Lactobacillus sp, Streptococcus sp., Achromobacter sp., Klebsilla sp., Salmonella sp., Escherichia sp., Acinetobactor sp., Serratia sp., Proteus sp., Enterobacter sp., Vibrio sp., Shigellasp, Flavobacterium sp., Citrobacter sp., Micrococcus sp., and Pseudomonas sp., while saprophytic mould isolates were Penicilum sp., Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Fusarium sp., Cladosporium sp., Rhizopus sp., and Geotricum sp. Levels of cadmium for Nche stream from August to the rest of dry season as observed did not fall within WHO limit. Mean values of THBC, THUB, TCC, SCC, TVB, and TFC observed in the studied stream water were higher in rainy seasons than dry season and higher than their respective WHO limits. The ability of cadmium heavy metal to accumulate in the body and the infective nature of the isolated organisms could pose a problem to the locals who consume water from this stream without further purification. There is need to inform the local population on the seasonal pollution status of Nche stream since they heavily depend on this stream as a source of domestic water. This study has evaluated the seasonal water quality of Nche stream, a water body in Imo State, Nigeria.Item Open Access Kinetic for the removal of malachite green (Dye) from aqueous solutions using palm kernel shell(U. P., 2017) Asiagwu, A. K.; Okposo, M. A.; Alisa, C. O.Malachite dye is among the millions of dyes used in every aspect of our daily life. The adsorption kinetic of the pollutant (dye) from adsobate using palm kernel shell (Elaeis Guineasis) as the biomass was studied. From the several experimental parameters measured, the optimum adsorption occurred at 20 minutes giving 92.3%. Adsorption also decreased from 92.49% to 87.9% with increase in absorbent dosage giving the optimum dosage of 2g. Also increase in temperature decreased the adsorption from 95.6% to 92.7% having it optimum temperature to be 30oC. Increase in dye ion concentration from 10-50mg/L also increased adsorption from 79.3% to 93.0%. There was a decrease in the percentage of dye removed for all the parameters investigated except for dye ion concentration. The value of SF for Langmuir model is 0.232 and R2 value is 0.6326 while for Freundlich model, the value of 1/n is 2.8092 and R2 value is 0.9135 which indicate that Langmuir and Freundlich model are both good isotherm models because they have a SF value of < 1 and 1/n value > 1. Pseudo second order model best fit the experimental data than pseudo first order having R2 values of 1 and 0.5613 respectively. This shows that palm kernel shell can be used as an effective biomass for removing waste water from dyeItem Open Access Investigation of Aba river contamination using eichhornia crassipes as bio-indicator(U. P., 2017-07-05) Akagha, C. I.; Ajiwe, V. I. E.; Okoye, P. A. C.; Alisa, C. O.; Nkwoada, A. U.The seasonal variation of heavy metal contamination levels in Aba River of Abia State in Nigeria was investigated using Eichhornia crassipies. Routine sampling was performed on bi-monthly bases to cover the Nigerian Rainy season and Harmattan season. Iron (Fe) showed more abundance with maximum concentration (69.5 mg/kg) mainly in Dec/Jan at UST, PZA, ABT and DST sampling points. The lowest concentration of iron was obtained in Apr/May for UST and DST and in Oct/Nov for PZA and ABT. Manganese showed maximum concentration (7 mg/kg) in the dry season at PZA and NBL during Oct/Nov months. The lowest concentration was in Dec/Jan at UST, PZA and ABT which were Harmattan seasons. The varied concentrations of zinc (Zn) demonstrated no pattern or trend except at Oct/Nov of ABT at value of 9.7 mg/kg, while lead (Pb) metal was significantly identified during the months of Feb/March (end of Harmattan) and April/May (beginning of Rains) during the seasonal study. Chromium metal (Cr) was uniformly distributed but significant at NBL during months of Jun/Jul. Nickel (Ni) metal was detected mainly at UST, PZA and NBL at trace levels. Copper was mainly detected during rainy seasons of Apr/May and Jun/July but remained at low concentrations when compared to other metals. Hence, UST and PZA sampling points contained the most active level of heavy metals, while Harmattan season showed the highest phytochemical activity of the heavy metals. Therefore Eichhornia crassipes showed metal removal in the following order Fe > Mn> Cr > Ni > Pb > Zn > Cd.Item Open Access Studies on adsorptive behavior of Cd2+ on graphene oxide: Alternative novel approach(U. P., 2018-03-03) Nkwoada, A. U.; Alisa, C. O.; Enenebeaku, C. K.; Oguzie, E. E.Certain adsorptive mechanisms and interactions often exist within linearized kinetic functions which are largely unreported. A novel inverse saturation modeling was applied to evaluate the adsorptive behavior of supersaturation,saturation, and desorptive processes on linear kinetic function plots using pseudo 1st order, pseudo 2nd order, Elovich and Intra-particle diffusion. Graphene oxide was prepared by room temperature synthesis and used as adsorbent over Cd2+ adsorbate. Batch adsorption process was conducted and four error functions were utilized. The sum of squares of the errors and Sum of absolute errors identified pseudo 2nd order as having the least deviation at 0.113 and 0.337 respectively. The modelled pseudo 1st order reaction had R2 = 0.985 while the inverse saturation model had R2 value of 0.998, both been a better data fit than non-modelled pseudo 1st order R2 at 0.917. The slower reaction kinetics in pseudo 1st order was due to supersaturation during adsorption as shown by inverse saturation point. The correlation coefficient of modeled kinetic plot of pseudo 2nd order, Intra particle diffusion and Elovich had R2 = 1. The Nkwoada et al.; ACRI, 12(4): 1-11, 2018; Article no.ACRI.39700 Elovich inverse saturation plot showed that the graph was an L-isotherm type indicating progressive saturation. The rate determining step experienced by Intra-particle diffusion was accommodated by wide range of inverse saturation plots showing adsorption, supersaturation and desorption as points of greatest influence. The inverse saturation plot of pseudo 2nd order plot had absolute slope of 2.656 and large intercept of 24.815 driving it's faster reaction kinetics. Hence, the inverse saturation point modelling provided a much better interpretation of adsorptive behavior of graphene oxide adsorbent over Cd2+ adsorbate.Item Open Access Public participation in solid waste management practices within Owerri urban of Imo State, Nigeria(U. P., 2016-03) Nkwoada, Amarachi; Alisa, Christopher; Duru, IjeomaMunicipal waste disposal have reached a crucial point in major urban areas in Nigeria especially Owerri urban and householder’s readiness to participate in waste management are still declining moreover the problems of indiscriminate dumping of refuse at central places and open dumping and burning at private residents continue to persist. A structured questionnaire was provided to residents of Owerri urban areas addressing lack of knowledge and attitude as a factor in waste recycling, methods of waste disposal, participation and practice using SCHOM analysis that identified 24 active waste dump/disposal sites. ANOVA at 0.95% value of F calculated was 0.25 and less than the value of F critical at value of 4.25 which shows that the burning and burying of waste was unaffected by usage of bins within any location but rather a habit acquired over the years. Also F calculated in column of ANOVA was less than F critical and showed that different zones exhibit different disposal habits and their levels of participation are affected by levels of quality of surrounding environment, popular trend, sex, age and income. SCHOM participants revealed a trend in volume of waste generated among householders to be MetalsItem Open Access Attenuation kinetics and desorption performance of artocarpus altilis seed husk for Co (II), Pb (II) and Zn (II) Ions(U. P., 2018) Akpomie, Kovo Godfrey; Eluke, Linda Obiageli; Ajiwe, Vincent Ishmael Egbulefu; Alisa, Christopher OnyemeziriThe potential of Bread Fruit (artocarpus altilis) Seed Husk (BFSH) as low cost biosorbent for the removal of Pb (II), Zn (II) and Co (II) ions from aqueous solution was investigated. The adsorbent was characterized by the Fourier Transform InfraRed (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Batch methodology was utilized to determine the effect of pH, metal ion concentration, adsorbent dose, contact time and temperature on biosorption. Data generated were fitted into appropriate isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic models. The effect of pH showed an increase in adsorption of metals with increase in pH and an optimum pH of 5.0 was obtained for Pb (II), while 6.0 were obtained for Co (II) and Zn (II) ions biosorption. An equilibrium sorption contact time of 30, 40 and 60 min was obtained for Co (II), Zn (II) and Pb (II) ions respectively. The biosorption of metal ions was in the order Co (II) > Pb (II) > Zn (II). In general the Freundlich model provided a better fit than the Langmuir, Tempkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm models with R2 values greater than 0.9. The pseudo first order kinetic model was applicable in the adsorption of Pb (II) and Zn (II) ions while the pseudo-second-order model provided the best fit for Co (II) ion adsorption. The adsorption mechanism was found to be controlled by the liquid film diffusion model (R2>0.9) rather than the intraparticle diffusion model (R2<0.9). Thermodynamics revealed a spontaneous, feasible, exothermic physisorption process and over 60% of the metal ions were desorbed using 0.1M HCl and 0.1M NaOH as eluent. The results showed that BFSH could be utilized as low-cost adsorbent for the removal of toxic heavy metals from solution.Item Open Access Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobiological activity studies of cobalt (Ii) and nickel (Ii) complexes derived from 2-hydroxynaphthalene-1-carbaldehyde using 2-thiosylaniline and 2-aminoaniline as co-schiff bases(U. P., 2021) Ezenweke, Linus Obi; Ojiako, Eugene Nonye; Esonwune, Anacletus Anayochukwu; Alisa, Christopher O.Four complexes CoScplx, CoNcplx, NiScplx and NiNcplx were synthesized from 2-hydroxynaphthalene -1carbaldehyde using 2-thiosylaniline and 2-aminoaniline as Co-Schiff bases. The physical and analytical data of the ligands and complexes such as Molecular weight, colour, melting point and percentage yield as well as molar conductivity and elemental composition were determined. The compounds were characterized using FTIR, UV-VIS and MS Analyzers. FT-IR results revealed loss of –OH bond noticed in the ligands at complexation due to deprotonation and utilization of phenolic OH in bond formation. The UV-VIS spectral data recorded more peaks with Schiff bases and complexes with 2-aminoaniline as a result of more chromophoric groups. The MS result determined m/z of the molecular ions and their fragments confirming the structure of synthesized compounds. The complexes demonstrated more antifungal and antibacterial activities more than the ligands hence can be incorporated into antibiotics drugs in future.Item Open Access Examining adsorbent charge effect on metal removal from contaminated water(David Publishing, 2022) Agwaramgbo, Lovell; Alisa, Christopher O.; Doyle, JailenHeavy metal contaminated water sources can cause serious health problems for humans, animals, and plants. Heavy metals can lead to the decrease or loss of liver, kidney, and brain function. Objective: The aim of this research is to examine the effect of charge on adsorbents in the removal of metal cations. Study Design & Methods: Standard solutions of Ca, Cu, Pb, and Zn with concentrations of 1,000 ppm were treated with sodium carbonate and sodium phosphate with various charges. Then, the solutions were placed on a shaker for 24 h, centrifuged, and the supernatant was analyzed using ICP-AES (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry). Results: The order of average metal removal by sodium phosphates is: dibasic (99.3%) > monobasic (96.5%) > tribasic (95.4%). The average metal removal by sodium carbonate and bicarbonate is 98.5% and 96.4% respectively. Conclusion: The adsorbent removability depends on the relationship between the charge present on the metal and the charge on the adsorbent. Thus, metal cations in this study with a +2 charge had a greater affinity for the adsorbent with -2 charged ligands, dibasic sodium phosphate and sodium carbonate.Item Open Access Antioxidant activity and phenolic content of Okoubaka aubrevillei (Anunuebe) fruit pychnobotrya nitida (Osu) leaf extracts(David Publishing, 2022) Alisa, Christopher O.; Okoye, Edith N.; Okeke, Peter C.; Anyadogh-Nwadike, Sylvia O.; Agwaramgbo, Lovell; Doyle, JailenThe antioxidant activity and the total phenolic content of Okoubaka aubrevillei (Anunuebe) and Pychnobotrya nitida (Osu) plant extracts were investigated in this study to justify their ethno medicinal importance. The antioxidant activity of crude extracts of both plants was investigated using the scavenging effect on DPPH (2, 2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl Radical) assay, while the total phenolic content was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method. When compared to standard drug vitamin C at various concentrations, both extracts exhibited potent antioxidant activity that increased with increasing concentration of extracts. The high positive linear correlation between the antioxidant capacity and the total phenolic content suggests that the antioxidant capacity of both plants can be largely attributed to their phenolic compounds. Based on these findings, O. aubrevillei fruit and P. nitida leaf could be potential natural antioxidant sources for preventing free radical-induced diseases.Item Open Access Antimicrobial analysis and structural elucidation of active compounds of nauclea latifolia stem extract (Pin Cushion Tree)(Open Science, 2012-06-12) Ijoma, K. I.; Ajiwe, V. I. E.; Alisa, C. O.Antimicrobial analysis and structural elucidation were carried out on the purified stem extract of Nauclea latifolia. The Harbone method was used for the extraction. The extracts were separated using a combination of column chromatography and thin layer chromatography, which gave rise to the isolation of two fractions; these fractions were further purified using recrystallization. The melting point of each pure fraction was determined. The purified extracts were subjected to structural elucidation using various spectroscopic techniques which include; FTIR, UV, H1 NMR, C13 NMR, DEPT1350, COSY, TOCSY, HMBC and HSQC. The spectral analysis suggested the presence of Myristic acid and Palmitoleic acid. The antimicrobial analysis (anti fungal and anti bacterial analysis) using the punched agar diffusion method was carried out on the isolated fractions comparatively with a standard drug Funbact-A cream (a broad spectrum antibiotic). A total of thirteen test organisms were used for this analysis amongst which were ten bacteria test organism and three fungi test organisms. The results from the average diameter zones of inhibition, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC) showed that all the fractions were all active on the entire test organism with zones of inhibition ranging from 10mm-26mm comparatively. None of these fractions showed similar anti microbial effect as the standard drug Funbact-A cream but individually could serve as antimicrobial to diseases caused by these test organisms from their MIC, MBC and MFC