Estimation of Total Carotenoids and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Selected Vegetables

Background: Vegetables are known for their rich carotenoid content responsible for their antioxidant properties. Objectives: This study sought to estimate the total carotenoid content (TCC) in four edible Nigerian vegetables; compare their free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) and relate their TCC to their respective FRSA. Methods: The method employed for extraction involved homogenization with ethanol using a blender. Estimation of the TCC was obtained by an equation derived from their Chlorophyll A and B contents from reading absorbances of homogenates at 470nm; 649nm and 665nm. FRSA of ethanolic homogenates on 2;2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) by decreased absorbance of 1mM DPPH on adding extracts was read at 517nm. The FRSA obtained by 0.2-1% concentrations done in triplicates was compared statistically (ANOVA Test; p0.01). Mean Inhibitory concentration (IC50) value was obtained graphically via percentage inhibition/concentration curve. Results: Capsicum annum had the highest TCC compared to the other vegetables. Carica papaya leaves exhibited a superior FRSA compared to other plants (p0.0001). Results showed that there may be a direct relationship between TCC and FRSA. However; Carica papaya which had the highest FRSA did not show a high TCC. Hence; Carica papaya may possess other phytochemicals other than carotenoids responsible for its high FRSA. Conclusion: This study shows that Carica papaya leaves had a high FRSA and antioxidant capacity due to the presence of carotenoids and other beneficial phytochemicals. This evidence supports the fact that it can be included into our diet as Africans

Antibacterial activities of lactic acid bacteria isolated from selected vegetables grown in nigeria: a preliminary report

Members of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are known probiotics and have been reported to have antimicrobial properties. Although various researchers have documented the isolation of these bacteria from fruits and vegetables; studies on LAB associated with lettuce; cucumber and cabbage are limited and non-existing in Nigeria. This study was designed to assess lettuce; cucumber and cabbage as potential sources of LAB and investigate the actions of their bacterial cell supernatants (BCS) on some pathogenic bacteria. Using standard microbiological methods; isolated LAB were identified to species level with API 50 CH kits (Biomerieux; France). Cell free supernatants (CFS) from de Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) broth cultures of the LAB strains were used to challenge Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853; Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212; Escherichia coli ATCC 12900 and Proteus penneri ATCC 13315 by agar well diffusion method. The control consisted of the sterile MRS broth subjected to the same growth conditions as LAB broth cultures. A total of four lactic acid bacteria were isolated as follows: Pediococcus pentosaceus 2 from cucumber; Lactobacillus cellobiosus from cabbage; Lactobacillus salivarius and Lactobacillus plantarum 1 from lettuce. Pediococcus pentosaceus 2 and L. salivarius showed inhibitory effects on all the standard strains tested while L. plantarum 1 showed no inhibitory activity against E. faecalis and E. coli. Lactobacillus cellobiosus showed inhibition against all except P. penneri. Although; the molecular characterisation and probiotic potentials of these LAB strains are being investigated in an on-going study; we presumed these vegetables are prospective sources of the bacteria in Nigeria and therefore the need to extensively investigate the vegetables and other related vegetables becomes imperative

Diets Rich in Vegetables and Physical Activity are Associated with a Decreased Risk of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension among Rural Women from Kimpese; DR Congo

Background: To assess whether the frequency pf pregnancy-induced hypertension is low; and vegetables intake and physical activity are protective against pregnancy-induced hypertension onset among rural women from Democratic republic of Congo. Method: This hospital-based and longitudinal study was carried out within the rural hospital of Kimpese; DR Congo were monitored from January 1st to March 31st 2003 on basis of demographic; diet; physical activity; anthropometry; and blood pressure till the onset of types of pregnancy-induced hypertension and delivery. Results: Out of 238 black pregnants; the incidence risk of arterial hypertension was 4.6(n=11) whose 2.9with Pre-Eclampsia and 1.7with transient hypertension. Gestity; parity and birth weight of infants were significantly lower among hypertensive mothers; while positive family history and presence of oedemas were more elevated among hypertensive pregnants. The onset of Pre Eclampsia was higher within vendors and inactive women as well as among vegetarians (3.1) than women with diet high in meat (9.7). Pre Eclampsia occurred more (p0.05) among pregnants with rare daily servings of vegetables (33.3) than pregnants with 3 or more (3.7). Physical activity (RR=0.63 CI950.33 to 0.98) were significant (p0.01) protective factors against pre eclampsia. Eclampsia was not observed. Conclusion: It is timely to promote diet rich in vegetables overweight reduction and physical activity among pregnants for the prevention of pregnancy-induced hypertension

Diets Rich in Vegetables and Physical Activity are Associated with a Decreased Risk of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension among Rural Women from Kimpese; DR Congo

Background:To assess whether the frequency pf pregnancy-induced hypertension is low; and vegetables intake and physical activity are protective against pregnancy-induced hypertension onset among rural women from Democratic republic of Congo. Method: This hospital-based and longitudinal study was carried out within the rural hospital of Kimpese; DR Congo were monitored from January 1st to March 31st 2003 on basis of demographic; diet; physical activity; anthropometry; and blood pressure till the onset of types of pregnancy-induced hypertension and delivery. Results: Out of 238 black pregnants; the incidence risk of arterial hypertension was 4.6(n=11) whose 2.9with Pre-Eclampsia and 1.7with transient hypertension.Gestity; parity and birth weight of infants were significantly lower among hypertensive mothers; while positive family history and presence of oedemas were more elevated among hypertensive pregnantsThe onset of Pre Eclampsia was higher within vendors and inactive women as well as among vegetarians (3.1) than women with diet high in meat (9.7).Pre Eclampsia occurred more (p

Diets Rich in Vegetables and Physical Activity are Associated with a Decreased Risk of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension among Rural Women from Kimpese; DR Congo

Background:To assess whether the frequency pf pregnancy-induced hypertension is low; and vegetables intake and physical activity are protective against pregnancy-induced hypertension onset among rural women from Democratic republic of Congo. Method: This hospital-based and longitudinal study was carried out within the rural hospital of Kimpese; DR Congo were monitored from January 1st to March 31st 2003 on basis of demographic; diet; physical activity; anthropometry; and blood pressure till the onset of types of pregnancy-induced hypertension and delivery. Results: Out of 238 black pregnants; the incidence risk of arterial hypertension was 4.6(n=11) whose 2.9with Pre-Eclampsia and 1.7with transient hypertension.Gestity; parity and birth weight of infants were significantly lower among hypertensive mothers; while positive family history and presence of oedemas were more elevated among hypertensive pregnantsThe onset of Pre Eclampsia was higher within vendors and inactive women as well as among vegetarians (3.1) than women with diet high in meat (9.7).Pre Eclampsia occurred more (p