Proximate composition, vitamin, mineral and biologically active compounds levels in leaves of Mangifera indica (Mango), Persea americana (Avocado pea), and Annona muricata (Sour sop)

ABSTRACT: The high rate of food insecurity in Nigeria has resulted to malnutrition and sicknesses especially in the rural areas. To address this challenges, this study assessed the levels of biologically active compounds, some essential proximate, vitamin and mineral in leaves of Mango, Avocado pea and Sour sop to determine their nutritional and health benefits. The results indicate that the highest significant (P<0.05) values of crude protein (17.94±0.99 %), calorific value (370.47±1.01 KJ), carbohydrate (66.04±1.00 %), thiamine (0.52±0.01 mg), beta-carotene (115.50±0.01 mg) and K (0.60±0.01 %), alkaloid (2.26±0.01 %) and saponin (1.33±0.01 %) were observed in Avocado pea while ether extract (4.30±0.95 %), ash (8.24±0.99 %), crude fiber (10.60±0.95 %), ascorbic acid (13.20±0.90 mg), riboflavin (0.21±0.01 mg), Ca (4.41±0.01 %), P (0.40±0.01 %), tannin (1.38±0.01 %), flavonoid (0.85±0.01 %) and phenol (0.37±0.01 %) were obtained in Mango. The highest content of niacin (0.41±0.01 mg), Mg (1.70±0.01 %), N (2.98±0.99 %) and phytate (0.30±0.01 %) were recorded in sour sop. The highest values of Na was statistically the same (P>0.05) in Mango (0.23±0.01 %) and Sour sop (0.23±0.01 %) but significantly (P<0.05) higher than 0.19±0.01 % in Avocado pea. Similarly the highest moisture content was observed in Avocado pea (21.74±0.99 %) which is statistically equal with 20.10±0.90% in Mango but significantly (P<0.05) higher than 16.58±1.00 % in Sour sop. The leaves of Mango and Avocado pea are potential source of vitamins, mineral, phytochemical and proximate composition and is strongly recommended for nutritional and therapeutic uses to enhance good health of people

Major and trace element evaluation of the campano-maastrichtian sediments of anambra basin exposed around Enugu, Nigeria

ABSTRACT: An integrated geochemical and sedimentological study of the Campano- Maastrichtian sediment of Ajali and Owelli Formation exposed within the southern portion of the Anambra basin was undertaken to determine the sandstone provenance, tectonic setting, and paleo-weathering conditions. All sandstone samples are enriched in quartz (Q) but poor in feldspar (F) andlithic-fragments (L). The major-element concentrations of these sandstones reveal the relative homogeneity of their source. Geochemically, the sandstones are classified as quartzarenite, sub-litharenite, and subarkose. Tectonic setting discrimination diagrams suggest a passive continental margin. The sediments are enriched in SiO2 and depleted in Na2O, CaO and TiO2.Chemical index of weathering (CIW) of the sample suggests intense recycling and high degree of weathering in a humid climatic condition. Results of the elemental ratios critical of provenance compared to those of felsic and basic derived sediment of UCC and PAAS values suggests a felsic source rock. Cu/Zn, U/Th, Ni/Co and (Cu+Mo)/Zn paleo-oxygenation ratios used as redox parameters depicts an oxic environment. Finally, presence of minerals, like Anatase, Rutile and Microcline depicts an igneous and metamorphic source terrain

Spatial Epidemiology Risk Assessment for Rehabilitated Former Asbestos Mining Areas in Limpopo Province; South Africa; Using Remote Sensing and Conventional Analytical Methods

Abstract:The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis using remote sensing and conventional sample analysis to assess asbestos pollution in rehabilitated former asbestos mining areas. The study focused on the Mafefe and Mathabatha areas of Limpopo Province; South Africa. Field-based remote sensing techniques were used to spectrally differentiate various types of asbestos minerals in order to determine their efficacy in assessing asbestos pollution. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were employed for the identification and characterisation of traces of asbestos minerals in soil and water samples collected from the rehabilitated areas. The samples were also examined using in situ remote sensing. An Analytical Spectral Devices field spectrometer was used for spectral analysis of asbestos minerals and that of soil and water samples to compare and validate reflectance spectroscopy findings with laboratory results. Results show that in situ remote sensing techniques are able to reveal traces of asbestos minerals on rehabilitated dry surface areas; suggesting that they can play a significant role in monitoring the distribution of the asbestos minerals for epidemiological risk assessment. However; the spectral characteristics of asbestos minerals in the water medium were not as distinct as compared to laboratory methods. Overall; the results show potential for using remote sensing techniques in spatial epidemiology studies

Serum levels of antioxidant vitamins and mineral elements of human immunodeficiency virus positive subjects in Sokoto, Nigeria

Background: Undernourishment and micronutrient deficiencies exacerbate immunosuppression, oxidative stress, acceleration of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication and CD4 T-cell depletion in HIV-infected individuals. Materials and Methods: The current work reports the serum levels of antioxidant vitamins (vitamins A, C and E) and minerals (Zn, Fe, Cu) in 90 HIV positive subjects attending the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Nigeria. The serum levels of the micronutrients were correlated with the CD4 count of the subjects. Results: The results showed that the HIV positive subjects have significantly lower (P < 0.05) levels of vitamins A, C and E. Also, serum Zn, Fe, Cu and CD4 count were also significantly (P < 0.05) lower compared with the HIV negative subjects. Micronutrient deficiencies were more pronounced in HIV positive subjects with CD4 counts less than 200 cell/ìl. The results based on age and sex showed no significant (P > 0.05) difference. Vitamins A, E and C and Zn and Fe showed positive correlation with CD4 count of the HIV positive subjects. Conclusion: The results suggest that the HIV subjects in the study area have lowered serum levels of antioxidant micronutrients and that the levels decrease with increase in the severity of the infection. These may increase the chances of the symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects progressing into full-blown Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

The effect of Local Mineral Kadosero Towards the Antimicrobial Activity of Medical Plant's Extract: Case of Lake Victoria Basin; Tarime Tanzania

The effect of Kadosero; a crude mineral used by traditional healers as a supplement to plant extracts against microbial infections was evaluated. A sample of kadosero from a local market was both analyzed for its basic composition and its role on bioactivity of plant extract. Titrimetric; Gravimetric and Atomic Absorption Spectrometric analyses were used to determine contents of the mineral kadosero. Disc Diffusion Assay was used for bioactivity screening in-vitro. Chemical analysis of kadosero revealed the presence of SO4-2(0.0038mg/g); Fe2 (0.0027mg/g); Cl- (232.683mg/g) and Na+ (151.25mg/g). In-vitro tests revealed that supplementing extract of Balanites aegyptiaca with a mineral kadosero by using untreated well water reduced number of bacterial from 100 colony forming units to nil at a mass of a mineral between 60-100 mg. On the other hand; a mineral kadosero did not increase bioactivity of the extract of B. aegyptiaca against the test microbes in agar disc diffusion assay. This was attributed by interaction between the mineral kadosero and nutrient agar medium. The crude mineral kadosero can be supplemented to other plant extracts used locally for treatment of general bacterial infections for increased bioactivity. Further study is recommended to determine mechanisms for bacterial vulnerability to this mineral supplement

Matieres minerales et animales utilisees dans la medecine traditionnelles [sic] au Bushi; Sud-Kivu; Est du Zaire

Au Bushi; en plus des extraits vegetaux; on utilise comme medicaments des substances minerales et animales qui entrent dans la fabrication des ingredients auxquels on attribue le pouvoir de guerir; de prevenir les maladies et les malefices et de vaincre l'ennemi. On attribue aux animaux une importance medico-magique car ils sont souvent frequentes par les esprits protecteurs des hommes. Certains sont des interdits et ne peuvent; par consequent; ni etre tues ni etre manges