Hepatoprotective Effects of Crude Extracts of Tomato and Onion in Rats Exposed to Locally Processed Beef.

This study was carried out to examine the hepatoprotective effect of ethylacetate extract of tomatoes and methanol extract of onions on the biochemical changes induced by feed formulated with 15% roasted beef and 85% rats pellets. Doses of 500 mg/kg body weight of both extracts were administered orally. The hepatic activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino-transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were examined, also concentrations of total protein, albumin and globulin were monitored in the animals. The effects of feeding and treatment on oxidative stress parameters (CAT, SOD, GPx, Glutathione and MDA) were determined. The changes observed were discussed.

Effect of Gas Flaring on the Phytochemical and Nutritional Composition of Treculia africana and Vigna subterranean.

Aims: The effect of petroleum exploration and exploitation activities on the phytochemical and nutritional composition of African breadfruit (Treculia africana) and Bambara groundnuts (Vigna subterranean) harvested from polluted and unpolluted environment were studied. Study Design: Plant samples were collected from Izombe, an environment highly polluted by gas flaring and Eziobodo, an environment not known for gas flare exposures. Both locations are within the (Niger-Delta) rain forest region of Imo State, Nigeria. Methodology: The processed samples were subjected to proximate and phytochemical screening. The vitamins, micro and macro minerals contents were determined using standard biochemical methods and equipment. Results: Some of the phytochemicals and nutritional contents showed varying levels of significant difference (P<0.05) in samples from the two localities. Bambara groundnuts from polluted area was significantly lower (P<0.05) in moisture, ash, protein and carbohydrate when compared to samples from unpolluted environment. The concentrations of antinutrients such as oxalate, phytate, tannin and cyanogenic glycoside were significantly higher (P<0.05) in samples from polluted areas when compared to samples from unpolluted areas. The results showed increased accumulation of microminerals and reduced macrominerals in samples from polluted environment. Riboflavin, vitamins A, C and E were also significantly higher (P<0.05) in samples obtained from unpolluted environment. Conclusion: Data obtained revealed that T. africana and V. subterranean are highly nutritious and their nutrient composition are responsive to pollution due to gas flaring.