Proximate Analysis, Phytochemical Screening and High Resolution Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometry Analysis of Essential Oils of Hedychium Coronarium J. Koenig, a Medicinal and Aromatic Plant

Medicinal plants have been used in all cultures as a source of medicine since ages. When parts of plants such as rhizomes, leaves or barks and other natural materials are used as drugs to treat illnesses, they are called crude drugs and the study of crude drugs is called pharmacognosy. Proximate analysis in plants gives valuable information and help to assess the quality of a crude drug. Beneficial effects of crude drugs are believed to be attributed to plant phytochemicals. Hedychium coronarium J. Koenig, a medicinal and aromatic plant of high value is an endangered and red-listed plant. The rhizome of this plant is used for the treatment of various diseases. Crude extracts prepared from the rhizomes show antibacterial and antifungal properties. Essential oils obtained from Hedychium coronarium are found to be rich in terpenes and used for bactericidal, fungicidal, medicinal and cosmetic applications. The present study assesses the quality of crude drugs prepared from this highly medicinal plant. Proximate analysis and phytochemical screening of rhizomes of Hedychium coronarium, which is frequently consumed as food and as medicine were carried out. Ash content was found to be low) when compared to the moisture content. The water extractive value was more than alcohol extractive. Preliminary tests carried out on phytochemicals revealed the presence of terpenoids and oils. High Resolution Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometry was carried to ascertain the different components of essential oils and revealed the presence of eucalyptol (1,8-cineole), caryophyllene oxide, camphor, linoleic acid, ricinin, phloroglucinol, 6-gingerol, carvone and arjungenin.

The effect of lactic acid fermentation of Bactronophorus thoracites on antimicrobial activity against rice pathogens

Aims@#Leaf blight disease caused by Pantoea spp. reduces rice yields in numerous nations. However, the exact strategy to combat Pantoea spp. has yet to be determined. Bactronophorus thoracites is a promising source of natural antimicrobial agents due to their potential as a substrate to generate peptides with high antimicrobial activity. This study determined the effects of lactic acid fermentation using Lactobacillus casei ATCC334 as a starter culture on antimicrobial activity against rice pathogens, proximate composition, and amino acid profiles from B. thoracites crude extract.@*Methodology and results@#Bactronophorus thoracites was washed and deshelled to collect the flesh and homogenised at 4 °C before freeze-drying. The freeze-dried samples were fermented with L. casei for 4 to 8 days at 37 °C. The antimicrobial activity, MIC and MBC were determined using a spectrometer. The fermented protein was subjected to proximate and amino acid analyses. The antimicrobial activity of fermented B. thoracites protein (FBTP) was significantly (p<0.05) decreased with the increased fermentation days (from 4 to 8 days). The antimicrobial activity was also increased when the glucose concentration increased from 2% to 3%. However, raising the glucose concentration to 4% decreased the antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial activity was significantly (p<0.05) increased when the substratewater (S/W) ratio increased from 0.84% to 0.96%. The FBTP (4 days, 3% glucose concentration and 0.96% S/W ratio) showed high antimicrobial activity against Pantoea ananatis and P. stewartii. The MIC and MBC values for FBTP were 500 μg/mL and 250 μg/mL against P. ananatis and P. stewartii. The zones of inhibition value for FBTP were 16.0 ± 0.5 mm (1000 μg/mL) and 9.33 ± 0.57 mm (500 μg/mL) for P. ananatis, and 11.7 ± 0.61 mm (1000 μg/mL), 9.33 ± 0.58 mm (500 μg/mL) and 7.17 ± 0.77 mm (250 μg/mL) for P. stewartii. The proximate composition and amino acid profiles of the freeze-dried protein hydrolysate powder were characterised. FBTP produced a higher value of protein (61.56%) and ash (32.38%) and a lower value of total fat (0.273%) and carbohydrates (6.27%) than the B. thoracites crude extract. Total amino acid content was 39.480 g/100 g in B. thoracites crude extract and 155.442 g/100 g in FBTP. The essential amino acid glutamine was the most abundant in B. thoracites crude extract and methionine in FBTP.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#This study showed that lactic acid fermentation could produce FBTP using L. casei with improved functional characteristics and as a source of a natural antimicrobial agent against rice pathogens.

Study on assessment of proximate composition and meat quality of fresh and stored Clarias gariepinus and Cyprinus carpio / Estudo da avaliação da composição centesimal e da qualidade da carne de Clarias gariepinus e Cyprinus carpio

Abstract The organoleptic evaluation and proximate analysis of Clarias gariepinus and Cyprinus carpio were determined in fresh fish and when refrigerated at two different temperatures (-21 °C and 4 °C) for a period of six weeks. A panel of twelve trained judges evaluated the color (live), texture, softness and flavor of fish meat after two minutes' steam cooking. Average score revealed a general decline in organoleptic properties such as color, texture, freshness, and taste of C. gariepinus and C. carpio stored at two temperatures compared to the fresh fish. Proximate analysis revealed a more decrease in crude protein and lipid contents and increase in ash content in C. gariepinus and C. carpio at the two storage temperatures compared to the fresh fish muscle. Moisture content decreased in the fish muscle samples of both the fish species stored at -21 °C but increased in the 4 °C stored samples. pH of fish was found to increase in the two stored temperatures. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the organoleptic and proximate composition of the ice stored and fresh C. gariepinus and C. carpio, the same temperature and between the two different temperatures. The quality of fish muscle stored at 4 °C deteriorated faster than that of the -21 °C. Thus, storage temperature and duration have adverse effects on the nutritional quality of fish meat.

Resumo A avaliação organoléptica e a análise aproximada de Clarias gariepinus e Cyprinus carpio foram determinadas em peixe fresco e refrigerado a duas temperaturas diferentes (-21 °C e 4 °C) por um período de seis semanas. Um painel de doze juízes treinados avaliou a cor (ao vivo), textura, maciez e sabor da carne de peixe após dois minutos de cozimento a vapor. O escore médio revelou um declínio geral nas propriedades organolépticas, como cor, textura, frescor e sabor de C. gariepinus e C. carpio armazenados a duas temperaturas em comparação com o peixe fresco. A análise imediata revelou uma maior diminuição nos teores de proteína bruta e lipídios e aumento no teor de cinzas em C. gariepinus e C. carpio nas duas temperaturas de armazenamento em comparação com o músculo do peixe fresco. O teor de umidade diminuiu nas amostras de músculo de peixe de ambas as espécies de peixes armazenadas a -21 °C, mas aumentou nas amostras armazenadas a 4 °C. O pH dos peixes aumentou nas duas temperaturas armazenadas. Houve diferenças significativas (P <0,05) na composição organoléptica e próxima do gelo armazenado e fresco C. gariepinus e C. carpio, a mesma temperatura e entre as duas temperaturas diferentes. A qualidade do músculo do peixe armazenado a 4 °C deteriorou-se mais rapidamente do que a temperatura de -21 °C. Assim, a temperatura e duração do armazenamento têm efeitos adversos na qualidade nutricional da carne de peixe.

Quality Characteristics of Bread from Wheat and Garden Peas Flours

The functional, physicochemical and sensory evaluation of bread from wheat and garden peas flours were investigated. Five (5) bread samples were produced from the proportion of wheat and garden pea flours as 90%:10% (B), 80%:20% (C), 70%:30% (D), 60%:40% (E) and 100% wheat was the control sample (A) using standard methods. All the functional parameters differed (p≤0.05) significantly. The moisture, crude protein, crude fat, Ash and crude fiber increased (p≤0.05) significantly while the carbohydrate content decrease (p≤0.05) significantly with corresponding increase in the percentage of the composite flour from 10-40%. The result of the physical properties showed that there was a significant difference in all the physical parameters. Also, sensory results showed that there were significant differences in all the sensory scores. However, consumers preferred the bread from 100% wheat flour and 90% and 10% (Sample B) of wheat and garden peas flours substitution.

Preliminary Investigations on the Health Benefits of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad Seeds

Aims: To evaluate the composition of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad seed as a means of assessing its health and possible therapeutic benefits. Study Design: Test-tube Lab Research. Place and Duration of Study: Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Nigeria, between June 2018 and March 2019. Methodology: Intact dehulled Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad seeds were analyzed for their proximate and elemental content using standard methods and atomic absorption spectroscopy, respectively. The seed oil was extracted with n-hexane via cold maceration and the extracted oil was analyzed for its physiochemical properties. The fatty acid profile was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: The proximate analysis values were determined to be 6.51%, 51.46%, 21.62%, 13.26%, 3.76% and 3.39% for the moisture, crude fat, crude protein, crude fiber, ash and total carbohydrate content respectively. Results of the elemental analysis show the seed contains; 3653.0322 mg/kg Na, 6639.7818 mg/kg K, 2329.0612 mg/kg Ca, 235.6057 mg/kg Fe, 5252.5884 mg/kg Mg, 27.9056 mg/kg Zn and 7.0068 mg/kg Pb. The predominant fatty acid detected with an area percentage of 20.31 was cis-11-octadecenoic acid. Other fatty acids detected include cis-9, cis-12-octadecadienoic acid, cis-9-octadecenoic, hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid and icosanoic acid. Squalene, a biosynthetic precursor of cholesterol, was detected with an area percentage of 8.54. Conclusion: The evaluation of the compositional data provided evidential support for its beneficial health impact particularly in regards to nutritional and cardio-vascular health.

Proximate and biochemical analysis for marine and freshwater algae

@#Aims:In this study, ten indigenous microalgae samples from freshwater and marine waters from Malaysia, cultured and analysed on proximate and biochemical analysis. The proximate and biochemical analysis consists of starch, carbohydrates, lipid, protein, ash and moisture contents. This study was more focused on screening of starch accumulation in marine and freshwater microalgae cultures. Methodology and results:Based on screening, the results showed that Chlorella salinacontents highest starch of 4.92±0.33%, followed by Spirulinasp. 2.58±1.18%, Isochrysis maritime 0.99±0.33%, and lastly for Nitzschiapanduriformisand Naviculadistanscontents similar percentage of starch (0.44±0.10 and 0.40±0.07%, respectively). Besides starch analysis, proximate analyses(ash, moisture, lipid, protein, and carbohydrates) have been conducted. The results obtained indicated that all the cultures contain more than 4.50% of carbohydrates in average, followed by lipid and protein <1%. The results demonstrate that further optimization and various harvesting stages (early of exponential phase, early of stationary phaseand late stationary phase) may increase lipid, carbohydrates, starch, and protein accumulation. Chlorella salinaand Spirulinasp. will be used to further study on optimization of physical and chemical factors for high starch accumulation. Conclusion, significance and impact of study:In conclusion, this experiment focused more on preliminary screening for further application of starch uses in food and food packaging indust

Study on assessment of proximate composition and meat quality of fresh and stored Clarias gariepinus and Cyprinus carpio

Abstract The organoleptic evaluation and proximate analysis of Clarias gariepinus and Cyprinus carpio were determined in fresh fish and when refrigerated at two different temperatures (-21 °C and 4 °C) for a period of six weeks. A panel of twelve trained judges evaluated the color (live), texture, softness and flavor of fish meat after two minutes steam cooking. Average score revealed a general decline in organoleptic properties such as color, texture, freshness, and taste of C. gariepinus and C. carpio stored at two temperatures compared to the fresh fish. Proximate analysis revealed a more decrease in crude protein and lipid contents and increase in ash content in C. gariepinus and C. carpio at the two storage temperatures compared to the fresh fish muscle. Moisture content decreased in the fish muscle samples of both the fish species stored at -21 °C but increased in the 4 °C stored samples. pH of fish was found to increase in the two stored temperatures. There were significant differences (P 0.05) in the organoleptic and proximate composition of the ice stored and fresh C. gariepinus and C. carpio, the same temperature and between the two different temperatures. The quality of fish muscle stored at 4 °C deteriorated faster than that of the -21 °C. Thus, storage temperature and duration have adverse effects on the nutritional quality of fish meat.

Resumo A avaliação organoléptica e a análise aproximada de Clarias gariepinus e Cyprinus carpio foram determinadas em peixe fresco e refrigerado a duas temperaturas diferentes (-21 °C e 4 °C) por um período de seis semanas. Um painel de doze juízes treinados avaliou a cor (ao vivo), textura, maciez e sabor da carne de peixe após dois minutos de cozimento a vapor. O escore médio revelou um declínio geral nas propriedades organolépticas, como cor, textura, frescor e sabor de C. gariepinus e C. carpio armazenados a duas temperaturas em comparação com o peixe fresco. A análise imediata revelou uma maior diminuição nos teores de proteína bruta e lipídios e aumento no teor de cinzas em C. gariepinus e C. carpio nas duas temperaturas de armazenamento em comparação com o músculo do peixe fresco. O teor de umidade diminuiu nas amostras de músculo de peixe de ambas as espécies de peixes armazenadas a -21 °C, mas aumentou nas amostras armazenadas a 4 °C. O pH dos peixes aumentou nas duas temperaturas armazenadas. Houve diferenças significativas (P 0,05) na composição organoléptica e próxima do gelo armazenado e fresco C. gariepinus e C. carpio, a mesma temperatura e entre as duas temperaturas diferentes. A qualidade do músculo do peixe armazenado a 4 °C deteriorou-se mais rapidamente do que a temperatura de -21 °C. Assim, a temperatura e duração do armazenamento têm efeitos adversos na qualidade nutricional da carne de peixe.

Nutritional evaluation of Kedrostis africana (L.) Cogn: An edible wild plant of South Africa

Objective To evaluate the nutritional composition and elemental constituents of Kedrostis africana and their safety aspect. Methods Proximate parameters (moisture, ash, crude fibre, crude fat, proteins, and carbohydrate and energy) were evaluated using ALASA methods, and elemental analysis by ICP-OES technique. Results The results from nutritional analysis showed that the tuber used for this study had a low content of crude fat and high content of ash, crude protein, crude fibre, carbohydrate and energy having the recommended dietary allowances. The tuber was rich in major minerals Na, K, Ca and Mg, there was sufficient amount of trace elements Fe, Cu, and Zn while the anti-nutrients oxalate, phytate, alkaloids, and saponins were detected in amounts that are not harmful according to Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization. Conclusions The outcome of this study suggests that this wild plant has very good nutritional potentials to meet the recommended dietary allowance and it could be a cheap source of essential nutrients that may ameliorate most nutritional challenges and can contribute remarkably to the amount of nutrient intake in human and animal diet.

Macronutrients content of Red Seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii and Kappaphycus striatum / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

Seaweed contains various nutrients that has the potential to be a source of nutritious food, but only a few studies done on the red seaweeds in Malaysia. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the macronutrients content, amino acid profile and fatty acid component in Kappaphycus alvarezii and Kappaphycus striatum. The study found that the range of moisture, fat, ash, protein, fiber and carbohydrates content for both red seaweeds were 6.9% - 7.3%, 0.5% - 2.6%, 29.4% - 30.9%, 2.5% - 5.7% , 5.3% - 5.5% and 50.1% - 53.3% respectively. A total of 16 amino acids were identified in which the essential amino acid for K. alvarezii and K. striatum were 41.11% and 36.15% respectively. A total of 34 fatty acids were identified in which the content of saturated fatty acids (SFA) was the highest (42.7% - 72.8%), followed by mono-unsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) (13.8% - 36.2%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was the lowest (13.5% - 21.2%). In conclusion, this study suggest that K. alvarezii and K. striatum are potentially be used as raw materials or food ingredients to improve the nutritional value of the human diet.

Nutritional evaluation of Kedrostis africana (L.) Cogn: An edible wild plant of South Africa

Objective:To evaluate the nutritional composition and elemental constituents of Kedrostis africana and their safety aspect.Methods:Proximate parameters (moisture,ash,crude fibre,crude fat,proteins,and carbohydrate and energy) were evaluated using ALASA methods,and elemental analysis by ICP-OES technique.Results:The results from nutritional analysis showed that the tuber used for this study had a low content of crude fat and high content of ash,crude protein,crude fibre,carbohydrate and energy having the recommended dietary allowances.The tuber was rich in major minerals Na,K,Ca and Mg,there was sufficient amount of trace elements Fe,Cu,and Zn while the anti-nutrients oxalate,phytate,alkaloids,and saponins were detected in amounts that are not harmful according to Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization.Conclusions:The outcome of this study suggests that this wild plant has very good nutritional potentials to meet the recommended dietary allowance and it could be a cheap source of essential nutrients that may ameliorate most nutritional challenges and can contribute remarkably to the amount of nutrient intake in human and animal diet.

Replacing sugar with S. rebaudiana extracts on the physicochemical and sensory properties of strawberry ice cream / Substituição do açúcar com extratos de S. rebaudiana sobre as propriedades físico-químicas e sensoriais de sorvete de morango

ABSTRACT: Ice cream is a product whose formulation requires considerable amounts of sugar. In addition to providing flavor, sugar contributes to the physicochemical characteristics of ice cream but its consumption in large quantities is related to chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. For this reason, the food industry seeks to formulate products with sweeteners that preserve the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of the original product. Stevia rebaudiana is a plant that naturally contains glycosides with no calories and high sweetening capacity and it is considered safe for consumption. Therefore the aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of replacing sugar with different levels of extracts of S. rebaudiana Morita II and Criolla, on the physicochemical and sensory properties of strawberry ice cream. Using a 2x2 factorial experimental design, a total of 4 formulations were prepared with two levels of concentration of the aqueous extract of Stevia rebaudiana (5 or 8%) and the variety of S. rebaudiana (Morita II or Criolla). Proximate composition, physicochemical properties and sensory evaluation were determined in processed products. The proximate analysis of strawberry ice cream varied significantly (P<0.05) depending of variety and level used on the formulation. The viscosities of all ice cream mixes were decreasing as the shear rate was increased, indicating a pseudoplastic behavior. The sensory analysis showed differences (P<0.05) among the formulations tested, however the score of all products were above the indifference point, suggesting that all of these formulations may have a commercial potential.

RESUMO: Sorvete é um produto cuja formulação requer quantidades consideráveis de açúcar. Além de proporcionar o sabor, o açúcar contribui para as propriedades físico-químicas do sorvete, mas o seu consumo em grandes quantidades está relacionada com as doenças crônicas, como diabetes e obesidade. Por essa razão, a indústria alimentícia buscou formular produtos com adoçantes para manter as propriedades físico-químicas e sensoriais do produto original. Stevia rebaudiana é uma planta que contém naturalmente glicosídeos sem calorias com alta capacidade adoçante, cujo consumo é considerado seguro. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da substituição do açúcar por diferentes níveis de extratos de S. rebaudiana Morita II e Criolla, sobre as propriedades físico-químicas e sensoriais do sorvete de morango. Usando um modelo experimental de fator 2x2, um total de 4 formulações foram preparadas com 2 níveis de concentração de extrato aquoso de Stevia rebaudiana (5 ou 8%) e a variedade de Stevia (Morita II ou Criolla). Os produtos processados foram submetidos a análises proximais e físico-químicas, e avaliação sensorial foi realizada para três deles. A análise do sorvete de morango teve uma variação estatisticamente significativa (P<0,05), dependendo da variedade e do nível utilizado na formulação. A viscosidade da mistura de sorvete diminuía com o aumento da velocidade de corte, indicando um comportamento pseudoplástico. A análise sensorial mostrou que não houve diferenças significativas (P>0,05) entre as formulações avaliadas e a pontuação de todos os produtos estava acima do ponto de indiferença, indicando que todos eles podem ter um potencial comercial.

Mineral, Nutritional, and Phytochemical Profile, Total Phenolic Content, and Radical Scavenging Activity of Philippine Bamboo "Bolo" Gigantochloa levis (Blanco) Merr. Leaves

The study is a pioneering effort to determine the mineral, nutritional, and phytochemical composition and phenolic content and to determine the free radical scavenging activity of Gigantochloa levis (Blanco) Merr, a native bamboo species (locally known as "bolo") in the Philippines. Proximate analysis showed that air-dried G. levis leaves contain 15.8% ash, 22.6% crude protein, 1.2% crude fat, 29.3% crude fiber, and 19.7% total sugar. Phytochemical tests indicated the presence of diterpenes, triterpenes, saponins, phenols, tannins, and flavonoids in both the ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts, while phytosterols were only detected in the ethanolic extract. Folin-Ciocalteu assay determined the total phenolic content in gallic acid equivalents (GAE) to be 85.86 ± 3.71 and 32.32 ± 1.01 mg GAE/100 g dried sample for the ethanolic and aqueous extracts, respectively. The total phenolic content in quercetin equivalents (QE) was 74.44 ± 3.11 and 29.43 ± 0.85 mg QE/100g dried sample for the ethanolic and aqueous extracts, respectively. The radical scavenging activity of the different solvent fractions containing varying concentrations of the extract was determined using the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The ethyl acetate and 1-butanol fractions were found to have the highest radical scavenging activity. Mineral analysis via Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry (EDS) of the ash of G. levis leaves showed that Si is the major component, followed by K and Mg. These results point to the potential of G. levis leaves as a source of minerals and bioactive compounds with medicinal value.

Traditional utilization and biochemical composition of six mollusc shells in Nigeria / Utilización tradicional y composición bioquímica de seis conchas de moluscos en Nigeria

The shells of molluscs protect them from physical damage, predators and dehydration. We studied various local uses of shells and their biochemical properties in Abeokuta, Nigeria. A standard structured questionnaire about use was applied to 100 snail and herb sellers and shells from 120 adult individuals of Archachatina marginata, Achatina achatina, Achatina fulica, Littorina littorea, Meretrix lusoria and Merceneria mercenaria were evaluated for their mineral components (Ca2+, Fe2+, Mg2+, Na+, Zn+, P+, K+) and proximate composition (crude protein, ash, fibre, crude fat and carbohydrate) using standard methods. Properties against fungi and bacteria isolates were also tested. These shells are used for bleaching, brushing, abrasion and others. The weight of the shells varied from 0.5g (L. littorea) to 25.00g (A. marginata) and thickness from 0.46mm in M .lusoria to 5.35mm in M. mercenaria. We found no inhibitory effect against fungi and bacterial isolates. The molluscs are high in carbohydrates (83.54-92.76g/100g) and low in protein (0.16-0.38g/100g). The fat content ranged between 0.42g/100g and 0.82g/100g, and ash between 2.14g/100g and 9.45g/100g. Ca2+ was the most abundant (10.25-96.35mg/g) while K+ was the least abundant (0.3-0.7mg/g) (p<0.05). Active ingredients of these shells can be used in the feed and construction industries.

Las conchas protegen a los moluscos del daño físico, los depredadores y la deshidratación. En este trabajo se estudiaron los diversos usos locales de las conchas y sus propiedades bioquímicas en Abeokuta, Nigeria. Se utilizó un cuestionario estructurado estándar sobre los usos de las conchas, aplicado a 100 vendedores de caracoles y hierbas, conchas de 120 individuos adultos de Archachatina marginata, Achatina achatina, Achatina fulica, Littorina littorea, Meretrix lusoria y Merceneria mercenaria fueron evaluados para la extracción de los compuestos minerales (Ca2+, Fe2+, Mg2+, Na+, Zn+, P+, K+) y la composición proximal (proteína cruda, materia seca, fibra, contenido graso y carbohidratos) usando métodos estándar. También se analizaron las propiedades de aislamientos contra hongos y bacterias. Las conchas se utilizan para el blanqueamiento, cepillado, abrasión y otros. El peso de las conchas varió de 0.5g (L. littorea) a 25.00g (A. marginata) y el espesor de 0.46mm en M. lusoria a 5.35mm en M. mercenaria. No se encontraron efectos inhibidores de los aislamientos contra hongos y bacterias. Los moluscos resultaron ricos en carbohidratos (83.54-92.76g/100g) y bajos en proteínas (0.16-0.38g/100g). El contenido graso osciló entre 0.42g/100g y 0.82g/100g y la materia seca entre 2.14g/100g y 9.45g/100g. Ca2+ fue el más abundante (10.25-96.35mg/g), mientras que K+ el menos abundante (0.3-0.7mg/g) (p<0.05). Los ingredientes activos de estas conchas se pueden utilizar en la industria alimentaria y de la construcción.

Quantitative Phytochemical, Proximate Analysis and Hypolipidemic Effect of Garcinia Kola.

Aims: This study was aimed at evaluating the phytochemical and nutrient composition of G. kola seed. Also to examine the effect of G. kola seed on the serum lipid profile of fed rats. Study Design: Quantitative phytochemical, proximate analysis and in vivo effect on serum lipid profile. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike Abia State, between June 2013 and September 2013. Methodology: The seeds were cut into small pieces, dried and ground into powder. The quantitative phytochemical and proximate nutrient analyses of the powdered sample were determined using standard methods. The lipid lowering effects of the powdered sample of G. kola determined in rats. The rats were fed with feed fortified with graded levels (5, 10, 20 and 50%) of powdered sample of G. kola for 21 consecutive days and the effects on total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were compared with a negative control. Results: The seed sample produced significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent decrease in the total serum cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C and VLDL-C levels in fed groups of rats when compared to the control group. The seed sample also, caused significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent increase in serum HDL-C level in fed groups of rats when compared to the control groups. The phytochemical analysis showed that the sample contained tannins (5.08%), flavonoids (0.93%), saponins (2.54%) and alkaloids (5.13%). The proximate analysis of the nutrient composition of powdered G. kola seed showed the presence of moisture, ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF), crude protein (CP), ash and nitrogen free extracts (NFE) in the following proportion 7.40, 1.48, 2.94, 3.19, 4.39 and 80.58%, respectively. Conclusion: The sample demonstrated good lipid lowering effects which may suggest that the consumption of G. kola seed may help in the reduction of the incidence of cardiovascular diseases in patients.

Phytochemical, Nutrient Composition and Serum Lipid Lowering Effect of Xylopia aethiopica Fruit.

Aims: The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of Xylopia aethiopica on serum lipids in fed rats. Also the quantitative phytochemical and nutrient composition was investigated. Study Design: Quantitative phytochemical, proximate analysis and in vivo effect on serum lipid profile. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike Abia State, between June 2013 and September 2013. Methodology: The fruit were cut into small piece, dried and ground into powder. The quantitative phytochemical and proximate nutrient analyses of the powder sample were determined using standard methods. The serum lipid lowering effects of the powdered fruit in rats was determined by feeding different groups of rats with graded levels (5, 10, 20 and 50%) of the powdered fruit incorporated in their feed for 21 consecutive days and the effects on the total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C, and HDL-C were compared with a negative control. Results: The fruit sample produced significant (p<0.05) concentration-dependent decrease in the total serum cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C and VLDL-C levels and increase in serum HDL-C level in fed groups of rats when compared to the control group. The phytochemical analysis showed that the sample contained tannins (4.96%), flavonoids (0.81%), saponins (2.93%) and alkaloids (1.24%). The proximate analysis of the nutrient composition of powdered Xylopia aethiopica sample showed the presence of moisture, lipid, crude fibre, crude protein, ash and nitrogen free extracts in the following proportion 6.32, 12.54, 14.51, 0.91, 2.31 and 63.41% respectively. Conclusion: The fruit sample demonstrated good hypolipidemic effects which may suggest that the consumption of Xylopia aethiopica fruit may help in the reduction of the incidence of hyperlipidemia related diseases in patients.

Proximate Based Comparative Assessment of Five Medicinal Plants to Meet the Challenges of Malnutrition.

Aims: The present study aimed to assess the nutritional significance of some of the economically important medicinal plants species collected from Pakistan. Study Design: The study was designed in randomized block design and each analysis was performed with three replicates. Place and Duration of Study: Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat and duration of the study was ten months. Methodology: Present study was conducted to determine the nutritional importance of medicinal plants viz. Achyranthes aspera, Xanthium strumarium, Albizzia lebbeck, Amaranthus cruentus and Calotropis procera. Proximate compositions of these plant species (moisture, ash, fats, fiber, alcohol soluble extractive (ASE), proteins,carbohydrates and energy value) were carried out using standard methods of food analysis. Results: The mean moisture content ranged from 0.334% for X. strumarium to 8.18% for A. cruentus. X. strumarium was found highest in fats, fibers and ASE. Highest percentage of moisture (8.2%) and ash (15.9%) was found in A. cruentus. C. procera was identified as a good source of carbohydrates (67.3%) and energy value (301.9 kcal/100g). The ICPOES analysis of the medicinal plants showed that A. lebbeck had significant concentrations of calcium while A. cruentus had highest concentration of iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese and phosphorous as compared to other medicinal plants. The heavy metals contents were either absent or negligible. Conclusion: The present finding suggests that the selected medicinal plants have a promising potential to not only cure ailments but to maintain a healthy life.

Parámetros cinéticos y perfil de ácidos grasos de cadena corta de bacterias ácido lácticas termotolerantes con diferentes fuentes de carbón / Kinetics parameters and short chain fatty acids profile of thermotolerant lactic acid bacteria with different carbon sources

Antecedentes: Los prebióticos son sustancias obtenidas de fuentes vegetales, las cuales son digeribles enel colon donde se sitúa el mayor número de flora intestinal. Las inulinas de achicoria y agave son utilizadascomo prebióticos en distintos alimentos, proporcionando beneficios al aumentar la flora microbiana benéfica.Objetivos: Determinar el efecto de diferentes fuentes de carbono como inulina de agave, achicoria,y albedo de naranja sobre los parámetros cinéticos y el perfil de ácidos grasos de cadena corta de dos bacteriasácido lácticas, a saber: P. pentosaceous y A. viridans. Métodos: Se realizó el análisis químico proximal(humedad, proteína, pH, cenizas, extracto etéreo y fibra total) del albedo de naranja (AN), inulina deagave (IA) e inulina de achicoria (ICh). Se realizó fermentaciones de 12 h con las bacterias ácido lácticas,utilizando inulina de achicoria (ICh), de agave (IA), y albedo de naranja (AN) como fuente de carbonoen concentraciones de 0,5, 1,0 ó 1,5% (p/v), utilizando glucosa como testigo. La producción de ácidosgrasos de cadena corta (AGCC) se realizó mediante la técnica de HPLC (ácido láctico) y cromatografíade gases (ácido acético, propiónico y butírico). Los resultados fueron analizados mediante un análisis devarianza (ANOVA) y la diferencia entre medias se llevó a cabo mediante un análisis de medias de Tukey(= 0,05). Resultados: El AN presentó un porcentaje significativamente (P < 0,05) mayor de humedad,cenizas, extracto etéreo y fibra total; mientras que IA tuvo mayor porcentaje de proteína y un pH másalto (P < 0,05). Para ambas bacterias, el mayor crecimiento fue con ICh al 1,0% (P < 0,05), siendo elácido láctico el metabolito de mayor producción. Con AN al 1,0%, las dos cepas mostraron un menortiempo de duplicación, además de una mayor producción de ácido láctico, acético y butírico (P < 0,05)...

Nutritional Composition of Ten Ethnobotanicals Used for the Treatment of Anaemia in Southwest Nigeria.

Aim: Ethnobotanical investigation revealed that Parquetina nigrescens, Sorghum bicolor, Terminalia catappa, Trema orientalis, Mangifera indica, Waltheria indica, Theobroma cacao, Harungana madagascariensis, Tetracera alnifolia and Detarium microcarpum are used traditionally for the treatment of anaemia in southwestern Nigeria. This study screened the plants for their proximate constituents and phytochemical compounds to provide scientific details for their therapeutic use for the treatment of anaemia. Study design: Proximate and phytochemical analyses of ten ethnobotanicals. Place and Duration of Study: Departments of Botany, Pharmacognosy and Animal Nutrition, University of Ibadan, between January and September, 2010. Methodology: Proximate and phytochemical analyses of plant parts of ten ethnobotanicals were carried out using standard laboratory methods. Data were analysed using Statistical Analysis System (SAS). Differences between means were assessed for significance at p<0.05 by Duncan’s Multiple range test (DMRT). Results: The habits of the tested plants were 60% trees, 30% shrubs and 10% herbs. The use-value of plant parts were 60% barks and 40% leaves. The highest value (19.95%) of crude protein was recorded for P. nigrescens. S. bicolor showed significantly (P < 0.05) high content of crude fibre (30.00%) and highest dry matter was obtained from T. cacao and T. catappa. Anthraquinones were present in Harungana madagascariensis, Theobroma cacao, Mangifera indica and Waltheria indica, 70% of the test plants contained tannins, and cardiac glycosides were present in all plant samples. This study, thus confirms the nutritional potential of the test plants in addition to their active phytochemical constituents. Their nutrients might complement the active phytocompounds in therapeutic activities. Conclusion: It was concluded that there is need for the isolation and identification of the active compounds responsible for their antianaemic activities. Furthermore P. nigrescens, M. indica and T. cacao could be used as food supplements in weaning food because of their significant crude protein and fibre constituents in addition to their therapeutic potential.

Organoleptic Assessment and Proximate Analysis of Stored Tilapia guineensis.

The organoleptic and proximate analysis of Tilapia guineensis were assessed at two stored temperatures, -18ºC and 4ºC for 4 weeks. Graded results revealed a general decline in organoleptic properties such as colour, texture, freshness, and taste of the fishes stored at the two temperatures. Proximate analysis revealed a reduction in crude protein and lipid contents and increases in ash and fibre content of the fish at the two storage temperatures. Moisture content decreased in the samples stored at -18ºC but increased in the 4ºC stored samples. pH of fish was found to increase in the two stored temperatures. It was within the acidic range in the -18ºC stored sample but the alkaline range in the 4ºC stored samples. There were significant differences ‘‘P<0.05’’ in the organoleptic and proximate composition of the ice stored Tilapia guineensis within the same temperature and between the two temperatures. The quality of the 4ºC stored sample deteriorated faster than that of the - 18ºC. Thus storage temperature and duration have effects on the nutritional quality of stored fish.

Avaliação da composição e qualidade físico-química do leite pasteurizado padronizado comercializado na cidade de São Luís, MA / Evaluation of the composition and physical and chemical quality of standardized pasteurized milk marketed in the city of São Luís, MA, Brazil

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar a composição e a qualidade físico-química do leite pasteurizado padronizado comercializado na Cidade de São Luis, MA, verificar se estavam dentro dos padrões estabelecidos pela Instrução Normativa nº 51 do Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento e observar a ocorrência de fraudes econômicas como adição de água, através da densidade e crioscopia. Foram coletadas 20 amostras de leite pasteurizado padronizado durante o mês de maio de 2009, no comércio local da cidade. Foram realizadas análises de acidez, densidade, índice crioscópico, EST, ESD, proteína, gordura, cinzas, prova de peroxidase e fosfatase alcalina. Das 20 amostras analisadas, verificou-se que a densidade variou de 1,020 a 1,027 g/mL; a acidez de 10 a 14ºD; a gordura de 2,5 a 3,8%; o EST de 8,6 a 11,36%; ESD 6,1 a 7,86%; crioscopia 0,414 a 0,505ºC; proteínas de 2,4 a 3,32% e cinzas de 0,49 a 0,95%, a % de água adicionada variou de 1,27 a 17,83%. Todas as amostras apresentaram fosfatase negativa e peroxidase positiva. Com relação aos resultados obtidos, pode-se concluir que se apresentaram de forma geral insatisfatórios, evidenciando, principalmente, fraude do produto. Portanto, torna-se necessária a adoção de medidas de fiscalização por parte das autoridades competentes e maior conscientização das indústrias e consumidores.

The objective of this study to evaluate the composition and physico-chemical quality of standardized pasteurized milk marketed in São Luis, MA, Brazil, verify whether it was within the standards established by Instruction No. 51 of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, and observe the occurrence of any economic fraud such as adding water, by measuring the density and freezing point. We collected 20 samples of standardized pasteurized milk during the month of May 2009, at a local town market. These were analyzed for acidity, density, cryoscopy, TS, SNF, protein, fat, ash, proof of peroxidase and alkaline phosphatase. Of the 20 samples analyzed, it was found that the density ranged from 1.020 to 1.027 g/mL; acidity from 10 to 14°D; fat from 2.5 to 3.8%; TS 8.6 to 11.36%; SNF 6.1 to 7.86%; freezing point 0.414 to 0.505°C; proteins from 2.4 to 3.32%; ash 0.49 to 0.95%; while the percentage of water added ranged from 1.27 to 17.83%. All samples were phosphatase negative and peroxidase positive. Regarding the results obtained, we can conclude that they were generally poor, showing mainly product fraud. Therefore, it is necessary to adopt measures for control by the relevant authorities and to raise awareness within the industries and among consumers.