Comparative antioxidant activity and phytochemical content of five extracts of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom).

Reactive oxygen species reacts with numerous molecules in the body system causing oxidative damage, which requires antioxidants to ameliorate. Pleurotus ostreatus, a highly nutritious edible mushroom, has been reported to be rich in bioactive compounds. This study evaluated the comparative antioxidant activity and phytochemical contents of five extracts of P. ostreatus: aqueous (AE), chloroform (CE), ethanol (EE), methanol (ME) and n-hexane (HE). The phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of the extracts were determined using standard in-vitro antioxidant assay methods. Results showed that the extracts contained alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolics, cardiac glycosides, carbohydrates, anthrocyanins, and betacyanins in varied amounts. CE had the highest flavonoid content (104.83 ± 29.46 mg/100 g); AE gave the highest phenol content of 24.14 ± 0.02 mg/100 g; tannin was highest in EE (25.12 ± 0.06 mg/100 g); HE had highest amounts of alkaloids (187.60 ± 0.28 mg/100 g) and saponins (0.16 ± 0.00 mg/100 g). Antioxidant analyses revealed that CE had the best hydroxyl radical activity of 250% at 100 µg/ml and ferric cyanide reducing power of 8495 µg/ml; ME gave the maximum DPPH activity (87.67%) and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity (65.58%) at 500 µg/ml; EE had the highest nitric oxide radical inhibition of 65.81% at 500 µg/ml and ascorbate peroxidase activity of 1.60 (iU/l). AE had the best total antioxidant capacity (5.27 µg/ml GAE at 500 µg/ml) and ferrous iron chelating activity (99.23% at 100 µg/ml) while HE gave the highest guaiacol peroxidase activity of 0.20(iU/l). The comparative phytochemical and antioxidant characteristics (IC50) of the extracts followed the order: CE > AE > EE > ME > HE. Overall, chloroform was the best extraction solvent for P. ostreatus. The high content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and alkaloids in P. ostreatus makes it a rich source of antioxidants and potential candidate for the development of new therapies for a variety of oxidative stress-related disorders.

Corrigendum to "Toxicopathological, proinflammatory and stress response evaluation of Terminalia catappa extract in male Wistar rats" [Toxicol. Rep. 8 (2021) 1769-1776].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2021.10.005.].

Counteractive role of Terminalia catappa leaf extract on hematological and coagulation disturbance in Type 2 diabetic rats.

Background and Aim: Diabetes mellitus is a leading cause of mortality worldwide associated with hyperglycemia-induced hematological aberrations and thromboembolic complications. This study aimed to explore the modulatory effect of Terminalia catappa leaf aqueous crude extract (TCLE) on hematological and coagulation disturbances in a Type 2 diabetic rat model. Materials and Methods: High-fat diet streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were treated orally with 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight TCLE daily for 28 days. Full blood count, coagulation parameters, plasma calcium (Ca), and erythrocyte glycogen (GLYC) levels were assessed using standard procedures. Results: Terminalia catappa leaf aqueous crude extract treatment had a significant (p < 0.05) prolonging effect on clotting and bleeding times while increasing Ca, GLYC and mean corpuscular volume in diabetic rats. On the other hand, lymphocytes (LYM), platelet (PLT) count, mean PLT volume, neutrophil-LYM ratio (NLR), and PLT-LYM ratio (PLR) of TCLE-treated diabetic animals were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) compared with untreated diabetic animals. Lymphocyte, PLT count, NLR, and PLR correlated positively (p < 0.05) with plasma glucose, while a significant positive association was observed between Ca and GLYC. On the other hand, a strong negative association (p < 0.05) was observed between clotting time and fasting plasma glucose. Conclusion: These findings suggest that T. catappa leaf extract may be useful in reversing diabetic-mediated hematological anomalies due to its anticoagulant and anti-anemic activities.

Assessing the nutritional quality of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom).

There is a huge gap between food production and the exploding population demands in various parts of the world, especially developing countries. This increases the chances of malnutrition, leading to increased disease incidence and the need for functional foods to reduce mortality. Pleurotus ostreatus are edible mushrooms that are cheaply sourced and rich in nutrient with the potential to be harnessed toward addressing the present and future food crisis while serving as functional foods for disease prevention and treatment. This study evaluated the nutritional, proximate, vitamins and amino acids contents of Pleurotus ostreatus. The proximate composition of Pleurotus ostreatus in this study revealed that it contains 43.42% carbohydrate, 23.63% crude fiber, 17.06% crude protein, 8.22% ash, 1.21% lipid and a moisture content of 91.01 and 6.46% for fresh and dry samples of Pleurotus ostreatus, respectively. The monosaccharide and disaccharide profile of Pleurotus ostreatus revealed the presence of glucose (55.08 g/100 g), xylose (7.19 g/100 g), fructose (19.70 g/100 g), galactose (17.47 g/100 g), trehalose (7.37 g/100 g), chitobiose (11.79 g/100 g), maltose (29.21 g/100 g), sucrose (51.60 g/100 g) and lower amounts of cellobiose (0.01 g/100 g), erythrose (0.48 g/100 g) and other unidentified sugars. Potassium, Iron and Magnesium were the highest minerals present with 12.25 mg, 9.66 mg and 7.00 mg amounts, respectively. The vitamin profile revealed the presence of vitamin A (2.93 IU/100 g), C (16.46 mg/100 g), E (21.50 mg/100 g) and B vitamins with vitamin B2 having the highest concentration of 92.97 mg/kg. The amino acid scores showed that Pleurotus ostreatus had more non-essential amino acids (564.17 mg/100 g) than essential amino acids (67.83 mg/100 g) with a ratio of 0.11. Lysine (23.18 mg/100 g) was the highest essential amino acid while aspartic acid (492.12 mg/kg) was the highest non-essential amino acid present in Pleurotus ostreatus. It had a higher concentration of acidic amino acids, 492.12 mg/100 g (77.87%), followed by neutral amino acids, 106.66 mg/100 g (16.88%) and least were the basic amino acids, 23.18 mg/100 g (3.67%). Based on the nutritional assessment of the Pleurotus ostreatus analyzed in this study, it can be concluded that it can serve as an important functional food source that can be exploited to meet the increasing food demands and reduce micronutrient deficiencies in many parts of the world, especially developing countries.

Terminalia catappa aqueous leaf extract reverses insulin resistance, improves glucose transport and activates PI3K/AKT signalling in high fat/streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in sub-Saharan Africa has necessitated surveys of antidiabetic medicinal plants. This study assessed the antidiabetic mechanism of Terminalia catappa aqueous leaf extract (TCA) in high fat/low dose streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats. T2DM was induced by a combination of high-fat diet and low dose STZ (30 mg/kg bw) and the animals were administered with TCA (400 and 800 mg/kg bw) orally daily for 28 days. Biochemical parameters and indices for diabetes including renal function tests and pancreatic histology were evaluated. Relative expression of hepatic insulin resistance, signalling and glucose transport genes were also assessed. Induction of T2DM resulted in significant (p < 0.05) weight loss, dysregulated glucose level and clearance, electrolyte imbalance and disrupted diabetic biochemical parameters. Diabetes onset also perturbed ß-cell function and insulin resistance indices, damaged pancreas microanatomy, while disrupting the expression of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT) and glucose transporter isoform 4 (GLUT-4) mRNA. Oral treatment of diabetic animals with TCA significantly (p < 0.05) ameliorated alterations due to T2DM induction in a manner comparable with glibenclamide. These results suggest TCA exerts its antidiabetic action by reversing insulin resistance, improving glucose transport and activating PI3K/AKT signalling.

Stage 2 Hypertension and Electrocardiogram Abnormality: Evaluating the Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Diseases in Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the status of stage 2 hypertension, abnormal ECG and their co-occurrence as possible risk factors of cardiovascular disease and their predictors in a Nigerian University population. METHODS: A total of 717 subjects participated in this study. Blood pressure (BP), resting electrocardiogram (ECG) and other clinical parameters were measured and categorised according to standard organisational guidelines. Bivariate correlation and multivariate logistic regression model were used to determine covariates and clinical parameter association at a 95 % significant level. RESULTS: Stage 2 hypertension and abnormal ECG respectively occurred in 264 (37 %) and 217 (39.2 %) subjects, with co-occurrence and abnormal BMI in 85 (11.8 %) and 459 (64.8%) subjects, respectively. Sex (p = 0.001) and occupation (p = 0.022) were independently associated with abnormal BP and ECG, respectively, while age was independently associated (p < 0.001) with abnormal BP, ECG and co-occurrence of these conditions. Predictors of stage 2 hypertension and abnormal ECG were sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.652, 95 % CI 1.097-2.488) and occupation (aOR = 0.411, 95 % CI 0.217-0.779), respectively, while age was a predictor for stage 2 hypertension (aOR = 0.065, 95 % CI 0.015-0.283), abnormal ECG (aOR = 0.137, 95 % CI 0.053-0.351) and their co-occurrence (aOR = 0.039, 95 % CI 0.014-0.113). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows prevalence rates of these risk factors are on the increase. It also suggests that ECG abnormality is a public health issue among stage 2 hypertensive patients that must be monitored. Therefore, appropriate interventions that prevent and control hypertension and identified risk factors should be put in place in addition to lifestyle changes, regular screening and surveillance.

Terminalia catappa Extract Palliates Redox Imbalance and Inflammation in Diabetic Rats by Upregulating Nrf-2 Gene.

This study aims at evaluating the ameliorative role of Terminalia catappa aqueous leaf extract (TCA) on hyperglycaemia-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in a high-fat, low dose streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rat model. Experimental rats were treated orally with 400 and 800 mg/kg bw TCA daily for four weeks. Antioxidant enzyme activities, plasma glucose concentration, protein concentration, oxidative stress, and inflammation biomarkers were assayed using standard methods. Hepatic relative expressions of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-six (IL-6), and nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf-2) were also assessed. Molecular docking and prediction of major TCA phytoconstituents' biological activity related to T2DM-induced oxidative stress were evaluated in silico. Induction of diabetes significantly (p < 0.05) reduced superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, and peroxidase activities. Glutathione and protein stores were significantly (p < 0.05) depleted, while glucose, MDA, interleukin-six (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) increased. A significant (p < 0.05) upregulation of hepatic TNF-α and IL-6 expression and downregulation (p < 0.05) of Nrf-2 expression were observed during diabetes onset. TCA treatment significantly (p < 0.05) modulated systemic diabetic-induced oxidative stress and inflammation, mRNA expression dysregulation, and dysregulated macromolecule metabolism. However, only 800 mg/kg TCA treatment significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated hepatic TNF-α expression. 9-Oxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,6-diol and 1,2,3-Benzenetriol bound comparably to glibenclamide in Nrf-2, IL-6, and TNF-α binding pockets. They were predicted to be GST A and M substrate, JAK2 expression, ribulose-phosphate 3-epimerase, NADPH peroxidase, and glucose oxidase inhibitors. These results suggest that TCA ameliorates hyperglycaemia-induced oxidative stress and inflammation by activating Nrf-2 gene.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Mediation by the Disruptive Activity of Environmental Toxicants on Sex Hormone Receptors: In Silico Evaluation.

This study investigates the disruptive activity of environmental toxicants on sex hormone receptors mediating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Toxicokinetics, gene target prediction, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and gene network analysis were applied in silico techniques. From the results, permethrin, perfluorooctanoic acid, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, O-phenylphenol, bisphenol A, and diethylstilbestrol were the active toxic compounds that could modulate androgen (AR) and estrogen-α and -ß receptors (ER) to induce T2DM. Early growth response 1 (EGR1), estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), and tumour protein 63 (TP63) were the major transcription factors, while mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) were the major kinases upregulated by these toxicants via interactions with intermediary proteins such as PTEN, AKT1, NfKß1, SMAD3 and others in the gene network analysis to mediate T2DM. These toxicants pose a major challenge to public health; hence, monitoring their manufacture, use, and disposal should be enforced. This would ensure reduced interaction between people and these toxic chemicals, thereby reducing the incidence and prevalence of T2DM.

Toxicopathological, proinflammatory and stress response evaluation of Terminalia catappa extract in male Wistar rats.

The present study was carried out to assess the oral safety, proinflammatory and stress response effect of Terminalia catappa aqueous leaf extract (TCA) in male Wistar rats. The acute and sub-acute oral toxicity of TCA was assessed using guidelines 423 and 407 of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), respectively. Signs of clinical toxicity, morbidity and mortality were observed. The biochemical, haematological, proinflammatory, stress response and histopathological indices were assessed. In the acute toxicity study, no sign of clinical toxicity, morbidity, and mortality was observed for TCA treatment, up to 5000 mg/kg bwt. However, in the sub-acute toxicity study, repeated daily TCA treatment significantly (p<0.05) altered the body weight gain, plasma alkaline phosphatase activity and albumin concentration. There were no obvious morphological and macroscopic alterations in the organs investigated. TCA appear not to elicit any proinflammatory, stress, systemic and organ toxic effect when utilised at the reported dose and time frame.

Determinants of perceived quality of health care among pregnant women in Ifo, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Nigeria's health system is among the weakest globally, characterized by doctors' and nurses' concentration in a few tertiary facilities in the cities. Simultaneously, rural areas that constitute over 70% of the population suffer from acute health personnel and inadequate health facilities. Whether Nigeria can achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) of access to quality essential health care by 2030 if this situation continues. Therefore, this study provides unique insights on socio-demographic and environmental determinants of quality of health care and treatment choice among women in the Ifo Local Government Area (LGA), a predominantly rural area, in Ogun State, Nigeria. It employed the 2018 cross-sectional survey data collected using a multi-stage sampling technique. A total of 1350 pregnant women aged 20-44 who attended antenatal care during the study period were interviewed. Multicollinearity diagnostics of explanatory variables showed that variance inflation factor, eigenvalues, and the condition index values were within accepted thresholds. Findings showed that the predictors of perceived quality of care were the age of respondents, level of education, type of house lived in, the number of persons in the house, type of toilet facility, primary source of water supply, waste disposal practices, and husband's level of education. Statistically significant predictors of treatment choice included husband's occupation, number of living children, type of house respondent lived in, type of toilet facility, and primary water supply source. These predictors are useful for designing policies and program activities for achieving improved quality of maternal health care at the community level and the attainment of SDG 3 for the country by 2030.

Socio-demographic and environmental determinants of child mortality in rural communities of Ogun State, Nigeria.

Nigeria's under five-mortality was 132 per 1000 in 2018. The statistic makes Nigeria the country with the third-highest under-five mortality globally. It implies that the government may not achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of 25 per 1000 births by 2030. This situation is of grave concern to policymakers and other stakeholders interested in the country's development. This study provides unique community micro-level information on child mortality determinants in rural communities where the country's health system is weakest. The study used a sample of 1350 pregnant women aged 20-44 who attended antenatal care in22 health facilities in selected rural communities of Ogun State, South-west Nigeria. The multicollinearity diagnostics tests conducted between the dependent variable and predictors showed no abnormality in the values of the variance inflation factor, eigenvalues, and condition indexes. Logistics regression results showed that the socio-demographic characteristics such as the respondent's age, educational level, number of living children, and husband's education directly affected child mortality. In contrast, the husband has another wife had an indirect effect on child mortality. Environmental factors that directly impacted child mortality included the type of household toilet facility, source of water supply, and household waste disposal practices. These findings indicate that policies and programs to reduce child mortality in rural Nigeria must address socio-demographic and context-specific factors, especially at the community level.

Protective Role of Picralima nitida Seed Extract in High-Fat High-Fructose-Fed Rats.

Picralima nitida is a therapeutic herb used in ethnomedicine for the management of several disease conditions including diabetes. This study examined the potential palliative effect of aqueous seed extract of Picralima nitida (APN) on dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and the expression of some metabolic genes in high-fat high-fructose-fed rats. Experimental rats (2 months old) were fed a control diet or a high-fat diet with 25% fructose (HFHF diet) in their drinking water for nine weeks. APN was administered orally during the last four weeks. Anthropometric and antioxidant parameters, lipid profile, plasma glucose, and insulin levels and the relative expression of some metabolic genes were assessed. APN caused a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in weight gained, body mass index, insulin resistance, plasma glucose, and insulin levels. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was significantly increased (P < 0.05), while triacylglycerol, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, cardiac index, atherogenic index, coronary artery index, and malondialdehyde levels in plasma and liver samples were also significantly decreased (P < 0.05) by APN at all experimental doses when compared to the group fed with an HFHF diet only. APN also significantly (P < 0.05) upregulated the relative expression of glucokinase, carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1), and leptin at 400 mg/kg body weight when compared to the group fed with an HFHF diet only. This study showed that APN alleviated dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and oxidant effect associated with the intake of a high-fat high-fructose diet.

Nauclea latifolia Sm. Leaf Extracts Extenuates Free Radicals, Inflammation, and Diabetes-Linked Enzymes.

This study was carried out to assess the in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic effects of Nauclea latifolia (Sm.) leaf extracts. Ethanolic (NLE) and aqueous (NLA) extract of N. latifolia leaves were prepared and assessed for their anti-inflammatory activity, antioxidant potential, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, and the mechanism of enzyme inhibition in vitro using standard established methods. From the results, phytochemicals such as flavonoids, phenolics, glycosides, and tannins were detected in both extracts of N. latifolia with NLE having a significantly (p < 0.05) higher phytochemical content. NLE displayed significantly (p < 0.05) better total antioxidant capacity, reducing power, 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activities. For anti-inflammatory activities, 70.54 ± 2.45% albumin denaturation inhibition was observed for NLE while 68.05 ± 1.03% was recorded for NLA. Likewise, 16.07 ± 1.60 and 14.08 ± 1.76% were obtained against hypotonic solution and heat-induced erythrocyte haemolysis, respectively, for NLE while 20.59 ± 4.60 and 24.07 ± 1.60% were respective NLA values. NLE (IC50: 4.20 ± 0.18 and 1.19 ± 0.11 mg/mL) and NLA (IC50: 11.21 ± 0.35 and 2.64 ± 0.48 mg/mL) α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities were dose-dependent with uncompetitive and competitive inhibition elicited, respectively, by the extracts. A significant positive association (p < 0.01 and 0.05) was identified between antioxidant activity and carbohydrate-metabolising enzyme inhibitory activity. The obtained result suggests N. latifolia leaf could serve as an alternative candidate for managing diabetes mellitus due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory association with diabetes-linked enzymes.

Model Optimization and In Silico Analysis of Potential Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Antagonists from GC-MS Identified Compounds in Nauclea latifolia Leaf Extracts.

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) is a pharmacotherapeutic target in type 2 diabetes. Inhibitors of this enzyme constitute a new class of drugs used in the treatment and management of type 2 diabetes. In this study, phytocompounds in Nauclea latifolia (NL) leaf extracts, identified using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), were tested for potential antagonists of DPP-IV via in silico techniques. Phytocompounds present in N. latifolia aqueous (NLA) and ethanol (NLE) leaf extracts were identified using GC-MS. DPP-IV model optimization and molecular docking of the identified compounds/standard inhibitors in the binding pocket was simulated. Drug-likeness, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of promising docked leads were also predicted. Results showed the presence of 50 phytocompounds in NL extracts of which only 2-O-p-methylphenyl-1-thio-ß-d-glucoside, 3-tosylsedoheptulose, 4-benzyloxy-6-hydroxymethyl-tetrahydropyran-2,3,5-triol and vitamin E exhibited comparable or better binding iGEMDOCK and AutoDock Vina scores than the clinically prescribed standards. These four compounds exhibited promising drug-likeness as well as absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) properties suggesting their candidature as novel leads for developing DPP-IV inhibitors.

GC-MS Analysis and Inhibitory Evaluation of Terminalia catappa Leaf Extracts on Major Enzymes Linked to Diabetes.

Terminalia catappa leaves are used in managing both diabetes mellitus and its complications in Southwest Nigeria. However, its inhibitory activity on enzymes implicated in diabetes is not very clear. This study investigated the in vitro inhibitory properties and mode of inhibition of T. catappa leaf extracts on enzymes associated with diabetes. The study also identified some bioactive compounds as well as their molecular interaction in the binding pocket of these enzymes. Standard enzyme inhibition and kinetics assays were performed to determine the inhibitory effects of aqueous extract (TCA) and ethanol extract (TCE) of T. catappa leaves on α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities. The phytoconstituents of TCA and TCE were determined using GC-MS. Molecular docking of the phytocompounds was performed using Autodock Vina. TCA and TCE were the most potent inhibitors of α-glucosidase (IC50 = 3.28 ± 0.47 mg/mL) and α-amylase (IC50 = 0.24 ± 0.08 mg/mL), respectively. Both extracts displayed a mixed mode of inhibition on α-amylase activity, while mixed and noncompetitive modes of inhibition were demonstrated by TCA and TCE, respectively, on α-glucosidase activity. The GC-MS analytic chromatogram revealed the presence of 24 and 22 compounds in TCE and TCA, respectively, which were identified mainly as phenolic compounds, terpenes/terpenoids, fatty acids, and other phytochemicals. The selected compounds exhibited favourable interactions with the enzymes compared with acarbose. Overall, the inhibitory effect of T. catappa on α-amylase and α-glucosidase may be ascribed to the synergistic action of its rich phenolic and terpene composition giving credence to the hypoglycaemic nature of T. catappa leaves.

Data on in vivo antioxidant, hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective potential of Thaumatococcus daniellii (Benn.) Benth leaves.

This data article reports on the in vivo biochemical activity of ethanolic extract of Thaumatococcus daniellii (Benn.) Benth leaves (ETD) in male Wistar rats at an oral dose of 500-1500 mg/kg daily for 14 days. Control groups were administered distilled water and Vitamin C (10 mg/kg; b.wt). Indices of oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, liver injury and liver pathology were estimated in the plasma and organs after the investigation period. Oral treatment with ETD increased organ superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, renal reduced glutathione (GSH) and plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations while reducing plasma alanine transaminase (ALT) activity, plasma cholesterol (CHOL), bilirubin (DBIL) and organ malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations (P<0.05). Data was supported by histological report showing no pathologic abnormality. This data indicate ethanolic extract of T. daniellii leaves shows antioxidant, hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective potential.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors in a Suburban Community in Nigeria.

The burden of hypertension, a silent killer, continues to increase in low- and middle-income countries. This study evaluated blood pressure (BP) in healthy adults to determine their risk of developing hypertension and to reduce associated morbidity of the disease. Overall, 182 subjects aged >16 years participated in the study. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was measured after a resting period using mercury sphygmomanometer. Random blood glucose (RBG) concentration was also determined. Regression models were used to determine risk of high BP with p values < 0.05 indicating statistical difference. Prehypertension was present in 36.8% population and high BP in 31% individuals with hypertensive symptoms. DBP ≥ 90 mmHg was prevalent in the undiagnosed group, while diabetes comorbidity was detected in only 4 individuals. High BP or diabetes was not detected in those <20 year olds. Age > 35 years was an independent risk (likelihood ratio: 22.56, p < 0.0001); this increases to 26.48 (p < 0.0001) in the presence prediabetes and RBG > 100 mg/dl. Undiagnosed hypertension rate is high in the study area, and urgent interventions for large scale screening and management of the disease are required to reduce the burden of hypertension in Nigeria.

Analyses of the leaf, fruit and seed of Thaumatococcus daniefii (Benth.): exploring potential uses.

Thaumatococcus daniellii is an economic plant with versatile uses in Southern Nigeria. The arils attached to the seeds contain thaumatin, a non-sugar sweetener and taste modifier. This study examined the chemical constituents of the leaf, fruit and seed of T. daniellii. The fresh fruit, on weight basis, consists of 4.8% aril, 22.8% seed and 72.4% fleshy part. The leaf contained (per 100 g): 10.67 g moisture, 8.95 g ash, 17.21 g fat, 21.06 g protein, 24.61 g crude fiber 17.50 g carbohydrate, 0.10 g calcium, 0.08 g magnesium, 0.01 g iron and 0.37 g phosphorus. The fruit (fleshy part) contained 10.04 g moisture, 21.08 g ash, 0.93 g fat, 11.53 g protein, 18.43 g crude fiber, 37.27 g carbohydrate, 0.34 g calcium, 0.30 g magnesium, 0.01 g iron and 0.21 g phosphorus. The seed contained 15.15 g moisture, 11.30 g ash, 0.21 g fat, 10.36 g protein, 20.52 g crude fiber and 42.46 g carbohydrate. Terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides were significantly present in both the leaf and fruit whereas phlobatannin, saponin, steroids, anthraquinones and ascorbic acid were absent. Tannin was present only in the leaf. The leaf and fruit of T. daniellii have significant nutritional and medicinal benefits. The leaf is rich in protein and fat. The fruit is a good source of minerals, particularly, calcium and magnesium; the leaf is also rich in phosphorus.

Correlation between body mass index and waist circumference in nigerian adults: implication as indicators of health status.

BACKGROUND: Anthropometric measures have been widely used for body weight classification in humans. Waist circumference has been advanced as a useful parameter for measuring adiposity. This study evaluated the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference and examined their significance as indicators of health status in adults. DESIGN AND METHODS: The subject included 489 healthy adults from Ota, Nigeria, aged between 20 and 75 years, grouped into early adulthood (20-39 years), middle adulthood (40-59 years) and advanced adulthood (60 years and above). Weight, height and abdominal circumference were measured. BMI was calculated as weight kg/height2 (m2) and World Health Organization cut-offs were used to categorize them into normal, underweight, overweight and obese. RESULTS: Abnormal weight categories accounted for 60 % of the subjects (underweight 11 %, overweight 31%, and obese 18%). The waist circumference of overweight and obese categories were significantly (P<0.05) higher than the normal weight category. There was no significant difference between waist circumference of underweight and normal subjects. The correlation coefficient values of BMI with waist circumference (r=0.63), body weight (r=0.76) and height (r=-0.31) were significant (P<0.01) for the total subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates that waist circumference can serve as a positive indicator of overweight and obesity in the selected communities; however, it may not be used to determine underweight in adults. Regular BMI and waist circumference screening is recommended as an easy and effective means of assessing body weight and in the prevention of weight related diseases in adults. Significance for public healthThis manuscript describes the correlation between body mass index, waist circumference and body weight of two communities in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria and the use of these anthropometric measures for body weight classification in human populations of the selected communities. This was carried out to evaluate the health status of the indigenes of the two communities for proper health awareness and public health intervention programmes.