Biological Sciences

Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant Potential of Ethanol Extracts of Anogeissus leiocarpus (DC.) Guill & Perr and Acacia nilotica (L.) Delile

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0530

Acacia nilotica (Gum Arabic) and Anogeissus leiocarpus (African birch) are multipurpose plants that have been used in the African traditional system of medicine. Various studies have proven their antibacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-diarrheal, and wound-healing effects. The aim of this research was to investigate the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant potential of the ethanol extracts of Anogeissus leiocarpus stem bark and Acacia nilotica pod. Phytochemical screening was carried out using the standard protocol and compounds were identified by GC-MS and FT-IR analysis methods on a spectrophotometer system. Antioxidant assay was carried out using the free radical scavenging of the 1-1-diphynyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH). The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, phenols, alkaloids, flavanoids and terpenoids in both the investigated plants extract. Results from GC-MS analysis identified 69 and 76 compounds in A. Nilotica and A. leiocarpus respectively. The FT-IR analysis of A. Nilotica confirmed the presence of O-H, N-H, C=O, C-O, C-H, C-C, and C≡C functional groups. The FT-IR analysis of A. leiocarpus also confirmed the presence of O-H, C≡C, C-H, N-H, C=C, N-O, C-H, C-N, O=H, C-O and C=O functional groups. The IC50 value of A.leiocarpus was found to be 0.27±0.719µg/ml and that of A.nilotica was 0.11±0.002µg/ml which showed no significant difference (P<0.01) with the control (Ascorbic acid) 1.53±1.37 µg/ml. Hence the investigated plants can be suggested as promising agents for antioxidant drug development.

Performance and Physiological Response of Japanese Quails to Administration of Parquetina nigrescens

Ahmed O. Akinola, Adeyinka Oye Akintunde, Martha Dupe Olumide — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0530

The purpose of the study was to investigate the response of Japanese quails to the administration of Parquetina nigrescence leaf extract (PNLE). The study was carried out at the Poultry Unit of the Teaching and Research Farm, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. Two hundred (200) day-old quails were purchased from a commercial hatchery. Parquetina nigrescens leaves were harvested around Babcock University, Ilishan, Remo, Ogun State Nigeria. Six hundred grams of the leaf was cut into smaller pieces and soaked in 1 litre of water for 72 hours, it was then filtered with a muslin cloth and the filtrate was given to the birds according to the treatments. The birds were randomly distributed into five treatments; each treatment was replicated four times with 10 birds per replicate. Treatment 1 (T1); without PNLE served as the control, T2, T3, T4, and T5 received PNLE at 0.20, 0.40, 0.60, and 0.80 ml/liter of water respectively. Data on phytochemicals, growth performance, and basic physiological responses were collected and subjected to analysis of variance using a statistical analytical system. According to the results obtained, all the parameters for growth were not significantly influenced (p>0.05) by the administration of PNLE with the exception of feed conversion ratio (FCR) and final live weight at the finisher phase. The best FCR (3.18) was recorded in T3 at the starter phase while T5 had the best final live weight and FCR at the finisher phase. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in the oxygen concentration and pulse rates of the Japanese quails. It can be concluded from the study that the administration of Parquetina nigrescens up to 0.80ml is safe for Japanese quails for optimum performance.

Nipah Virus: Understanding the new emerging global threat

Nazneen Sultana, Seema Devi — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0530

Nipah virus, a newly emerged zoonosis, is caused by flying foxes. It has reported occasional outbreaks of encephalitis and respiratory syndrome and a significant mortality rate. Since 1998, when it was first identified in the Malaysia outbreak, this rare brain-damaging virus infection continues to emerge in different parts of the world. Although the risk of infection is imposed on almost a quarter of the world, due to widely distributed natural hosts, no approved specific treatment and vaccine is available till now, but research continues. Therefore, a detailed discussion of this forthcoming infection needs to be done. This review article focuses on the current scenario of the infection caused by the Nipah virus as well as emphasizes the potential for Nipah virus infection to become a global threat in the future. Further, this article provides a comprehensive review of the infection transmission, its signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment methods with emphasis on prevention and control measures.

Biosorption as Technique for Remediation of Heavy Metals from Wastewater using Microbial Biosorbent

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0530

Biosorption, a sustainable technology, utilizes living or non-living organism and their derivative as sorbents for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater. This review explores the mechanisms and applications of biosorption in addressing environmental challenges posed by heavy metal contaminants. Pretreatment methods enhance biosorbent performance by modifying cell wall structures through physical and chemical alterations, increasing metal binding capacity. Immobilization techniques like cell entrapment and cross-linking improve biosorbent stability and reusability in continuous systems, offering controlled particle size and ease of biomass separation. Differential Scanning Calorimetry assesses biosorbent thermal stability, providing insights into performance under varying conditions. Non-living microorganisms present advantages for biosorption, including resilience to toxic wastes and extended storage capabilities. Economic considerations are crucial when evaluating biosorbent modifications for enhanced performance. The review shows that biosorption using microbial biosorbents is a versatile and efficient method for heavy metal removal from wastewater, with applications in environmental remediation and sustainable water treatment practices. Future research should focus on novel biosorption strategies and optimization of existing techniques to effectively combat heavy metal pollution.

Nanosponges- An emerging trend in drug delivery

Nazneen Sultana — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0530

Advancements in pharmaceutical research have led to the discovery of nanosized drug delivery systems that act as a means to deliver drugs at the target site. The nanosized carriers are studied for the diagnosis (biomarkers), prevention (prophylactic therapy), and treatment of the diseases. Nanosponges an offshoot of nanotechnology have gained upstream because of their unique structural properties. It is a tiny sponge made up of either organic or inorganic material with wide cavities between them. Gases, micromolecules, and macromolecules of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic in nature can be entrapped in the structure. Progress in the research has led to the development of four generations of nanosponges namely, plain nanosponges, modified nanosponges, stimuli-activated nanosponges, and molecularly imprinted nanosponges. They offer the advantages of a sustained-release profile, better bioavailability, and negligible toxicity. The present review provides brief information on the structural features, different generations, methods of preparation, characterization techniques and application of nanosponge formulation