Research
Nutraceutical Potentials of Spilanthes Filicualis
The study investigated the nutritional compositions of leaves of Spilanthes filicualis and the in-vitro antioxidants properties of its ethanol leaf extract. The results of the proximate composition revealed the high value of carbohydrate (64.9%). Mineral and vitamin analysis showed high concentrations of calcium (20.9 mg/kg) and vitamin A (238.73 mg/100g). Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical studies of the ethanol leaf extract detected the presences of phenols, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloid, and steroids. As well as high levels of rutin (27.6μg/ ml ) and kaempferol (26. 0μg/ml). The results of the in-vitro antioxidant study of the extract showed free radical scavenging activities with highest activities at 10mg/ml against 1, 1-diphenyl -2- picrylhydrazyl, lipid peroxidation and reducing power.
Effect of n-Hexane Oil Extract of two Spices on Serum Lipid Profile and Blood Glucose Concentration of Albino Rats
Consumers are concerned with their health and physical fitness and are seeking for alternative plant products with potential for providing nutrients with enhanced health benefits. Hence, this study investigates the effect of mixture of Ehuru (Monodora myristica) and Njasang (Ricinodendron heudelotii) oil extract on serum lipid profile and blood glucose concentration of albino rats. The spices were processed into fine flour and the oil was extracted with n-hexane as the solvent. A total of twenty five rats weighing 125-160g were separated into five groups of five each to represent control, olive oil and varying concentrations of the spices. After acclimiatization for one week, experimental administration of the extract was carried out daily for 28 days. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture into tubes. A portion of the blood was used for fasting blood glucose determination. Serum was separated from the other portion and used for assay of lipid profile using standard kit methods. The results obtained showed percentage fatty acid yield for Ehuru and Njasang as 79.54 and 81.0 (polyunsaturated) and 13.40 and 15.0 (monounsaturated) respectively. Fasting blood glucose assay showed that only rats in group 1 (6.46mmol/L) became significantly (p<0.05) hyperglycaemic while groups 2-4(6.03, 5.98 and 5.53mmol/L) showed a hypoglycaemic effect with respect to control (6.13mmol/L). Serum total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol were significantly (P<0.05) low for test samples and olive oil compared to control. The serum high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (1.15 – 1.55mmol/L) increased with increase in extract administration compared to control (1.02mmol/L). Triglyceride level also increased (0.60- 0.65mmol/L) for test samples compared to control (0.6mmol/L), but the increase was not significant at P< 0.05.
Micronutrient Contents of Under-Utilized Spices Common in Nigeria
Vitamin and Mineral contents of five indigenous spices common in Nigeria were investigated. The spices include: ‘bailo’ (Uapaca guineense); ‘atarko’ (Zanthoxyllus zanthoxyloides); ‘amilo’ (Parinari excelsa); ‘uburo’ (Afromomum danelli) and ‘clove’ (Syzygium aromaticum). These samples are processed into fine flour, ashed at 5500c and later subjected to wet digestion using nitric sulphuric and perchloric acid. The mineral contents in mg/1 for iron, ranged from 0.99 (S.aromaticum) to 4.42 (U.guineense); zinc 1.24 (P.excelsa) to 3.81 (Uguineense); calcium 12.45 (Z.Zanthoxyloides) to 20.60 (A.danelli); magnesium 16.91 (P.excelsa) to 44.78 (A.danelli); potassium 48.97 (P.excelsa) to 153.66 (A.danelli); Sodium 64.77 (Z.Zanthoxyloides) to 155.70 (P.excelsa). The phosphorus contents for all the samples studied was insignificant. The data obtained for vitamin A showed that Z.Zanthoxyloides had the highest value (3.84 IU) and S.aromaticum the least (0.26 IU); while no value was detected for U.guineense and P.excelsa. Vitamin C contents also was highest for S.aromaticum (31.73/100g) and least for A.danelli (5.55mg/100g). These spices however can serve as mineral and vitamin supplements. The samples studied had good storage properties since they exhibited moisture content below 20%.
