African Journal of Biological Sciences

10-19

Authors: Nurliyana Mohd Yusof, Natasha Nur Afiqah Mohamed Noor Fuadi, Mohd Azuraidi Osman, Mohd Azmi Mohd Lila and Nik Mohd Afizan Nik Abd Rahman

Cancer diseases are among the world’s leading causes of death, and this global burden is expected to rise in the next two decades. Researchers have been focusing on gene treatment strategy to curb this growing number. To guarantee the success of the gene therapy strategy, therefore, it is essential to develop a suitable delivery agent, notably a viral vector. Despite its benefits, there is also a disadvantage in viral vectors where viruses are hard to cope with their toxicity. Nevertheless, for their long-term expression and stability, viral delivery agents are preferred. To date, among the frequently used vehicles for gene transfer are adenovirus (Ad), adeno-associated virus (AAV), retrovirus, and lentivirus. Each one of these viruses has its own “pros and cons,” rendering them a choice for gene therapy testing. A broad range of gene transfer technologies have been designed over these years, but all transferring technologies still have constraints in clinical applications, and there are no distribution systems that could be implemented in vitro and in vivo in all cell types without any limitations or side effects.

30-36

Authors: Seino Richard Akwanjoh, Atonleu Marius Socrate, Ngnaniyyi Abdoul, Dongmo Tonleu Ingrid and Tchoupou Nameyem Raissa

The popularity of watermelon, Citrullus lanatus (Cucurbitaceae) has increased in recent years in Cameroon due to the important nutrients it contains and health benefits it presents. Inspired by the ethno botanical and ethno medicinal uses of watermelon, this study was designed to evaluate its cytogenotoxic properties using the spermatogonial germ-line cells of the grasshopper Zonocerus variegatus L. (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae). Fifth instar Z. variegatus individuals were treated to different concentrations of (0μg/l, 5μg/l, 10μg/l, 20μg/l, 30μg/l and 50μg/l) of aqueous extract of watermelon, C. lanatus leaves by injection into the abdomen respectively. Distilled water (0 μg/ml) was used as the control. Results revealed that C. lanatus leaf extracts exhibited cytogenotoxic effects and these were concentration dependent. Among the extracts, the 50 μg/ml recorded the highest percent aberrant cells while the 5 μg/ml showed the lowest. As regards genotoxicity, all the extract–treated cells showed different chromosomal aberrations that included bridges, laggards, vagrant chromosomes and sticky chromosomes. The 50 μg/ml extract significantly produced the highest incidences (25.83%) while the 5 μg/ml extract had the lowest incidence (1.57%) of chromosomal aberrations. The control induced only one laggard (0.95%). In general the different concentrations induced low amounts of cytogenotoxic aberrations. These results led us to conclude that C. lanatus exhibits some cytogenotoxic properties at high concentrations thus emphasizing that the fruit should be consumed by humans with caution.

51-61

Authors: Busuyi Kolade Akinola, Toluwase Solomon Olawuyi and Adesua Emmanuel Ogunmokunwa

Potassium bromate (KBrO3) used widely in foods have been classified as known human carcinogen with various complications associated with its use. Telfairia occidentalis is a medicinal plant with a number of pharmacological activities attributed to its extracts. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of Aqueous Extract of Telfairia occidentalis (AETO) on potassium bromateinduced hepatotoxicity in adult Wistar rats. 20 Wistar rats obtained from the Animal House of the Biochemistry Department, FUTA, were acclimatized for one week. They were divided into four groups of five rats each. Group A received distilled water, Group B received 100 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) of KBrO3, Group C received 100 mg/kg b.w. of KBrO3 and 200 mg/kg b.w. of AETO, and Group D received 100 mg/kg b.w. of KBrO3 with 500 mg/kg b.w. of AETO concomitantly for 21 days. Results obtained revealed that exposure of rats to KBrO3 caused loss of normal histoarchitecture, hepatocellular injury and degeneration as well as decreasing hematological parameters. However, administration of AETO with KBrO3 ameliorated the induced-hepatic injury at the same time increasing the hematological parameters. Conclusively, AETO offer protective effects by restoring the structural integrity of the liver and increasing the level of blood parameters which was initially decreased by KBrO3.

72-80

Authors: Kassim Dosso, Dago Serge David Attemene, Abiba Ouattara Gboko, Benoit Banga N’guessan and Angoue Paul Yapo

The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the dichloromethane fraction of an ethanol extract of Piliostigma reticulatum, a medicinal plant from Côte d’Ivoire and widely used by traditional healers against inflammatory diseases. Inflammation is characterized by redness, pain and swelling. Anti-inflammatory drugs are agents that reduce inflammation. In vivo studies of reduction of wound diameter and the test of carrageenan 1% were used for this work. For reducing wound diameter, fraction effects were tested in wound induced rats. The percentage of wound reduction was determined. Furthermore, fraction effect on acute inflammation induced by carrageenan 1% was studied. The dichloromethane fraction at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight reduces significantly the wounds surfaces at 61.88% of inhibition at 15 day and 94.33% of inhibition at 30 day. This action was similar to the one provoked by betadine with a wound surface of 97.63% of inhibition at the thirtieth day. The dichloromethane fraction like the diclofenac reduced significantly the volume of edema from 0.7 ± 0.2 to 0.2 ± 0.1* ml (71.42% of inhibition) for 600 mg/kg body weight, the high dose. The study of acute toxicity showed that the dichloromethane fraction at high doses, could reduced mobility in mice and provoked death. The observation of anti-inflammatory and healing activities suggest that the use of Piliostigma reticulatum in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory diseases could be justified. Phytochemical screening showed that the most active fraction contains: flavonoids, tannins, reducing sugars and polyphenols.

88-93

Authors: Igwe, K. O., Ujowundu, C. O., Chieme, S. C. and Obasi, U. K.

Despite successes achieved due to the wide availability and improvement of combination antiretroviral therapy regiments, there are still serious complications common in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) patients on (highly active antiretroviral therapy) HAART. This study seeks to evaluate the serum protein status and electrolyte profile of HIV/AIDS patients on HAART in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). The electrolytes were determined my colorimetric method while total protein and albumin concentration were determined by spectrophotometric methods, but globulin and A/G ratio were determined by calculation. The result obtained indicated a significantly higher total protein (p < 0.05) in male HIV patients on HAART when compared to the male non HIV patients. For albumin, the result indicated a significantly lower value (p < 0.05) in female and male HIV patients on HAART (2.38 ± 0.22 and 3.27 ± 0.22 g/dL respectively) when compared to the control. A/G ratio in male and female HIV patients on HAART was also significantly lower (0.54 ± 0.09 and 0.69 ± 0.09 g/dL) compared to the control. From the result, a significantly lower value (p < 0.05) in concentration of sodium of female and male HIV patients on HAART (132 ± 5.20 mMol/L and 136.12 ± 4.85 mMol/L respectively) when compared to the control. The result for bicarbonate indicated a significantly lower value (p < 0.05) in female HIV patients on HAART (23.24 ± 2.20 mMol/L). Though the levels of most of the parameters analyzed were found within the normal range, serum protein and electrolyte monitoring in patients with HIV is recommended once treatment is recommended.

103-112

Authors: Yongwa Gilbert, Ndjonka Dieudonné and Belga Francois Ngnodandi Francois Ngnodandi

The present study was conducted in order to evaluate the in vivo anthelmintic activity of ethanolic extract of Callistemon rigidus on goat and define the probable involved phytochemical compounds. Phytochemical contents were determined by chemical comparison using gallic acid and rutin as standards. Twenty goats were artificially infected with 3,000 larvae of Haemonchus contortus. There were divided in five groups of four animals. The first three groups were treated with the extract of the plant at 125; 250 and 500 mg/kg respectively. The forth group was treated with albendazole at 5 mg/kg. The fifth group received distilled water. Weight, blood and fecal samples were collected before treatment and once a week after treatment in order to evaluate the body weight gain; the Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and the percentage of reduction of fecal eggs. On the day 43, animals were slaughtered and the total worm count was evaluated. The fertility of females H. contortus was evaluated by counting the number of eggs in utero. The ethanol extracted polyphenols (56.801 ± 0.40 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (8.628 ± 0.07 mg RE/g), tannins (20.93 ± 0.28 mg CE/g) and saponins (548 ± 13.54 mg/g). Oral administration of this extract of C. rigidus has induced a reduction of the fecal egg excretion; parasite load and fertility of female’s parasite. The PCV and the body weight gain reveal the efficacy of the extract plant on H. contortus. C. rigidus could be used as alternative anthelmintic for control of H. contortus.

9-15

Authors: Christian Kosisochukwu Anumudu, Maxwell Nnaemeka Akpaka and Irene Chioma Anumudu

Cannabis sativa is a herb with a rich diversity of active ingredients with various pharmacological properties ranging from psychoactive, sedative, analgesic, antiinflammatory and antimicrobial activities. This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of leaf extracts of Cannabis sativa on inhibiting the growth of Lancefield Group A Streptococcus sp responsible for streptococcal pharyngitis also known as “strep throat”. The active ingredients of Cannabis sativa were extracted using water and methanol in a soxhlet apparatus and measured using standard protocols. 10 Group A Streptococcus spp. were isolated from clinical cases of streptococcal pharyngitis. The susceptibility of these isolates to the methanolic extract of Cannabis sativa was evaluated using the Kiby-Bauer agar-well diffusion assay technique and tube dilution method. The antimicrobial inhibitory properties of the extracts were compared to three common antibiotics used in the treatment of strep throat (penicillin, amoxicillin and chloramphenicol). Results obtained shows the presence of bioactive compounds including; alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, phenols, terpenes, resins and steroids. These phytochemicals exerted antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus sp, resulting in zones of inhibitions between 18.80-22.80 mm against the test organisms, comparable to the zones obtained from commercially available β-lactam antibiotics. Extracts of cannabis out-performed chloramphenicol in the inhibition of the test organism, producing larger zones. Tube dilution assays of the extracts gave a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 20 mg/ml and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of 30 mg/ml, all comparable to the commercial antibiotics. Results of this study have highlighted the potential of cannabis extracts to control Lancefield Group A Streptococcus sp which are causative agents of pharyngitis.

25-39

Authors: Abhishek Thakur, Pradeep Kumar, Pankaj Kumari, Kavita Bhatia and Duni Chand

Background: Aging is a natural phenomenon in all organisms. The pace of aging and related manifestations depends on balance of formation and dismutation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cell. Superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1) is an antioxidative enzyme that prevents the aerobic organisms from oxidative damage caused by free radicals that are generated during oxygen metabolism. This enzyme system is the key biomolecule of the cells having antiaging properties and increases the life span of organisms. Objective: The aim of present research was to isolate thermostable SOD producing bacterial strain and to increase its activity by optimizing the production and assay parameters for thermophilic bacterium using response Surface Methodology (RSM) and its identification and phylogenetic analysis using molecular techniques. Materials and methods: The water and soil samples were collected from thermal springs of different regions of Western Himalayas of India. Out of total 40 isolates, Bacillus sp. SPB-13 was screened for production of SOD on the basis of highest activity and identified using 16s rRNA gene sequencing. One Variable at a Time (OVAT) approach followed by central composite design was employed to analyze the effect of different media and reaction components, i.e., Glucose, casein, yeast extract, NaCl, buffer system, reaction temperature and enzyme concentration on SOD production. Results: One hyperproducer of SOD was isolated and found to be Bacillus licheniformis SPB- 13 (NCBI Accn. No. KX185731). Enzyme activity was enhanced from 80 U/mL to 120 U/mL after production and reaction process optimization. A significant increase in SOD activity of 40 U/mL was obtained after classical and statistical optimization. SOD remained fully active at 70°C and after metallotyping, found to be a member of Fe/Mn SOD family. Conclusion: Bacillus licheniformis SPB-13 produces a thermostable SOD with very good antioxidant activity. The production and reaction parameters have been optimized completely using classical and analytical methods to cut the production cost and to increase the yield of SOD. The antiaging potential of this enzyme can be exploited in cosmetics and pharma industry for antioxidative formulations and topical ointments.

58-69

Authors: Okoegwale E. E., Idialu J. E., Ehilen O. E. and Ogie-Odia E. A.

This study was carried out to assess the vessel and fiber dimensions and characteristics of Blighia sapida Konig. and Lecaniodiscus cupanoides Planch ex Benth. growing in the rainforest and derived savanna regions of Edo state, Nigeria. In both taxa, rainforest species possessed wider and longer vessels than the derived savanna species. Also, significant variations were recorded in taxa vessel wall thickness between the two ecozones. The derived savanna plants had thicker vessel wall to counterbalance the water stress prevalent in that environment. In both species, vessel members lacked tails. Also, taxa fibers were of short and medium lengths. Significant variations between fiber lengths of species occurring in both habitats were not encountered. Fiber elements of taxa were of moderately thick wall while fiber/vessel length ratio was greater than 1 in both taxa. Although runkel ratios of both species studied were less than 1, they may however not be suitable for high grade pulp because of their low fiber length values. The study has revealed that the woods are suitable for various end uses because of the presence and distribution of vessels and fiber with thick walls.

77-87

Authors: V. Manobharathi and S. Mirunalini

Diosgenin, a plant derived steroidal saponin found most abundantly in legumes and yams. It has been used for the treatment of various types of disorder such as leukemia, inflammation, hypercholesterolemia and cancer. Besides being a lactation aid, it has been shown to be gastro- and hepato-protective, antioxidant, antidiabetic and vaso-dilatory compound. It is a precursor for production of several steroidal hormones. This review focuses on the pharmacological properties of diosgenin, a food saponin.

100-111

Authors: Odeyemi, A. T., Oluwole, O. A. and Oso, M. O

Studies on microorganisms associated with rumen substrates of goat (Capra aegagrus hircus) were done through aerobic and anaerobic fermentation for a period of 12 days. Microscopic, biochemical and molecular identification were carried out. Also proximate values of the substrates over the period of fermentation were analyzed. Seven (7) aerobic bacteria species were isolated, viz.; Bacillus spp, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus spp, Proteus spp, Pseudomonas spp, Staphylococcus spp, and Serratia spp, with Pseudomonas spp having the highest percentage of occurrence of 30.7%, followed by Bacillus spp (23.7%), followed by Lactobacillus spp, Shigella spp, Proteus spp, Staphylococcus spp, having occurrence of 7.6% each. Also, five (5) anaerobic bacteria were also isolated of which Pseudomonas spp was dominant with 33.3%, Bacillus spp and Lactobacillus spp had occurrence of 25%, Serratia spp, Escherichia spp had least occurrence of 8.3% each. There was increase in some vital proximate values due to the biodegradability nature of the rumen normal flora for the period of fermentation. As a result of this, two bacterial isolates (aerobic and anaerobic) which recorded the highest microbial load and mineral level on the 12th day were characterized by sequence analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA gene. The aerobic isolate was discovered to be 99% identical to Bacillus anthracis CGS-1 strain while the anaerobic isolate was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa N17.35 strain. The importance of the characterized microbes in improving the proximate value of utilized fermented rumen content is discussed.

9-17

Authors: Afolayan Funmilayo Ibitayo Deborah, Oladokun Aanuoluwapo and Fasoranti Ebunoluwa

Traditional herbal medicines are potentially rich sources of new drugs against malaria and other infectious diseases. However, phytochemicals extracted from a medicinal plant is strongly dependent on the nature of the extracting solvent. This study therefore aimed to investigate the antimalarial activity of three plants traditionally used to treat malaria using solvents of different polarities as solvents of extraction. The leaves of Lawsonia inermis, Tithonia diversifolia, and stem barks of Nauclea latifolia were extracted with water, n-hexane, ethanol and dichloromethane: methanol (1:1). The extracts were thereafter investigated for their antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium berghei in infected mice using Peter’s 4-days suppressive test. In N. latifolia stem bark, the aqueous extract showed the highest percentage chemosuppression (79.04%) followed by the dichloromethane: methanol (1:1), ethanolic and hexane extracts with percentage chemosuppressions of 74.66%, 61.47% and 8.81% respectively. The dichloromethane: methanol (1:1) extract of T. diversifolia leaves exhibited moderate antiplasmodial activity with percentage chemosuppression of 43.90% while its other extracts showed weak activity. Only dichloromethane: methanol (1:1) extract of L. inermis showed good antiplasmodial activity with percentage chemosuppression of 61.57% while the other extracts had between weak to inactivity. The antimalarial activity exhibited by these plants, most especially N. latifolia and L. inermis, against P. berghei suggests that these plants have active principles against malarial as claimed by the folklore, and further work is necessary to isolate, identify and characterize the active components of the plants.

28-38

Authors: Moses Kathuri Njeru, James K. Mutegi and Moses M. Muraya

This study was conducted among households of Embu County in Kenya to determine the socioeconomic factors that influenced adoption of Eco-Friendly Farming Practices (EFFPs). Earlier studies had indicated clearly that Embu County was experiencing soil erosion, pollution and soil acidification, yet EFFPs had been introduced to counter these environmental challenges. Therefore the study sought to find out the influence of socioeconomic factors on adoption of the EFFPs. Ex post facto research design was used. Through multistage random sampling 402 household heads were selected and all the 32 extension officers in the area were interviewed. 71.1% of the households were considered high adopters while 2% had not adopted low intensity was found with EFFPs such as limited use of inorganic pesticides and soil testing; medium intensity was seen on adoption of green manuring, composting, integrated pest management, minimum tillage and mulching. EFFPs with high adoption intensity included: Increasing soil and water conservation measures, cover cropping, use of less herbicides, intensified inter cropping, cultivating leguminous crops, agro-forestry, crop rotation and cultural methods in weeding were some of the EFFPs with high intensity adoption. The study found no statistically significant relationship between the intensity of adoption and the uptake of EFFPs among farming households of Embu County, Kenya. Therefore understanding the type and intensity of EFFPS adopted would be critical in designing effective environmental programs in the County.

47-54

Authors: Irina Zueva

For a long time, the scientific community has been discussing whether living beings have specific biological radiation that is different from the standard set of electromagnetic and acoustic waves occur in the process of vital activity of an organism as a whole and its parts. In this paper, the author presents the results of experiments confirming the presence of such specific biological radiation and its material nature.