African Journal of Biological Sciences

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.