scholarly journals Nutraceutical and Health Benefits of Two Underutilized Leafy Vegetables (Pterocarpus santalinoides and Napoleona imperialis)

2019 ◽  
pp. 143-155
Author(s):  
N. N. Umerah ◽  
A. I. Asouzu ◽  
J. I. Okoye
Keyword(s):  
Mineral Content ◽  
Health Benefit ◽  
Beta Carotene ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Appreciable Amount ◽  
Hammer Mill ◽  
State University ◽  
Nutritional Content ◽  
Enugu State ◽  
Pterocarpus Santalinoides

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional and health implication of Pterocarpus santalinoides (Uturukpa) and Napoleona imperialis (Mkpodu) leaves. The vegetables were harvested from the forest in Udi Local Government area in Enugu State and identified at Department of Agronomy, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria. The vegetables were trimmed and washed with deionized water and drained. The vegetables were ground using hammer mill into paste separately and coded as sample A (Pterocarpus santalinoides) and sample B (Napoleona imperialis). Both samples were analyzed in the laboratory for proximate, vitamins, minerals, anti-nutrients and phytochemicals. The results were analyzed statistically using mean and standard deviation. The result showed that the proximate composition (on wet wt. basis) of sample A and B were protein 1.06 and 5.27%, fat 0.98 and 0.71%, fibre 0.90 and 1.01%, ash 2.73 and 1.27% and carbohydrate 30.63 and 23.54% respectively. The vitamin constituents were beta carotene 360.00 and 360.00 µg/100 g, vitamin C 5.20 and 7.13 mg/100 g and vitamin E 2.80 and 1.45 mg/100 g for sample A and B respectively. The result of the minerals were iron 3.49 and 1.40 mg/100 g, zinc 0.92 and 2.10 mg/100 g, calcium 36.00 and 25.60 mg/100 g, magnesium 20.01 and 25.20 mg/100 g and potassium 11.27 and 70.92 mg/100 g for sample A and B respectively. The result of the pyhtochemicals revealed that both leaves contained an appreciable amount of phytochemicals which are component of herbs use for ethnomedicine. The anti-nutrients in sample A and B were cyanide 0.48 and 0.94%, oxalate 1.08 and 3.87% and phytate 0.25 and 6.01% respectively. The high protein, fibre and mineral content of Napoleona imperialis is of interest, hence these lesser known vegetables are recommended due to its high nutritional content and health benefit.

scholarly journals Phytochemicals, In vitro Bioavailability of Beta Carotene and Anti-nutrient Composition of Some Neglected Underutilized Green Leafy Vegetables and Fruits in South East Geo-political Zone of Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
N. N. Umerah ◽  
N. M. Nnam
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Health Benefit ◽  
Beta Carotene ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Nutrient Composition ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Plant Science ◽  
Green Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Vegetables And Fruits

Background/Objective: Vegetables and fruits are important sources of protective substances, which are highly beneficial for the maintenance of good health and prevention of diseases. Phytochemicals are non-nutritive plant chemicals that have protective or disease preventive properties. The study was designed to determine the phytochemicals, In-vitro-bioavailability of beta carotene and anti-nutrient composition of some neglected underutilized fruits and vegetables in Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Methodology: The frequently occurred underutilized fruits and vegetables were selected for the study. The food crops were harvested and identified at the Herbarium in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Nigeria Nsukka. Twenty underutilized fruits and vegetables each were cleaned and analysed for phytochemicals, In vitro bioavailability of beta carotene and anti-nutrients composition using standard methods. Data were presented using descriptive statistics, percentage, mean, standard deviation and frequency. Results: The result showed that 0 - 40% of beta carotene were bioavailable in the fruits studied.  The antinutrient levels in fruits were cyanide (0.02-3.47 mg), oxalate 1.22-12.38 mg and phytate traces- 12.60 mg. The range of phytochemicals in the fruits were tannins trace-10.40 mg, flavonoids 0-0.10%, saponins trace-0.051 mg, lycopene trace-94.20 mg, and phenol 0-4.01mg. The antinutrient levels in vegetables were cyanide 0.35-13.20 mg, oxalate 2.27-24.69 mg and phytate traces- 2.57 mg.  The result showed that 22- 68.80% of beta carotene were bio available in the vegetables studied. The phytochemicals in the vegetables were tannins 0.10-10.30 mg, flavonoids trace-0.20%, saponins trace-0.10 mg, lycopene trace-31.20 mg and phenol 0.01-3.31 mg. Conclusion: The use of these neglected fruits and vegetables is imperative because of their nutritional and health benefit.

Serum Retinol of Chadian Nomadic Pastoralist Women in Relation to their Livestocks’ Milk Retinol and beta-Carotene Content

2002 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
pp. 221-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jakob Zinsstag ◽  
Esther Schelling ◽  
Saada Daoud ◽  
Josef Schierle ◽  
Peter Hofmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Human Serum ◽  
Beta Carotene ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Cow Milk ◽  
Serum Retinol ◽  
Carotene Content ◽  
Nomadic Pastoralists ◽  
Fresh Vegetables ◽  
Nomadic Pastoralist

Human serum retinol and livestock milk retinol levels were assessed as part of a study on the health status of Chadian nomadic pastoralists and their livestock in close partnership between Chadian public health and livestock institutions. Of the examined women (n = 99), 43% were moderately retinol-deficient (0.35 mol/L < × < 0.7 mol/L 95% CI; 33–54%), and 17% severely retinol-deficient (< 0.35 mol/L 95% CI; 10–26 %). None of the interviewed women (n = 87) reported the consumption of fruit, and only two of fresh vegetables were reported consumed in the past 24 hours. Milk is the almost exclusive source of vitamin A for these populations. Goats (n = 6) had the highest average milk retinol level (329 ± 84 mug/kg [mean ± SEM]), followed by cattle (n = 25; 247 ± 32 mug/kg), and camels (n = 12; 120 ± 18 mug/kg). Milk retinol levels did not differ between the rainy and dry seasons. Human serum retinol depends significantly on livestock milk retinol levels (partial slope 0.23; 95% CI: 0.008–0.47). Our study supports the use of goat and cow milk as an important source of vitamin A in pastoral nomadic settings. However, the levels still require to be complemented further by promoting green leafy vegetables, fruits, and supplements.

Once-Daily Low Inflammatory Foods Everyday (LIFE) Smoothie or the Full LIFE Diet Lowers C-Reactive Protein and Raises Plasma Beta-Carotene in 7 Days

2020 ◽  
pp. 155982762096245
Author(s):  
Brittany Perzia ◽  
Gui-Shuang Ying ◽  
Joshua L. Dunaief ◽  
David M. Dunaief
Keyword(s):  
Everyday Life ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Systemic Inflammation ◽  
Beta Carotene ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Community Practice ◽  
C Reactive Protein ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Significant Difference

Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation, is associated with increased risk for numerous inflammation-driven chronic diseases. A prior longitudinal study showed that the Low Inflammatory Foods Everyday (LIFE) diet, which is rich in dark green leafy vegetables (DGLV), lowered CRP over a mean follow-up period of 6 months. In this retrospective study, we investigate whether patients who consume the LIFE diet or their regular diet plus one component of the LIFE diet (LIFE smoothie), experience reductions in high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) in 7 days. Sixteen patients in a community practice met inclusion criteria. Patient compliance was assessed by patient interviews and measurements of beta-carotene, which is abundant in DGLV. Following the interventions, CRP decreased in both the LIFE diet (−0.47 mg/L, P = .02) and smoothie groups (−1.2 mg/L, P = .04). No statistically significant difference in reduction was observed between groups ( P = .18). Plasma beta-carotene increased in both groups (+23.2, P = .02; +20.6, P = .006, respectively). These findings suggest that the LIFE diet or a regular American diet supplemented with the LIFE smoothie may quickly reduce systemic inflammation and the risk of many chronic diseases.

Mineral content of traditional leafy vegetables from western Kenya

2007 ◽  
Vol 58 (8) ◽  
pp. 595-602 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. O. Orech ◽  
D. L. Christensen ◽  
T. Larsen ◽  
H. Friis ◽  
J. Aagaard-Hansen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mineral Content ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Western Kenya

scholarly journals An Assessment of Genetic Variability in Contrasting Castor Seedlings

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
G. I. Ilo ◽  
I. A. Nweke ◽  
S. I. Ijearu
Keyword(s):  
Plant Height ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Flowering Plant ◽  
State University ◽  
Randomized Complete Block Design ◽  
Region Length ◽  
Number Of Leaves ◽  
Enugu State ◽  
Cropping Seasons ◽  
Better Than

Nine genotypes of castor oil bean (Ricinus cumunis) were evaluated in 2011 and 2012 cropping seasons to determine their consistency of performance at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu State. Eight (8) accessions were selected from various locations in the south east, while a standard check was obtained from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. The study was carried out using a randomized complete block design with four replications. Data was collected on number of days to germination, days to 50% flowering, plant height at maturity, length of primary raceme, length of pistillate region, length of staminate region and number of leaves. The findings from the study showed that Zaria accession flowers within 80 days and significantly (P < 0.05) different from the other eight (8) accessions studied, except Udi for plant height at maturity the significant and comparable large genotypes for all the characters except number of days to germination; number of nodes and length of staminate region implies that there would be adequate gains in selecting the characters. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was found to be higher than the genotypic coefficient of variance for all the character studied indicating the influence of environment towards the total variance. The short height recorded in Zaria and Udi accessions which are at par is of a desirable trait for shorter plants are easier to manage agronomical and it also withstands lodging better than all plants. These accessions based on the agronomic characters studied were found to perform very well in Enugu south-east, Nigeria and is therefore, recommended to be grown in this region.

scholarly journals The potential impact of dietary supplement adulteration on patient assessment and treatment from a healthcare provider’s perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary Gabriels ◽  
Mohamed Irhuma
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Health Benefit ◽  
Normal Diet ◽  
Nutritional Content ◽  
Exponential Increase ◽  
Assessment And Treatment ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Perceived Intention

Dietary supplements have been manufactured and supplied to the market with the objective of enhancing the overall health of the general population and optimising the performance of athletes. The perceived intention of dietary supplementation is to increase the nutritional content of a normal diet, and to fill a dietary need and/or presumed deficiency. The usage and popularity of dietary supplements, however, raises concerns from a health benefit and risk perspective. Moreover, safety and efficacy of these supplements have generally not been established by the Medicines Regulatory Authorities, both nationally and internationally. The exponential increase in supplement sales can, however, be attributed to aggressive marketing by manufacturers, rather than the development of more effective nutritional supplements. These supplements may contain adulterated substances that may potentially have harmful short- and long-term health consequences for the patient. In addition, a large spectrum of drug interactions may render the use of such supplements risky, without proper medical and scientific assessment.

scholarly journals Comparative Study of Mineral Composition of Some Selected Nigerian Green Leafy Vegetables from Two Different Regions

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
A. A. Oladejo ◽  
O. A. Apalowo ◽  
S. Mustapha ◽  
A. S. Aliyu ◽  
O. T. Ilesanmi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Study ◽  
Mineral Composition ◽  
Mineral Content ◽  
Magnesium Content ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Vernonia Amygdalina ◽  
Nutrition And Health ◽  
Anambra State ◽  
Green Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Talinum Triangulare

Vegetable often mean an edible part of a plant other than a sweet fruit or seed, which typically implies the leaf, stem or root of a plant. This study was carried out to evaluate the contributions of Nigerian leafy vegetables to nutrition and health. The mineral composition of four selected green leafy vegetables; water leaf(Talinum triangulare), fluted pumpkin (Telfaria occidentalis), bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) and ukazi (Gnetum africanum) from two different locations (Awka in Anambra State and Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State) were investigated. The result of the experiment showed that the mineral content of the investigated vegetables are not significantly different by (p<0.05). Generally, Gnetum africanum sourced from Awka has the highest content of all the explored minerals with magnesium content being highest (245.96±0.33).  The result indicated that the four investigated green leafy vegetables from these locations are good sources of minerals with Gnetum africanum having the highest content. Hence, the consumption of Gnetum africanum should be encouraged owing to its high content of minerals.

scholarly journals Indiscipline among Staff of Ebonyi State Owned Tertiary Educational Institutions

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Nwakpa
Keyword(s):  
Science Education ◽  
State Government ◽  
Reliability Index ◽  
T Test ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
State University ◽  
Alpha Level ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Enugu State ◽  
Level Of Significance

The study investigated the nature, causes, effects of indiscipline among staff of tertiary educational institutions owned by Ebonyi State government and strategies to be adopted in order to curb indiscipline among the staff. The study was guided by four research questions and three null hypotheses. The population of the study was 500 respondents. Questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. The questionnaire was validated by five experts from the department of Science Education of Enugu State University of Science and Technology. The reliability index of the instrument was 0.84 obtained through test-retest procedure via pearson’s product moment correlation. Mean scores were used to answer the research questions while t-test was used to analyze the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level of significance. The results of the study revealed the nature, causes, effects and strategies to be adopted to curb indiscipline among staff of tertiary educational institutions owned by Ebonyi State government. Based on the findings, some recommendations were made to include, the adoption of the recommended and accepted strategies to curb indiscipline among staff of Ebonyi State owned tertiary educational institutions.     

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