Screening of Bacterial Isolates with Probiotic Potential of Tiger Nut Drink, Ogi and Palm Wine

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are very beneficial to human health when consumed in a sufficient amount. Screening and fingerprinting of isolates with probiotic potentials from indigenous food products were evaluated. Fresh palm wine, Ogi and Tiger nut drinks were bought from retailers in Obio-Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Rivers State. These samples on getting to the lab in sterile containers were analysed using standard microbiological techniques for the enumeration and isolation of bacterial isolates. Identification of isolates relied on the biochemical and genomic techniques using standard methods. The probiotics were screened based on their ability to tolerate ethanol, bile salt, low pH, high salt concentration, lactose utilization and the production of biogenic amine. Antimicrobial susceptibility of the bacterial isolates (probiotics) was carried out using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion. Forty-two bacterial isolates which belonged to the genera: Lactobacillus sp, Pediococcus sp, Enterococcus sp and Streptococcus sp were identified. Genomic characterization of isolates showed that isolate NO2 has 83.4% pairwise identity with Bacillus firmus strain T1, Isolate NP2 has 86.5% pairwise identity with Bacillus cereus strain PKID1, NT8 has 80.3% pairwise identity with Bacillus cereus strain PV-G21. Results of screened probiotics showed that out of the forty-two bacterial isolates, only fifteen were non-spore producers and that they were tolerant to ethanol, low pH, NaCl and bile salt at all concentrations. Results of lactose utilization showed that only twelve out of the fifteen bacterial isolates utilized lactose. Results of biogenic amine production showed that only five out of fifteen bacterial isolates produced biogenic amine. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the screened bacterial isolates showed that they exhibited resistance to Pefloxacin, Gentamycin, Ampiclox, Amoxicillin, Rocephin, Ciprofloxacin; Streptomycin, Sceptrin and Erythromycin. They were highly resistant to Gentamycin and Zinnacef. Bacillus firmus strain T1, Bacillus cereus strain PKID1 and Bacillus cereus strain PV-G21 were identified as bacterial probiotics. Consumption of palm wine, Ogi and tiger nut drinks is highly recommended due to the availability of probiotics.

Upacara Ngerebeg di Pura Kahyangan Kedaton Desa Kukuh, Kecamatan Marga, Kabupaten Tabanan

<em><span lang="EN-US">From the results of this study, it can be seen that the Ngerebeg ceremony is a Dewa Yadnya ceremony carried out by the people of Kukuh Village, as a ritual that aims to neutralize negative human traits (sad ripu), the Ngerebeg ceremony is held at the Kahyangan Kedaton temple where Ida Bhatara's meditation is in the form of Barong Ket and Barong Landung tedun surround the temple area. All village stakeholders prepare water to be sprinkled on to the community and women and girls prepare tetabuhan facilities such as palm wine, wine, beer for offerings to Bhuta Kala. The purpose of this study is that researchers want to provide a clear understanding of the Ngerebeg ceremony. The results of this study are useful for researchers and for the Hindu community to know more about the Ngerebeg tradition which is carried out at the Kahyangan Kedaton Temple, especially the Kukuh Village community so that the Ngerebeg ceremony remains preserved and is beneficial for the younger generation to understand the deep procession so that it can increase Sraddha and Bhakti to God.</span></em>

Analysis of the Microbial Quality of Locally Consumed Palm Wine Sold in Elele Community of Rivers State Nigeria

Palm wine is generally consumed due to its nutritive composition to the human body system particularly when fresh and unfermented state. A total of 20 Palm wine samples obtained from two different locations in Elele community of Rivers state, were analyzed for their microbiological qualities. A ten-fold serial dilution method was used. For Total Aerobic Plate Count (TAPC) nutrient agar was used, MacConkey for coliform count (CC), Eosin methylene blue for Escherichia coli count (EC), and Potato dextrose agar for the fungal count. Microbial counts in the palm wine sold in the drinking bar were higher than that of the palm wine tapper. TAPC, the sample from the drinking bar has a mean value (6.73+ 0.22 log10cfu/ml) which was higher than the value obtained from the palm wine tapper (6.70+0.15log10cfu/ml). The coliform count of palm wine from the drinking bar was (6.57+ 0.10log10cfu/ml) but not significantly different from those with minimum counts (6.56+ 0.9log10cfu/ml) obtained from the tapper. Escherichia coli of palm wine from drinking bar were (5.73+ 0.23 log10cfu/ml) which were higher than (5.71+ 0.18 log10cfu/ml). The Fungal counts of palm wine sampled from the drinking bar were higher but not significantly different from those obtained from the tapper. Bacteria isolated from the two respective palm wines sampled included Staphylococcus spp 50% and 30% respectively, Klebsiella spp 20% and 30% respectively, Proteus spp 40% and 10% and 30% respectively, Aspergillus spp 30% , 10% and Saccharomyce cerevisae 20% and 30% respectively. For the analysis of variance, bacteria and fungi count was not significant. Consumers of palm wine are advised to purchase the product from the tapper to reduce the chances of contamination.

Community perception and utilization of raru in Bonalumban Village

Village life around the forest is inseparable from the existence of the forest. The use of raru as a forest product has been passed down from generation to generation in the community of Bonalumban Village, Tukka District, Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra. The study of community perceptions and dependencies on Raru in Bonalumban village is needed to determine the potential of raru and encourage efforts to preserve raru. The method of selecting respondents is done by purposive sampling by selecting general respondents and specialized respondents. Data analysis uses descriptive statistics. Public perceptions about the existence of raru in nature are still plentiful so there is no public effort to regenerate. Community dependency on raru is grouped into four categories, that is for sale, palm wine concoctions, animal cages, and building materials. Raru harvesting activities by felling without being accompanied by cultivation activities causes the presence of raru vegetation to decrease.

Effects of Ingested Fresh Palm Wine on Pupil Diameter and Amplitude of Accommodation in Young Adults

Palm wine has long been the traditional wine of choice for most people during festive periods and social activities. This research work was done to determine the effect of ingested fresh palm wine on pupil diameter and amplitude of accommodation in young adults. Fifty (50) young adults aged between 18-35 years with a mean age of 23.46(±2.54) and weight ranging from 45-80kg with mean weight of 61.18(±8.00) volunteered for this work. The volunteers had normal body mass index (BMI) of between 18.5 and 25kg/m2. Pupil diameter in millimeters (mm) and Amplitude of Accommodation (AA) in diopters (D) were measured before and after 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 90 minutes intake of 330ml of fresh palm wine containing 5.1% alcohol at the time it was consumed. Physicochemical analysis of the palm wine showed the presence of Solids, Sugar, Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) while microbiological analysis showed the presence of yeasts. Its pH at the time was 6.20. Statistical analysis with SPSS version 21 showed that the mean pupil diameter before intake of fresh palm wine was 3.80(±0.72) and mean value 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 90 minutes after intake of fresh palm wine were 3.30(±0.61), 3.48(±0.75) and 4.20(±0.64) respectively. The mean Amplitude of accommodation before intake of fresh palm wine was 12.16(±3.66) and mean value 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 90 minutes after intake of fresh palm wine were 13.86(±3.31), 10.19(±2.47) and 9.16(±2.12) respectively. The result obtained was statistically significant using one way ANOVA at 95% confidence interval and 0.05 level of significance; P(0.00) ˂0.05. The mean difference was significant at the 0.05 level. This study showed that fresh palm wine interfered with visual functions as increased pupil size and changes in AA were observed. Key words: Fresh palm wine, pupil diameter, amplitude of accommodation.

Ethnographic Study of Perspective and Attitude of Breastfeeding Mothers Towards the use of Elaeis Guineensis Sap As Galactagogue Among Igbo Women Oof Southeastern Nigeria

OBJECTIVE: As an age-old traditional practice, nursing mothers from southeastern Nigeria use the Elaeis guineensis sap (from the oil palm tree also referred to as palm wine) to induce and sustain lactation a few hours after delivery. This practice is still ongoing to date, despite the scarcity of clinical data supporting its efficacy and safety. This study aimed to generate preliminary data on the prevalence, perceptions, and behaviors related to the use of Elaeis guineensis sap as a galactagogue. STUDY DESIGN: Mothers who had breastfed or breastfeeding at the time of the survey, were invited to complete a questionnaire that asked about their, perceptions, efficacy, and possible side effects of Elaeis guineensis sap on both mother and child during breastfeeding. Chi-square analysis was used to conduct data analysis. RESULT: A total of 5002 mothers completed the survey with 61% reporting use of Elaeis guineensis sap (palm wine) following parturition. Most of the respondents (73%) attained tertiary education. The practice was mostly recommended by direct relatives (38%) while the commonest reason for this practice was perceived insufficient milk production (32.2%). The majority of the respondents (52%) were satisfied with the outcome while 44% reported no negative side effects. CONCLUSION: The use of Elaeis guineensis sap by mothers following parturition is common in south-eastern Nigeria. However, randomized control studies are needed to provide evidence for the efficacy and safety of this plant product. This will be relevant to the formation of intercultural health policies which will value and respect the positive cultural practices of a people.

Contribution of Non-Timber Forest Products Bitter Kola, Njangsang and Palm Wine to the Income of Marketers in the Mifi Division of the West Region of Cameroon

The objective of the study is to contribute to the promotion of NTFPs (Bitter kola, Njangsang and palm wine) by assessing their contribution to the income of marketers in the Mifi division. The study was carried out in the Mifi division in the West Region of Cameroon between January and May 2020. Respondents were drawn from a cross-section of marketers. Data was collected through the administration of semi-structure questionnaires and interview guide as well as direct observations. 81 persons involved in the economic sector in five main markets were identified during the reconnaissance survey, of which 65 were interviewed accounting for 80.24%. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics for processing quantitative data and to generate tables and graphs. Results revealed that every stratum of the community participates in the trade, but the main actors were of the middle age group (45 to 55 years old). Economic analysis revealed that measurement unites for NTFPs in various markets are not standardized and there is a high variation in price between period of abundance and period of scarcity. Wholesalers were able to make an annual benefit of 2 338 900 FCFA, 1 077 400 FCFA and 178 600 FCFA per person from palm wine, bitter kola and Njansang respectively. This benefit was related to the origin of products, thus, the proximity of the supply area of palm wine permitted the concerned persons to meet higher benefit. The benefit observed is this study still includes transportation cost, so in reality, the final benefit is a variable value due to the constant variation (usually little variation) of transportation cost depending on the means of transport. Nevertheless, NTFPs are of real contribution to the income of the Mifi division population, but the supply areas are out of the Mifi division and this implicates some constraints such as high transportation cost, seasonality of products and high variation of sale prices. There is a real need of domestication of species to promote their sustainable management in the actual context of climate change.