Toxicological Indices of Wistar Rats Fed Formulated Chaw of Telfairia occidentalis Planted on Crude Oil Contaminated and Remediated Soil

Toxicological indices of wistar rats fed formulated chaw of Telfairia occidentalis planted on crude oil contaminated and bioremediated soil was studied. Farmland, measuring 18 m2 was divided into three lots of 4 m2 and 2 m space was allowed between each lot (A, B and C). Two lots were polluted, subjected to 16 weeks of bioremediation and viable seeds of T. occidentalis were planted and grown for 28 days. The harvested vegetable leaves were analyzed. Leaves from natural attenuated soil showed high concentration of both aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with values of 9.34+0.03 mg/kg and 9.18+0.05 mg/kg for C36 and Fluoranthene respectively, while the bioaugmented soil had Lead as the highest heavy metal with a value of 0.10+0.02 g/100g. Four groups, of 9 rats each (totalling 36 rats) of adult males and females, wealing males and females were subsequently sub-grouped into 3 and allowed to acclimatize for a period of 1 week. These animals were fed formulated rat chaw of 50% dry weight of T. occidentalis, from the three lots (control, bioaugmented and natural attenuated soil) for a period of 28 days. Assay of animals’ toxicological index showed elevated concentrations of alkaline phosphatase, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, urea and creatinine in their sera. A slight increase in serum amylase activity was recorded, while concentrations of their haemoglobin and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) reduced. The obtained results from these biomarkers were confirmed by the histopathological sections of the animal organs.

Growth performance, haematological and serum biochemical indices of finisher broiler chickens offered nutritional supplement of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) leaves extract

It is obvious that farmers cannot raise chicken without supplementary nutrients in the form of vitamins, minerals and amino acids provided either as anti-stress, immune booster or for growth and high productivity. The high cost of these conventional supplementary nutrients is becoming very alarming leading to high cost of production and consequently high cost of poultry products. Whereas, leaves of most plants in our agroecological zone contain these nutrients and can be obtained at no cost, it is necessary to utilize them for similar purposes to reduce cost and enhance the wellbeing of the animals. Moreso, the use of these plant leaves as juice extract will enhance absorption and utilization of the nutrients and enzymes contained therein. An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of supplementary fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) leaves extract on the performance, haematological and serum biochemical indices of finisher broiler chickens. 200g of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) leaves were plucked and crushed. One litre of H2 O was used to squeeze the 2 extract (juice) from the 200g leaf. The leaf extract was further mixed (diluted) in clean drinking water at the rate of 0ml/litre of H2 O, 100ml /litre of H 2O, 200ml/litre of H20 300ml/litre of H2 O designated as T , T , T , T . In T The chickens were given conventional 2 1 3 4 5 2. supplement (vitalyte). Five groups of 30 broiler chicks (28 days old) of agritech breed were randomly assigned to one of the supplementary fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) leaves extract and the conventional supplement for 28 days in a completely randomized design. Each group was subdivided into three replicates of 10 birds each. The birds were fed normal broiler chicken finisher diet for all the groups. At the end of the 28 days dietary trial, results showed that average body weight changes and average daily body gains were significantly increased (P < 0.05) at T (200ml/litre of H 2O). Feed conversion ratio was significantly decreased (P< 0.05) at T (200ml/litre of H2 O) compared to T and T but similar to T and T . 4 2 1 5 2 3 T also showed high degree of cost effectiveness. Haematological indices (Haemoglobin 4 Packed cell volume, Red blood cell, White blood cell etc) did not show any significant treatment (P > 0.05) effects. Biochemical indices (such as total serum protein, urea, creatinine, liver enzyme, cholesterol etc) did not vary significantly (P > 0.05). It was concluded that the inclusion of Telfairia occidentalis leaf extract as an alternative supplement to costly conventional supplements should be administered orally at 200ml/litre of H 2O due to heavier body weight gain and cost effectiveness. Il est évident que les agriculteurs ne peuvent pas élever de poulet sans nutriments supplémentaires sous forme de vitamines, de minéraux et d'acides aminés fournis soit commeanti-stress, soit comme stimulant immunitaire, soit pour la croissance et une productivité élevée. Le coût élevé de ces nutriments supplémentaires conventionnels devient très alarmant, ce qui entraîne des coûts de production élevés et par conséquent des coûts élevés des produits avicoles. Alors que les feuilles de la plupart des plantes de notre zone agro écologique contiennent ces nutriments et peuvent être obtenues gratuitement, il est nécessaire de les utiliser à des fins similaires pour réduire les coûts et améliorer le bien-être des animaux. De plus, l'utilisation de ces feuilles de plantes comme extrait de jus améliorera l'absorption et l'utilisation des nutriments et des enzymes qu'elles contiennent. Une expérience a été menée pour déterminer l'effet d'un extrait supplémentaire de feuilles de citrouille cannelée (Telfairia occidentalis) sur les performances, les indices hématologiques et biochimiques sériques des poulets de chair en finition. 200g de feuilles de courge cannelée (Telfairia occidentalis) ont été cueillies et écrasées. Un litre d'H2O a été utilisé pour presser l'extrait (jus) de la feuille de 200g. L'extrait de feuille a été ensuite mélangé (dilué) dans de l'eau potable à raison de 0 ml/litre de H2O, 100 ml/litre de H2O, 200 ml/litre de H2O et 300 ml/litre de H2O désignés comme T1, T3, T4, T5. Au T2. Les poulets ont reçu un supplément conventionnel (vitalyte). Cinq groupes de 30 poussins de chair (28 jours) de race agritech ont été assignés au hasard à l'un des extraits de feuilles de citrouille cannelées supplémentaires (Telfairia occidentalis) et au supplément conventionnel pendant 28 jours dans un design complètement randomisé. Chaque groupe a été subdivisé en trois répétitions de 10 oiseaux chacune. Les oiseaux ont été nourris avec un régime alimentaire de finition de poulet à griller normal pour tous les groupes. À la fin de l'essai diététique de 28 jours, les résultats ont montré que les changements de poids corporel moyen et les gains corporels quotidiens moyens étaient significativement augmentés (P < 0,05) à T4 (200 ml/litre de H2O). Le taux de conversion alimentaire était significativement diminué (P< 0,05) à T4 (200 ml/litre de H2O) par rapport à T1 et T5 mais similaire à T2 et T3. Le T4 a également montré un haut degré de rentabilité. Les indices hématologiques (volume globulaire d'hémoglobine, globules rouges, globules blancs, etc.) n'ont montré aucun effet significatif du traitement (P > 0,05). Les indices biochimiques (tels que les protéines sériques totales, l'urée, la créatinine, les enzymes hépatiques, le cholestérol, etc.) n'ont pas varié de manière significative (P > 0,05). Il a été conclu que l'inclusion de l'extrait de feuille de Telfairia occidentalis comme supplément alternatif aux suppléments conventionnels coûteux devrait être administrée par voie orale à 200 ml/litre de H2O en raison d'un gain de poids corporel plus important et d'un rapport coût-efficacité plus élevé.

Inhibition of the in vitro Activities of α-Amylase and Pancreatic Lipase by Aqueous Extracts of Amaranthus viridis, Solanum macrocarpon and Telfairia occidentalis Leaves

Inhibition of digestive enzymes such as α-amylase and pancreatic lipase (PL) is a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment and management of chronic health conditions such as diabetes and obesity. Therefore, the aim of this work was to determine the enzyme inhibitory activity of polyphenol-rich aqueous extracts of Amaranthus viridis (AV), Solanum macrocarpon (SM) and Telfairia occidentalis (TO) leaves, which were harvested from plants produced using multiple urea fertilizer doses (0–80 kg N/ha). Fertilizer application was applied at two time points (at planting or 2 weeks after seedling emergence). Leaf extracts were obtained using aqueous extraction (1:20, leaves:water) for 4 h at 60°C followed by centrifugation and freeze-drying of the supernatant. Results showed that the extracts inhibited α-amylase, and pancreatic lipase dose-dependently with TO extracts having significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher inhibitory activities for both enzymes. Fluorescence intensity and circular dichroism spectra in the presence and absence of leaf extracts indicate significant changes to the enzyme protein secondary and tertiary conformations. We conclude that the leaf extracts, especially from TO are potential agents for reducing calorie intake as a preventive or treatment tool against chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.

Leaf paste of Telfairia occidentalis favourably modulates deleterious effects associated with exposure to diethylnitrosamine in male Wistar rats

Objectives Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) is found in workplaces, processed meats, tobacco smoke, whiskey, etc. It is capable of forming DNA-adducts. Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis [To]) is a medicinal plant, and its herbal preparations have been employed variously in ethnomedicine. Furthermore, it has been reported to possess anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory properties. We investigated the possible mitigating effect of the leaf paste of To on DEN-induced deleterious effects in male Wistar rats. Methods Forty-five rats weighing between 100 and 150 g were equally divided into nine groups and treated thus: Group 1 (negative control), Group 2 (0.05 mg/kg carboxymethyl cellulose [CMC] daily), Group 3 (positive control, 25 mg/kg bw DEN administered intraperitoneally thrice per week), Group 4 (25 mg/kg bw quercetin [QUE] daily alone), Groups 5 and 6 (100 and 200 mg/kg bw To daily, respectively), Group 7 (25 mg/kg bw DEN and QUE), Groups 8 and 9 (25 mg/kg bw DEN with 100 and 200 mg/kg bw To, respectively). Blood glucose levels, liver damage biomarkers (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and gamma-glutamyltransferase [γ-GT]), frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocyte (mPCEs), and liver histology were assessed. Results DEN significantly (p<0.05) increased blood glucose levels, activities of ALT, AST and γ-GT, and frequency of mPCEs. Histologically, DEN caused a severe architectural anarchy. However, the intervention groups demonstrated the remarkable protective properties of To by ameliorating the adverse effects caused by DEN. Conclusions Taken together, the leaf paste of To is capable of mitigating DEN-induced hepatotoxicity and clastogenicity in male Wistar rats.

Étude Ethnobotanique Des Plantes Spontanées Comestibles Dans Le Département De Zuénoula (Centre-Ouest De La Côte D’ivoire)

Cette étude a été conduite à Zuénoula, dans le but d’évaluer la disponibilité et le niveau de connaissance des plantes sauvages comestibles pouvant servir d’alternatives aux populations locales et contribuer ainsi à leur valorisation. Pour cela, des investigations ethnobotaniques ont été réalisées à l’aide de fiches d’enquête dans 5 localités auprès de 368 individus. Les plantes et les organes comestibles récoltés ont été identifiés au Centre National de Floristique (CNF) d’Abidjan. Ainsi, les 76 espèces récensées appartiennent à 36 familles et 62 genres et représentent 32,34 % des plantes sauvages comestibles recensées en Côte d’Ivoire. Les Fabaceae (33,34 %) et les Malvaceae (22,23 %) sont les familles les plus rencontrées et sont majoritairement sous forme d‘arbres (38,16 %) et d‘herbes (26,32 %). Concernant les parties utilisées, ce sont les feuilles (38,85 %) et les graines (07,45 %) qui sont plus consommées en repas contrairement aux fruits (40,43 %) souvent consommés comme friandise au lieu de cueillette. Les populations (62,23 %) qui ont une bonne connaissance de la flore locale comestible sont aujourd’hui confrontées à la disparition progressive d‘espèces autrefois prisées comme Glyphaea brevis, Irvingia gabonensis et Telfairia occidentalis. Enfin, la consommation de Bixa orellana et de Gymnema sylvestre, espèces très utilisées dans l’alimentation humaine et la médecine en Asie, a pour la première fois été révélée en Côte d‘Ivoire. La poursuite de cette étude par des analyses des valeurs nutritives des espèces les plus sollicitées est vivement souhaitée en vue de leur valorisation au plan nutritionnel. This study was conducted in Zuénoula with the aim of assessing the local people’s level of knowledge on wild edible plants and the availability of these plants to serve as alternatives for the local population and thus contribute to their development. To achieve this, botanical surveys were carried out in 5 localities involving 368 persons. Plants and edible organs collected were identified at the Centre National de Floristique (CNF) in Abidjan. All 76 species recorded belong to 36 families and 62 genera, and they represent 32.34% of wild edible plants identified in Côte d'Ivoire. Fabaceae (33.34%) and Malvaceae (22.23%) were the most common families and are mainly trees (38.16%) and herbs (26.32%). Concerning the part of the plants used, leaves (38.85%) and seeds (07.45%) were the most consumed in meals, which is contrary to fruits (40.43%) often consumed as sweets at the harvesting sites. The majority of the population (62.23%), which has a good knowledge of the local edible flora, is today confronted with the progressive disparition of species once sought after such as Glyphaea brevis, Irvingia gabonensis, and Telfairia occidentalis. This study reveals for the first time the consumption in Côte d'Ivoire of two plants' species, Bixa orellana and Gymnema sylvestre, widely used in human food and medicine in Asia, highlighting the great diversity of the local flora. Since the nutritional potential of these species has never been studied in Côte d'Ivoire, additional research on the most sought-after species is highly recommended for their nutritional valorization.

Biochemical and haematological indices of rats fed with different processed fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) seeds

Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) seed is a perennial plant that belongs to the family of Cucurbitaceae. Several nutritional values of the seeds have been reported. In this present study, thirty rats (average weight= 133 g ± 1.25 g) were randomly allocated to 5 groups of 6 rats each and placed on a conventional diet supplemented with groundnut meal (control), unprocessed fluted pumpkin seed flour (UF_Diet), boiled fluted pumpkin seed flour (BF_Diet), germinated fluted pumpkin seed flour (GF_Diet), and soaked fluted pumpkin feed flour (SF_Diet) for 28 days after which animals were sacrificed and blood samples collected for biochemical and haematological analysis. Results revealed that processing improved the protein content of the seed flours. The aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) range from 210.70±2.14 to 517.5±5.39 U/L, 60.6±0.30 to 386.3±3.53 U/L, and 221.7±1.21 to 328.4±3.31 U/L respectively. Processing significantly decreased (p< 0.05) the creatinine content of rats fed supplemented fluted pumpkin seed flours when compare with the control and unprocessed groups. The hematological parameters were also significantly (p<0.05) improved by the dietary treatments. The result of this study revealed that germination, soaking, and boiling were effective processing methods for improving the nutritive values of fluted pumpkin seed meals

Assessment of Some Heavy Metal Levels and its Related Health Hazards in Two Staple Foods Grown in Mining Communities of Ebonyi State

Background: This study assessed the levels of some heavy metals in two staple foods grown within mining sites at Ishiagu and Enyigba communities of Ebonyi State. The control site was Umuezeokoha community. The present study is significantly important in respect to hazardous effect of heavy metal accumulation in staple food as there was no or scarcity of data available in Nigeria on this aspect. Materials and Methods: The two commonly cultivated food crops namely Manihot esculentus (cassava) and Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) were grown within <20m, 100m before mining sites. The crops were collected from the three farms at the peak of the harvesting period, processed and were analyzed for heavy metals using AAS technique. Results: The results revealed that heavy metals; Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn and Mn in Manihot esculentus tubers in all the farms within Ishiagu and Enyigba mining sites were comparable to each other and control site but Cr levels in control site was higher than others and that of WHO/FAO maximum permissible limit. Only As from A2 in Ishiagu had the highest value and exceeded WHO/FAO maximum permissible limit. Fe from B1, B2 in Enyigba and that of control had the highest values when compared to others but Fe in all samples investigated exceeded WHO/FAO maximum. Also, Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, and Mn in Telfairia occidentalis leaves in all the farms within mining sites were comparable to control site except As levels from A2 in Ishiagu and from control site which was higher compare to others including WHO/FAO maximum permissible limit. Cr only from A2 in Ishiagu, B2 and B3 in Enyigba was highest even with WHO/FAO maximum permissible limit. Fe too from all the farms in Enyigba and control had highest values even with WHO/FAO maximum permissible limit. Conclusion: The results showed that the investigated food crops from two mining communities and the control site were not safe for consumption.