Nutrient Analysis and Antimicrobial Activities of the Leaves and Fruit Pulp Extracts of Tetrapluera tetraptera on Clinical Bacteria Isolates

Introduction: Plants are known to contain numerous phytochemicals with potential antimicrobial activity. Aim: Nutritional, phytochemical and antimicrobial activities of the leaves and the fruit pulp extracts of Tetrapluera tetraptera was carried out. Methodology: Collection and identification of isolates and plants parts, and preparation of extracts and nutrient (proximate, vitamins and minerals and anti-nutrients) evaluations were all done using standard protocols previously reported. Evaluations of phytochemicals were carried out using crude screening, quantification and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrophotometer for a robust analysis. Antimicrobial activities were evaluated using the standard disc method and chloramphenicol as control. Results: The results revealed varying amounts of proximate nutrients (ash, fibre, moisture, carbohydrate, protein and fat) in both samples. Vitamin analysis showed the presence of vitamin A, total and soluble vitamin C, niacin, riboflavin and thiamin in both samples. Furthermore, both samples had minerals such as Na, K, CA, P, Mg, Zn, Fe, and Cu, and K, Na, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, Zn and Cu in order of decreasing abundance in the fruit pulp and leaves, respectively. Both samples showed the presence of permissible levels of anti-nutrients compared to edible vegetables. Using all three methods, several phytochemicals such as terpenes, alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenol, organic and fatty acids, amongst other in various amounts were obtained in the samples. Antimicrobial activities against identified clinical isolates used in this study which were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus spp with both extracts ranged from 12.78±0.03 to 17.34±0.34 mm. Conclusion: Given the rising cases of antimicrobial resistance and absence of newer antibiotics, the antimicrobial activity of our study plant is worth further evaluations.

Influence of Osmotic Pre-treatment and Drying on Physicochemical, Microbial, and Storage Stability of African Star Apple

African star apple (Chrysophillum albidum) is a highly nutritious fruit rich in vitamins A, B, and C. However, African star apple (ASA) is still an underutilized fruit due to high post-harvest losses. The fruit has not been processed into a stable shelf product. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition and storage stability of osmotically dried ASA. Fresh matured ASA was sliced into 5 mm thickness and immersed in different concentrations of sugar solution (50, 55, and 60o Brix) for 24 h prior to drying in a cabinet dryer (55 oC, 18h). The products were stored for 8 weeks and samples were taken at 2 weeks intervals for proximate composition, microbiological, and vitamin analysis. Colour measurements and sensory attributes of the osmotically dried ASA were also determined. Proximate composition of the sample showed that there was no significant reduction in the proximate contents of the samples treated with different osmotic sugar solutions after 8 weeks of storage. However, there was a slight reduction in vitamin A (314.23 - 293.30 µg/100 g), C (11.94 – 7.38 mg/100 g), and E (8. 32 – 5.15 mg/100 g) contents of fruit after 8 weeks of storage. The microbial load of the sample decreased with increased oBrix level while colour intensity and sensory properties increased with an increase in oBrix level of the osmotic solution. This study provides basic information for postharvest management of ASA to boost its economic importance.Keywords- African Star Apple, Osmotic Dehydration, Proximate Composition, Vitamin Analysis, Sensory Properties.

Vitamin Analysis, Trace Elements Content, and Their Extractabilities in Tetrapleura tetraptera

Tetrapleura tetraptera is widely cherished in African traditional homes because of its alleged therapeutic and nutritional properties. This present study aimed at determining the levels of vitamin A, C, E, and beta-carotene and trace element (Fe, Cu, Mn, Co, Se, and Zn) concentrations and their extractabilities in the pulp, seeds, and whole fruit (mixture of pulp and seeds) of T. tetraptera. The total trace element concentration of Fe, Cu, Co, Mn, and Zn and their extractabilities (%) were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS), whereas UV-VIS spectrophotometer was used to determine selenium concentration. The trace element content (mg/kg) based on dry weight in the pulp, seeds, and whole fruit was Fe (162.00 ± 7.14, 115.00 ± 12.00, and 154.00 ± 25.20, respectively), Zn (31.60 ± 4.77, 43.40 ± 5.29, and 41.50 ± 8.97, respectively), Cu (16.10 ± 4.98, 11.90 ± 8.40, and 17.20 ± 14.50, respectively), Mn (55.30 ± 2.41, 156.00 ± 10.20, and 122.00 ± 5.29, respectively), Co (38.10 ± 6.40, 21.10 ± 7.15, and 44.00 ± 14.90, respectively), and Se (1.49 ± 0.17, 2.43 ± 0.28, and 2.97 ± 0.27 μg/g, respectively). The mineral extractabilities (%) in the pulp, seeds, and whole fruit of T. tetraptera were established to be in the order Co > Zn > Fe > Cu > Se > Mn. Also, the chromatographic method (HPLC) was used to evaluate vitamin E concentration, and vitamin C and concentration of beta-carotene were calculated from the obtained concentration of vitamin A using a conversion factor by the titrimetric method. From the results of vitamin analysis, a significant difference (p<0.05) was observed among the pulp, seeds, and whole fruit for vitamin C and E. However, no significant difference (p>0.05) was perceived among these plant parts for vitamin A and beta-carotene. This study has therefore revealed that the pulp, seeds, and whole fruit of T. tetraptera contain varying concentrations of vitamins and trace elements and has given many vital insights on which part of T. tetraptera to consume, as concentrations of these nutrients differ in the discrete parts of the fruit.

Recent Applications of Silver Amalgam Electrodes for Analysis of Pharmaceuticals and Vitamins

The features and applications of silver amalgam electrodes in electroanalysis of pharmaceuticals and vitamins are summarized in this review. The state-of-the-art in the preparation and construction of solid silver amalgam electrodes for prolonged and userfriendly use is presented. Although not as widely spread as other electrode materials, silver amalgam possesses a unique and viable combination of favorable electrochemical properties, which are close to ideal mercury electrodes, non-toxic character, high durability and mechanical stability, if properly prepared. Its capability of conducting the redox processes at highly negative potentials is essential for the analysis of large number of bioactive organic compounds. The review features also overview information for each application in drug or vitamin analysis divided to the sections according to the construction variants of silver amalgam electrodes.