Cucumeropsis mannii seed oil (CMSO) ameliorates adipokines dysfunction and dyslipidemia in male Wistar rats exposed to Bisphenol-A

Bisphenol-A (BPA) and its analog are extensively utilized in the production of plastics which are rather ubiquitous in our environment. At high temperatures, BPA is leached into water and food packed in plastic containers. This research investigated the ameliorative effects of CMSO on adipokines dysfunction and dyslipidemia in male Wistar rats exposed to Bisphenol-A. thirty-six (36) albino rats weighing 100 - 200 g were randomly assigned into six (6) different experimental groups of controls (1, 2, and 3) and the tests (4, 5, and 6). Group 1 was given only 1 ml of olive oil, group 2 received 100 mg/Kg body weight (b.w) of BPA, group 3 was given 7.5 ml/Kg b.w of CMSO, groups 4, 5, and 6 received 100 mg/Kg b.w of BPA and 7.5, 5 and 2.5 mg/Kg b.w of CMSO respectively. CMSO and BPA were concurrently administered via oral intubation for periods of 42 days. Lipid profile and adipokines levels were determined in plasma and adipose tissue. BPA in male rats significantly (p<0.05) elevated the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, liptin, and coronary and atherogenic risk indices in plasma and adipose tissue with reductions in HDL-C and adiponectin levels. BPA plus CMSO in male rats significantly (p<0.05) decreased the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, liptin, and coronary and atherogenic risk indices with an elevation of HDL-C and adiponectin levels in both plasma and adipose tissue. These results suggest that CMSO could be useful in the management of cardiovascular-related diseases induced by BPA.

Optimization of Protein Extraction from Arachis hypogaea L. and Cucumeropsis mannii Naud. Seeds for Use as Natural Coagulants in Surface Water Clarification

The aim of this study was to improve the quality of protein extracts from Cucumeropsis mannii Naud. and Arachis hypogaea L. The evolution of protein content and microbiological quality of aqueous extracts of A. hypogaea, C. mannii and M. oleifera seed powders were monitored over time during protein extraction. The protein contents of the extracts subjected to decantation and those subjected to centrifugation were determined by the Kjeldahl method. The microbiological quality of the different aqueous extracts was evaluated according to the standards NF EN ISO 7932, NF V 08-059 and NF EN ISO 4833-1. The results obtained show protein contents of 40.6 % for A. hypogaea, 25.4 % for C. mannii and 36.5 % for M. oleifera, after 24 h of decantation. The protein contents of the centrifuged aqueous extracts were higher and 55.9%, 36.7% and 37.6% for A. hypogaea, C. mannii and M. oleifera extracts respectively. The results of the microbiological analysis showed that the aqueous extracts of M. oleifera contain little microbial load. Significant growth of aerobic flora and Bacillus cereus was observed in the decanted extracts of C. mannii and A. hypogaea from 4 h to 24 h of decantation. Extracts obtained by centrifugation have a lower microbial load, because the treatment time was shorter. The aqueous protein extracts of A. hypogaea and C. mannii seed powders obtained by centrifugation were of better quality than those obtained by decantation, because they have higher protein contents and lower microbial loads. The water solubility of A. hypogaea and C. mannii seed proteins was also studied on protein suspensions at 2% at pH 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. The results obtained showed that adjusting the pH to 7 and 8 could improve the degree of protein extraction for A. hypogaea and C. mannii seeds.

Soil chemical properties and growth performance of white seed melon (Cucumeropsis mannii Naudin) influenced by combined soil amendments in Ile-Oluji, Nigeria

Field experiment was conducted to study the effects of crop residues in combination with NPK fertilizer (NPKF) on soil chemical properties and growth performance of white seed melon at Ile-Oluji, Ondo State Nigeria. The experiment involved applications of cocoa bean husk (CBH), cocoa pod husk (CPH), cocoa pod waste (CPW), kola pod husk (KPH), Tithonia diversifolia (weed much (WM) in combination with NPK 15:15:15 Fertilizer to produce twelve treatments at 4 t ha-1 CBH + 200 kg ha-1 NPKF, 4 t ha-1 CBH + 100 kg ha-1 NPKF, 4 t ha-1 CPH + 200 kg ha-1 NPKF, 4 t ha-1 CPH + 100 kg ha-1 NPKF, 4 t ha-1 CPW + 200 kg ha-1 NPKF, 4 t ha-1 CPW + 100 kg ha-1 NPKF, 4 t ha-1 KPH + 200 kg ha-1 NPKF, 4 t ha-1 KPH + 100 kg ha-1 NPKF, 2 t ha-1 WM + 200 kg ha-1 NPKF, 2 t ha-1 WM + 100 kg ha-1 NPKF, 300 kg ha-1 NPKF and control, all the amendments tested significantly improved soil chemical properties and growth performance of white seed melon relative to control. Three cocoa plants residues in combination with NPKF at reduced rates 4 t ha CBH + 200 kg ha-1 NPKF, 4 t ha-1 CPW + 200 kg ha-1 NPKF and 4 t ha-1 CPH + 200 kg ha-1 NPKF respectively significantly (p < 0.05) improved soil pH, organic matter (OM), available P, exchangeable k, Ca and Mg, Na, Fe, Al and ECEC among the amendments tested. All treatments increased number of leaf, branches and vine length of white seed melon compared to control. 4 t ha-1 CBH + 200 kg ha-1 NPKF, 4 t ha-1 CPW + 200 kg ha-1 NPKF, 4 t ha-1 CPH + 200 kg ha-1 NPKF, had highest value of crop branches.

The untapped industrial crop, Cucumeropsis mannii: dry oil extraction, characterization and potential use as biodiesel feedstock and heavy metal sink

Due to the quest to meet a basic need – food, vast potentials of numerous African crops have remained unexplored. Cucumeropsis mannii, an invaluable West African melon, is cultivated for its edible proteinous oil-rich seeds. Here, we report for the first time, its potential use for biodiesel production over an uncommon heterogeneous nanocatalyst, and for wastewater treatment. An identification of the untapped species’ seed was made, for disambiguation. Oil (CMO) was expressed from the C. mannii seeds (CMS) and characterized. The CMS was found composed of 53.5% lipids, while 46.1% of the full-fat CMS flour was recovered as vegetable oil. Transesterification experiments were performed using a specially-prepared heterogeneous nanocatalyst derived from Eobania vermiculata shells, by varying successively: methanol/oil ratio, temperature, and reaction time. Maximum biodiesel (CMOME) yield of 86.2% was achieved at catalyst concentration of 5.4%, methanol to oil molar ratio of 9:1, reaction temperature of 60 °C, after 3 h of reaction. Furthermore, part of the polyunsaturated CMO was sulphur-functionalized and utilized at different dosage levels for extraction of Ag+ from 600 to 1500 ppm simulated water. The modified CMO exhibited desirable sorption properties – sinking 100% of Ag+ from 900 ppm water, after 7-h-phase-contact at 6.9 g (20 mL)− 1 dosage. Stagewise operation (multi-staging) was found capable of improving the extraction efficiency in highly concentrated wastewater. Although CMOME conformed to EN-14214 and ASTM D-6751 standards, it had low oxidation stability; making wastewater treatment a more faithful application. Regarding the crop’s food value, residual CMS cake remained edible, even with longer shelf-life (relative to the full-fat flour) – encouraging commercial flour-defattening and consequent availability of CMO for industrial applications. Lastly, it was concluded (with some relevant recommendations) that CMO has great potentials for use as biodiesel feedstock and as heavy metal removal agent.

Effects of stifled cooking on the quality and lipid-lowering potential of oils extracted from two species of pumpkin seeds (Citrullus lanatus and Cucumeropsis mannii)

Background: Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Cucumeropsis mannii and Citrullus lanatus commonly called pumpkin seeds or egussi, the oil-rich seeds, have already demonstrated hypolipidemic activity. In Africa, these seeds are popularly used in the preparation of local foods. During that thermal process, the fatty acid content of pumpkin seeds’ oils may be altered in their functionality. Thus, this work aims at studying the effect of stifled cooking on the quality and the lipid-lowering potential of oils’ extracts from Citrullus lanatus (CL) and Cucumeropsis mannii (CM). Methods: The oils were extracted from the pumpkin seeds (raw and cooked) by a mixture of chloroform and methanol (2/1). The acid, iodine, peroxide and thiobarbituric acid value of the oils were assessed. For 28 days, the oils were subsequently administered by oral intubation to high-fat diet induced hyperlipidemic rats. At the end of the experimentation, the lipid profile, the markers of the hepatic and kidney function were determined. Results: The oils extracted from raw CL and CM significantly reduced (p˂0,05) serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, uric acid, serum transaminases, creatinine, urea and increases the serum High Density Lipoprotein (HDL)cholesterol level relative to the oils extracted from cooked CM and CL. Moreover, the oil from cooked CL significantly (p<0.05) reduced some lipid profile and toxicity parameters (triglycerides and Alanine animotransferase) while increasing the serum HDL compared to the oil extracted from cooked CM. On the other hand, all the quality parameters of the raw materials followed the limits for vegetable oils, as opposed to cooked samples. Conclusion: Stifled cooking affects the lipid-lowering potential of CM oil compared to that of CL oil. Keywords: Citrullus lanatus; Cucumeropsis mannii; Cucurbitaceae, Hyperlipidemia, Stifled cooking.

Serological and Molecular Characterisation of Virus Infecting Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in Adim-Biase, Cross River State, Nigeria

Watermelon, Citrullus lanatus, (Thunb.) is an annual crop in the Cucurbitaceae family grown for it fruits. It nutritional and medical uses helps in combating some illnesses and maintaining good health. The production of this crop in Nigeria is seriously under threat by virus disease. A survey of some farms in Adim, Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria during the 2019 planting season revealed mosaic and chlorotic symptoms. Mechanical inoculation was performed on young seedlings of Cucumeropsis mannii from watermelon samples showing viral symptoms and latter tested against the universal potyvirus antiserum and further detected by RT-PCR assay using cylindrical inclusion (CI) primer. The amplified cDNA was cloned and the nucleotide sequence determined. The serology result showed that there was positive reaction against the potyvirus antiserum confirming it to be a potyvirus. The gene sequence analysis revealed 86% sequence identity with Algerian watermelon mosaic virus. This is the first report of Algerian watermelon mosaic virus strain infecting watermelon in Nigeria.

The radio-protective effects of n-Hexane extracts of Telfairia occidentalis Hook. f. and Cucumeropsis mannii Naud. seed oils on the liver of irradiated male Wistar rats

The human population is predisposed to some considerable amounts of radiation especially ionizing radiation which may negatively impact their metabolic processes. Herbal extracts can mitigate these harmful effects. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the protective effect of n-Hexane extracts of Telfairia occidentalis and Cucumeropsis mannii seeds oils against radiation-mediated oxidative stress in Wistar rats. Sixty male rats were randomly distributed into six groups of six animals each and n-hexane extracts of T. occidentalis and C. mannii were administered at a dose of 2.4 or 4.8 mg/kg b. wt., orally for 7 days before irradiation and 10 days after irradiation, when they were sacrificed. Lipid peroxidation was measured, hepatic antioxidant status; SOD, CAT, GSH, Gpx and GST were estimated. The activities of liver enzymes: ALT, AST and ALP were measured and histological examination of sections of the liver was carried out. Radiation significantly increased MDA levels, SOD, GPx, AST, ALT and ALP activities but reduced body weights, total proteins, CAT, GSH and GST activities. Administration of the extracts significantly reduces the levels of MDA, SOD, GPx, ALT, AST and ALP activities while they increase the activities of CAT, GSH and GST at a dosage of 4.8 mg/kg. Histological examination showed increased levels of toxicity in radiated and groups administered 2.4 mg/kg extracts. From these findings, extracts of T. occidentalis and C. mannii at 4.8 mg/kg b. wt are effective herbal remedies in the prevention and amelioration of the consequences of oxidative stress due to exposure to ionizing radiation.