Protective effects of phytomediated synthesized magnesium hydroxide nanomaterials using Monodora myristica against diabetes-associated hepatopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy in streptozotocin-exposed rat

There is recently a fast growing interest in green nanotechnology as a better approach for managing diabetes mellitus (DM) and its associated complications. This study therefore aimed at exploring the protective potentials of biogenic phytomediated magnesium-based nanoparticles using Monodora myristica seed (Mg(OH)2NP-Mm) against streptozotocin-induced diabetic hepatopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy in Wistar rats. Mg(OH)2NP-Mm was biosynthesized and characterized using standard techniques. Forty-eight (48) adult male Wistar rats weighing 150-200 g, were indiscriminately grouped into eight (8) groups of six (6) rats (n=6) each. Diabetes was induced with a low dose of streptozotocin (STZ) (55 mg/kg bw) and diabetic animals administered 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg bw Mg(OH)2NP-Mm for 21 days, while control groups received glibenclamide (5 mg/kg bw) and Mg(OH)2-STD (150 mg/kg bw), respectively. In this study, treatment with Mg(OH)2NP-Mm caused a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in fasting blood sugar (FBG), serum hepatic biomarkers (AST, ALT and ALP activities), renal clearance markers (creatinine and urea), total protein (TP) and bilirubin. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, as well as histomorphological examinations indicated a significant (p < 0.05) restoration of the hepatic, renal and brain tissues. This finding therefore, hypothesizes attenuation of redox imbalance which probably could be the basis for the protective effect demonstrated by Mg(OH)2NP-Mm in the tissues examined from STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Effects of Different Extracting Solvents on Non-Phenolic Phytochemical Profiles of Selected Nigerian Spices and Spice-treated Foods

The aim of this research was to investigate the impact of extraction solvents on the non-phenolic phytochemical profiles of selected spices (Ocimum viride, Monodora myristica, Monodora tenuifolia and Tetrapleura tetraptera) and spice-treated foods in southern part of Nigeria. The spice samples were processed into powder for antioxidant screening. The spice extracts were obtained from the samples using 5 extracting solvents [distilled water, 95 % methanol, acetone / hexane (1:1 v/v), n-hexane / methanol / acetone (2:1:1, v/v/v) and acetone / water / acetic acid (70:29.5:0.5, v/v/v)]. Water extracts were obtained from beef, pork and fluted pumpkin leaves. The alkaloid, saponin, oxalate and phytate components of the spice extracts and the spice-treated foods were evaluated using standard methods. The laboratory analyses were performed at analytical laboratory, National Centre for Energy Research and Development, University of Nigeria, Nsukka during the 3rd quarter of 2020. The percentage yield of the extracts were low (0.32 - 0.96 %) and varied widely among extracting solvents, spices and spice-treated foods. M. myristica and T. tetrpleura had the highest yield, 0.96, in methanol extracts. Phytochemical contents differed significantly (p < 0.05) among spices, extracts of the same spice and among spice-treated foods. Spices had high contents of oxalate (2.0 – 7.0 mg/100 g), alkaloid (0.8 – 5.76 mg/100 g) and phytate (2.14 – 3.88 mg/100 g) but relatively low content of saponin (0.03 – 0.736 mg/100g). Methanol alone or in combination with other solvents extracted higher amounts of phytochemicals (0.96 %) than other solvent mixtures from the spices. Phytochemical contents of spice-treated foods were in the order: vegetable > rice > pork > beef.

Cameroonian Spice Extracts Modulate Molecular Mechanisms Relevant to Cardiometabolic Diseases in SW 872 Human Liposarcoma Cells

The molecular pathophysiology of cardiometabolic diseases is known to be influenced by dysfunctional ectopic adipose tissue. In addition to lifestyle improvements, these conditions may be managed by novel nutraceutical products. This study evaluatedthe effects of 11 Cameroonian medicinal spice extracts on triglyceride accumulation, glucose uptake, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and interleukin secretion in SW 872 human adipocytes after differentiation with 100 µM oleic acid. Triglyceride content was significantly reduced by all spice extracts. Glucose uptake was significantly increased by Tetrapleura tetraptera, Aframomum melegueta and Zanthoxylum leprieurii. Moreover, Xylopia parviflora, Echinops giganteus and Dichrostachys glomerata significantly reduced the production of ROS. Concerning pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, we observed that Tetrapleura tetraptera, Echinops giganteus, Dichrostachys glomerata and Aframomum melegueta reduced IL-6 secretion. In addition, Xylopia parviflora, Monodora myristica, Zanthoxylum leprieurii, and Xylopia aethiopica reduced IL-8 secretion, while Dichrostachys glomerata and Aframomum citratum increased it. These findings highlight some interesting properties of these Cameroonian spice extracts in the modulation of cellular parameters relevant to cardiometabolic diseases, which may be further exploited, aiming to develop novel treatment options for these conditions based on nutraceutical products.

EVALUATION OF THE ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECT AND BIOACTIVE CONTENT OF MONODORA MYRISTICA SEED

For many decades, the area of alternative medicine has attracted considerable attention from researchers worldwide. Interestingly, evidence abounds that affirms the efficacy of alternative medicine in the various healthcare domain. Moreso, the plants properties have been well explored relating to its medicinal compositions. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the antimicrobial and bioactive contents of the M. Myristica seed. The samples were collected and soaked for 24 hrs with different solvents to extract the medicinal component. The qualitative analysis shows the positive result in saponin, glycoside, steroid, and alkaloid, while flavonoid and tannin are negative. The quantitative analysis for M. Myristica seed show 32% to saponins, alkaloid 8.35%, phenol 55.7%, flavonoid 0.0707 mg/ml, and glycoside 5.2% while-tannin is negative. The result shows that M. Myristica can be used to produce vaccines because of saponin, while flavonoids were found to play biological and pharmacological activities, including antioxidants.

Phytochemical screening and evaluation of antioxidant capacities of Allium cepa, Allium sativum, and Monodora myristica using in vitro and in vivo models

Background: Allium cepa, Allium sativum, and Monodora myristica are commonly sourced food condiments in every household in Nigeria. In the present study, we investigated the phytochemical compositions, in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity of these plants. Methods: The aqueous extracts from the A. cepa, A. sativum, and M. myristica were evaluated for phytochemical composition using standard protocols while the antioxidant activities were evaluated using the reducing power assay. Forty-five (45) Male Wistar rats (weighing 185±10 g) were divided into five groups (n=9) and were orally administered with 100 mg/kg BW each of A. sativum, M. myristica, A. cepa, and ascorbic acid while the control group received 0.5 mL/kg BW distilled water alone. Animals (n=3) from each group were sacrificed after the 20th, 25th, and 30th days of oral administration. The blood and tissue samples were collected for the analysis of biochemical parameters. Result: Our results revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and terpenes in the plant extracts. A. sativum had the highest reducing power capacity followed by M. myristica and then A. cepa. The in vitro antioxidants activities demonstrated by the plant extracts were higher than that of ascorbic acid but less than butylated hydroxytoluene. In vivo antioxidant studies showed a marked increase (p<0.05) in the level of catalase with a concurrent decrease (p<0.05) in the levels of MDA and H2O2 in the liver and kidney of rats administered with aqueous extracts of the condiments compared to the normal control and ascorbic acid in the following order control < ascorbic acid < A. cepa < M. myristica < A. sativum. Conclusion: Based on these findings, we infer that the aqueous extracts of A. cepa, A. sativum, and M. myristica are rich in antioxidants and as a result could serve as promising novel functional foods and nutraceuticals

Chemical Composition and Physicochemical Properties of Selected Seed Spices in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria

Monodora myristica (African nutmeg), Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) and Byrosocurpus dinklayer (Efu) are common spices used in the preparation of delicacies. The proximate composition of the seed flour and physicochemical properties of the oil were determined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition of the seed flours and physicochemical properties of the oil in order to know their domestics and industrial applications. The oil of M. myristica, M. fragrans and B. dinklayer were extracted with petroleum ether. The moisture, dry matter, crude fibre, fat, protein, ash and carbohydrate contents for M.myristica, M. fragrans and B. dinklayer ranged from 11.76-13.67, 88.24-89.30, 13.60-15.47, 5.28-14.65 7.90-10.41, 9.20-11.45 and 40.78-47.13% respectively. The acid values of M. myristica, M. fragrans and B. dinklayer were 0.70, 0.68 and 0.98 g/100g respectively. The values for oil under study suggested its edibility. The iodine values were 93.27, 89.30 and 106.72 g/100g respectively. Since the iodine values of the oil are lower than 100 (gI2/100 g sample) except B. dinklayer, the oils could be classified as non-drying oils. The peroxide values were 8.90, 5.12 and 9.60 g/100g respectively. The values indicate low levels of oxidative rancidity. The saponification values ranged from 179.03-188.64. The values suggested that the oils may be used in soap and shampoos.

Nutritional and Elemental Characterization of Local Forest Spices used among Itsekiri Ethnics, Nigeria

Although spices are added to food in small quantities for their flavour and aroma, they also have impact on the health of consumers. This study aimed at ascertaining the nutritional and elemental composition of the most preferred forest spices used amongst Itsekiri ethnics in Delta state, Nigeria. The most preferred spices were determined through questionnaire administration to 143 users and sellers. Crude protein, fat, fibre, ash and moisture content were analyzed using the standard methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Elemental analysis was done using PIXE accelerator to detect the heavy metals (Mg, Al, Si, Cr, Fe, Zn, Mn & Cu) in the five most preferred local spices. One way ANOVA was used to separate the means of the elements while mean comparison was done with LSD. The five most preferred spices include Monodora myristica, Xylopiaa ethiopica, Parinari excelsa, Aframomum subsericeum and Ighereje (Itsekiri local name). Xylopiaa ethiopica had the highest Crude protein (16.83%) while Parinari excelsa had the lowest percentage crude protein (11.67%). Monodora myristica had highest moisture content (10.8%) while Xylopia aethiopica had the lowest (6.52%). Elemental analysis revealed magnesium as the highest in concentration for Ighereje (3079.03ppm). Silicon and manganese were found to be higher in Aframomum subsericeum with 1488.2ppm and 148.9ppm respectively. Overall, the spices were found to contain significant nutrients required for good health. However, the concentrations of some elements in the spices per 1 kg samples were higher than the WHO/FAO maximum permissible daily limit which could make the spices not safe for daily consumption. But very little quantity are needed as flavourant (usually below 50g/family NOT individual), therefore consumption of the forest spices may be deemed safe for consumption.