Research Articles in Physical and Chemical Sciences

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EVALUATION OF GARLIC EXTRACTS ON CANCER GROWTH IN RATS FED DIETS WITH VARYING LEVELS OF PROTEIN.
(Howard University, 1984) Fakunle, Julius B.
Several aqueous plant extracts of common vegetables were screened for in vitro inhibition of tumor guanylate cyclase activity (the only enzyme known which produces cyclic GMP, a key regulator of cancer cell growth). One hundred and twenty young male rats (100-133g) were assigned to two major groups. One group of sixty animals was injected with transplantable Morris hepatoma (#3924A) one week after they had been placed onto their dietary regimen. Each major group was divided into six minor groups of ten rats each and was fed with three dietary protein levels of either 5%, 15% and 25% (without and with 5% lypholized garlic extract supplement). Non-tumor bearing animals fed 5% or 15% protein ate significantly (p < 0.05) more food than the tumorbearing animals (10.8 vs 9.3g). At the end of four weeks, dietary protein showed a significantly positive correlation with liver weight, kidney weight, tumor weight, tumor area and tumor tissue protein (p < 0.01). Serum and liver protein were significantly decreased in the tumor bearing animals. Low dietary protein significantly decreased tumor growth (p < 0.05) from 60-70%. All diets containing 5% garlic yielded decreased tumor growth from 10-25% (p < 0.05). Results of this study indicate that a decrease in dietary protein and/or a 5% garlic extract dietary supplement caused decreased growth of Morris hepatoma 3924A. It appears that garlic extract supplemented in the diet of experimental animals may help in cancer prevention.
Antiprotease and membrane stabilizing activities of extracts of Fagara zanthoxyloides, Olax subscorpioides and Tetrapleura tetraptera
(Taylor & Francis, 1995-01-01) Oyedapo, O. O.; Famurewa, Akindele J.
The saline and alkaline extracts of Fagara zanthoxyloides, Olax subscorpioides and Tetrapleura tetraptera were investigated for antiprotease and membrane stabilizing activities by spectroscopic procedures. Saline extracts of these plants stabilized human red blood cell membrane subjected to hypotonic- and heat-induced lyses. The results revealed that the degree of membrane stabilization was 84% for F. zanthoxyloides while T. tetraptera and O. subscorpioides exhibited 70% and63.2%, respectively. Also, sodium hydroxide extracts of the three plants exhibited antiprotease activity. A 1:5 dilution of F. zanthoxyloides gave 80% inhibition while undiluted extracts of O. subscorpioides and T. tetraptera showed 96% and 73% inhibitions, respectively.
Haematogram and serum iron status of malnourished Nigerian children.
(East African medical journal, 1995-09) Alemnji, G. A.; Thomas, K. D.; Durosinmi, M. A.; Taiwo, O.; Fakunle, Julius B.
Haematological parameters, total serum iron, and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) concentrations were estimated in twenty protein energy malnourished (PEM) children, five kwashiorkor (K), five marasmus (M), five marasmic-kwashiorkor (MK), and five undernourished (U) aged between one and five years on admission and after 18 days hospitalisation at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex. The Hospital diet for K and MK consisted of 8% protein and 802 calories per litre while that for M and U consisted of 30% protein and 1350 calories per litre. After the period of 18 days of rehabilitation there was no significant (p> 0.05) difference (Student's t-test) in the weight for age. None of the haematological parameters was significantly different after rehabilitation for all the four types of PEM. Of the four types only Kwashiorkor with mean serum iron values of 15.6+/-1.51 micrograms/100 ml and 21.17+/-0.33 micrograms/100 ml on admission and after rehabilitation respectively was significantly (P< 0.05) different. More attention by the OAUTHC authorities needs to be paid to the management, feeding and diet given to these children so that there will be a greater and more rapid improvement in their rehabilitation.
Prevalence of malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency in Nigerian preschool children subsisting on high intakes of carotenes
(SAGE Publications, 1997-07) Adelekan, D. A.; Fatusi, A. O.; Fakunle, Julius. B.; Olotu, C. T.; Olukoga, I. A.; Jinadu, M. K.; Ojofeitimi, E. O.
The prevalence of malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency was determined in 204 preschool children of both sexes aged 3–57 months. The children were recruited from 2 rural communities of Atakumosa Local Government Area of Osun State in South West Nigeria. Dietary vitamin A intake was estimated from frequency of consumption of locally available vitamin A containing food items. Vitamin A status of the children was assessed from concentration of retinol in plasma. Nutritional status was assessed from height and weight compared with international reference standards. The results indicate widespread malnutrition among the children. The prevalence of stunting (low height for age) was 60.8% while prevalence of wasting (low weight for height) was 7.4% and of underweight (low weight for age) 27.5%. Dietary vitamin A intake appeared to be adequate in the children. Intake of vitamin A is predominantly from plant sources. At least 43% of the children consumed the carotene rich red palm oil 6 or more times per week in contrast to less than 1% who consumed eggs or milk for 6 or more times per week. Vitamin A deficiency was low in the children. Only 11.3% of the children had plasma retinol concentration <0.70µmol/L. The results indicate that childhood malnutrition of public health magnitude can coexist with adequate dietary vitamin A intakes or vitamin A status.
Evaluation of the Industrial Potential of Pentachletra Mycrophylla Seed
(lntegrated Journal of Science and Engineering, 2000) Taiwo, E. A.; Nkiko, Mojisola O.; Adekoya, T. S.
Effect of Temperature on the Formation and Decomposition of Butan-2-3-dione in Wort Brewed with Sorghum and Barley During Fermentation
(Chem. Biochem. Eng. Q., 2006) Nkiko, Mojisola O.; Taiwo, E. A.; Uruebor, A.; Ogunyemi, A.
The rate of breakdown of fermentable sugar and the formation/decomposition of butan-2,3-dione (diacetyl) in wort made with unmalted sorghum, malted sorghum, malted barley and sorghum/barley malt adjunct during fermentation was studied as a function of temperature. The rate of fermentation of sugar, formation and decomposition of butan-2,3-dione increases with increasing temperature and is dependent on the nature of the substrate. The decomposition of butan-2,3-dione is faster in wort made with malted sorghum and barley when compared to wort made with unmalted sorghum or sorghum/ barley malt adjunct
Changes in the visceral functions of Plasmodium berghei-infected and-uninfected rats following administration of artemether.
(Blackwell Publishing Asia, 2006-12) Akomolafe, R. O.; Adeoshun, I. O.; Fakunle, Julius B.; Iwalewa, E. O.; Ayoka, A. O.; Akanji, B. O.
The effects of artemether (12.5, 25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg per day, i.m.), administered to different groups of Plasmodium berghei‐infected and ‐uninfected adult Wistar rats for 1 week, were investigated. The parameters evaluated were the feeding, drinking and urinating patterns of the rats and these were compared with those of rats that received normal saline. Artemether caused a significant dose‐dependent reduction in food consumption of both P. berghei‐infected and ‐uninfected rats (P < 0.05). Food intake in infected rats was reduced by approximately 7 g/24 h. This reduction in food intake was further reduced during drug treatment with artemether. Artermether also reduced food intake in uninfected rats. The food consumption of rats that received 12.5 and 25.0 mg/kg artemether was restored after stopping treatment, in contrast with rats that received 50.0 mg/kg, in which the significant reduction in food consumption persisted 1 week after drug administration. During treatment with artemether, the water intake of infected rats was significantly lower than that of uninfected rats in the 12.5 mg/kg artemether‐treated group, but was significantly higher in infected rats than in uninfected rats dosed with 25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg artemether. For all doses of artemether tested, a significant increase in urine output was observed in infected rats during treatment and 1 week after treatment, whereas in uninfected rats a significant increase in urine output was observed only following 25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg artemether 1 week after drug administration. The present study confirms the anorexic activity of a high dose of artemether in both P. berghei‐infected and ‐uninfected rats. It also indicates that high doses of the drug could cause impaired renal function in rats and that the significant increase in urine output could also be due to other effects of artemether, namely those on thirst, anti‐diuretic hormone output and the osmotic pressure of the blood.
Effect of temperature on the formation and decomposition of butan-2-3-dione in wort brewed with sorghum and barley during fermentation
(Hrvatsko društvo kemijskih inženjera i tehnologa, 2006-12-18) Nkiko, Mojisola O.; Taiwo, E. A.; Uruebor, A.; Ogunyemi, A.
The rate of breakdown of fermentable sugar and the formation/decomposition of butan-2,3-dione (diacetyl) in wort made with unmalted sorghum, malted sorghum, malted barley and sorghum/barley malt adjunct during fermentation was studied as a function of temperature. The rate of fermentation of sugar, formation and decomposition of butan-2,3-dione increases with increasing temperature and is dependent on the nature of the substrate. The decomposition of butan-2,3-dione is faster in wort made with malted sorghum and barley when compared to wort made with unmalted sorghum or sorghum/barley malt adjunct.
Effect of Inositol Hexaphosphate on the Azide Binding Reactivity of Mouse Methaemoglobin
(International Journal of Science and Technological Research, 2007) Nkiko, Mojisola O.; Demehin, A. A.; Ogunmola, G. B.
Methernoglobin (metl—lb) reactswith neutral and negative ligands because of the availability of a net positivecharge to form complexes. This reaction involves the replacement of the water molecules at the sixth Coordinated position
Investigation of Lead Binding by Tithonia diversifolia
(Science Alert, 2007-01-05) Okoronkwo, A.E.; Olasehinde, E.F.
Mexican swillower (Tithonia diversifolia) had been chosen for metal binding studies as a prelude to finding economic use for it. Adsorption capacity, pH-profile and time-dependency studies were conducted using stem biomass of this plant. Results of the investigation showed that over 96% of the lead content of water were adsorbed even in the first 5 min of interaction. Optimum pH of adsorption was recorded as 5 for the metal while the kinetic study conducted showed that the adsorption process follows a pseudo-second order reaction. In order to llllderstand the effect of NaOH modification on the Tithonia diversifolia, batch modification studies were conducted. Results of this modification studies show enhanced metal binding activity. Presence of cations such as calcium and magnesium also interfered with the adsorption process. The adsorption isotherm was apparently Langmuir in nature.
Comparative antioxidant activity, total phenol and total flavonoid contents of two Nigerian ocimum species
(Faculty of Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, 2008) Tade, O. G.; Adejorin, T.; Sennuga, A. T.; Akinmoladun, A. C.; Famurewa, Akindele J.; Obuotorz, E. M.; Onajobi, F. D.
Antioxidants are compounds which act as a major defense against oxidative stress caused by free radicals. In this study, a comparative evaluation of the antioxidant properties, phenolic and flavonoid contents of the methanolic extracts of Ocimum gratissimum Linn and Ocimum canum Sims was carried out. Crude extracts of both plants were obtained by maceration of powdered plant materials in methanol (80%) for 24hrs. The phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using standard methods while the antioxidant capacities were evaluated using six different in vitro radical scavenging assays: total antioxidant potential, reductive potential, I, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, lipid peroxidation inhibition, hydroxyl radical and nitric oxide scavenging activity. The total phenolic content in O. gratissimum and O. canum were found to be 32.66 ± 6.21 and 17.19 ± 2.54 mg GAE/g dw while total flavonoid content gave 1.94 ± 0.23 and 0.67 ± 0.01 mg QUE/g dw, respectively. Both extracts had effective reductive potential as well as exhibited strong total antioxidant capacity with increasing concentration of extract. Comparatively, O. gratissimum exhibited a significantly (p < 0.05) higher capacity to quench the DPPH free radical with IC50 value of 26.01 ± 3.2 µg/ml than O. canum, which has an IC50 value of 60.45 ± 5.22 µg/m. O. gratissimum also significantly inhibited membrane lipid peroxidation and hydroxyl radical formation with IC50 of 99.37 ± 8.56 µg/ml and 465.33 ± 21.62 µg/ml, respectively while O. canum correspondingly gave IC50 values of 447.5 ± 35.61 µg/ml and 868.16 ± 43.05 µg/ml. In the nitric oxide scavenging activity, however, O. canum showed a stronger inhibitory effect than O. gratissimum as indicated by their IC50 values of 277.22 ± 15.09 µg/ml and 731 ± 56.99 µg/ml, respectively. These activities are however several folds lower than those of butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT), ascorbic acid and quercetin used as antioxidant standards. The results demonstrate that O. gratissimum has greater antioxidant capacity than O. canum because of its relatively higher radical scavenging activity in all antiradical tests carried out except the nitric acid scavenging test and higher contents of flavonoid and phenolic compounds. O. gratissimum is therefore more beneficial therapeutically than O. canum since it provides better defense against free radical induced oxidative stress, and this attribute probably explains its relative preference in ethnomedicine for both culinary and medicinal purposes amongst the Ocimum species widely cultivated in South Western Nigeria.
Application of Fenton reaction for nanomolar determination of hydrogen peroxide in seawater
(Elsevier, 2008-08-28) Olasehinde, Emmanuel F.; Makino, Shinya; Kondo, Hiroaki; Takeda, Kazuhiko; Sakugawa, Hiroshi
A simple and sensitive method for the determination of nanomolar levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in seawater has been developed and validated. This method is based on the reduction of H2O2 by ferrous iron in acid solution to yield hydroxyl radical (•OH) which reacts with benzene to produce phenol. Phenol is separated from the reaction mixture by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography and its fluorescence intensity signals were measured at excitation and emission of 270 and 298 nm, respectively. Under optimumconditions, the calibration curve exhibited linearity in the range of (0–50)×103 nmol L−1 H2O2. The relative standard deviations for five replicate measurements of 500 and 50 nmol L−1 H2O2 are 1.9 and 2.4%, respectively. The detection limit for H2O2, defined as three times the standard deviation of the lowest standard solution (5 nmol L−1 H2O2) in seawater is 4 nmol L−1. Interference of nitrite ion (NO2 −) on the fluorescence intensity of phenol was also investigated. The result indicated that the addition of 10 mol L−1 NO2 − to seawater samples showed no significant interference, although, the addition of 50 mol L−1 NO2 − to the seawater samples decreases the fluorescence intensity signals of phenol by almost 40%. Intercomparison of this method with well-accepted (p-hydroxyphenyl) acetic acid (POHPAA)-FIA method shows excellent agreement. The proposed method has been applied on-board analysis of H2O2 in Seto Inland seawater samples.
Application of Fenton reaction for nanomolar determination of hydrogen peroxide in seawater
(Elsevier, 2008-08-28) Olasehinde, Emmanuel F.; Makino, Shinya; Kondo, Hiroaki; Takeda, Kazuhiko; Sakugawa, Hiroshi
A simple and sensitive method for the determination of nanomolar levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in seawater has been developed and validated. This method is based on the reduction of H2O2 by ferrous iron in acid solution to yield hydroxyl radical (•OH) which reacts with benzene to produce phenol. Phenol is separated from the reaction mixture by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography and its fluorescence intensity signals were measured at excitation and emission of 270 and 298 nm, respectively. Under optimum conditions, the calibration curve exhibited linearity in the range of (0–50) × 103 nmol L−1 H2O2. The relative standard deviations for five replicate measurements of 500 and 50 nmol L−1 H2O2 are 1.9 and 2.4%, respectively. The detection limit for H2O2, defined as three times the standard deviation of the lowest standard solution (5 nmol L−1 H2O2) in seawater is 4 nmol L−1. Interference of nitrite ion (NO2−) on the fluorescence intensity of phenol was also investigated. The result indicated that the addition of 10mol L−1 NO2− to seawater samples showed no significant interference, although, the addition of 50mol L−1 NO2 − to the seawater samples decreases the fluorescence intensity signals of phenol by almost 40%. Intercomparison of this method with well-accepted (p-hydroxyphenyl) acetic acid (POHPAA)-FIA method shows excellent agreement. The proposed method has been applied on-board analysis of H2O2 in Seto Inland seawater samples.
Protective roles of onion and garlic extracts on cadmium-induced changes in sperm characteristics and testicular oxidative damage in rats
(Pergamon, 2008-12-01) Ola-Mudathir, Kikelomo F.; Suru, Stephen M.; Fafunso, Michael A.; Obioha, Udoka E.; Faremi, Toyin Y.
Cadmium (Cd) is known to exert gonadotoxic and spermiotoxic effects. The present study was performed to assess the possible protective roles of onion (Allium cepa Linn) and garlic (Allium sativum Linn) extracts on Cd-induced testicular damage and spermiotoxicity. The control group received double distilled water; Cd group received Cd (1.5 mg/100 g BW/day) orally; extract-treated groups were pre-treated with varied doses of onion and/or garlic extract (0.5 ml and 1.0 ml/100 g BW/day) orally for one week and then simultaneously challenged with Cd (1.5 mg/100 g BW/day) for additional three weeks. Testicular tissue oxidant/antioxidant status and sperm characteristics were determined. Cd caused a marked (p < 0.001) rise in testicular lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) levels whereas glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were decreased. Cd intoxication significantly (p < 0.001) decreased epididymal sperm concentration and sperm progress motility, increased percent total sperm abnormalities and live/dead count. Both extracts successfully attenuated these adverse effects of Cd. Onion extract offers a dose-dependent protection. Our study demonstrated that aqueous extracts of onion and garlic could proffer a measure of protection against Cd-induced testicular oxidative damage and spermiotoxicity by possibly reducing lipid peroxidation and increasing the antioxidant defence mechanism in rats..
Hepatoprotective potentials of onion and garlic extracts on cadmium-induced oxidative damage in rats
(Humana Press Inc, 2009-06-01) Obioha, Udoka E.; Suru, Stephen M.; Ola-Mudathir, Kikelomo F.; Faremi, Toyin Y.
The hepatoprotective effect of onion and garlic extracts on cadmium (Cd)-induced oxidative damage in rats is reported. Control group received double-distilled water alone. Cd group was challenged with 3CdSO4·8H2O (as Cd; 1.5 mg/kg bw per day per oral) alone, while extract-treated groups were pretreated with varied doses of onion and/or garlic extract (0.5 and 1.0 ml/100 g bw per day per oral) for a week and thereafter co-treated with Cd (1.5 mg/kg bw per day per oral) for 3 weeks. Cd caused a marked (p < 0.001) increase in the levels of lipid peroxidation and glutathione S-transferase, whereas glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels were decreased in the liver. We also observed a decrease in hepatic activities of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase and a concomitant increase in the plasma activities of ALT and AST. Onion and garlic extracts significantly attenuated these adverse effects of Cd. Onion extract proffered a dose-dependent hepatoprotection. Our study showed that Cd-induced oxidative damage in rat liver is amenable to attenuation by high dose of onion and moderate dose of garlic extracts possibly via reduced lipid peroxidation and enhanced antioxidant defense system that is insufficient to prevent and protect Cd-induced hepatotoxicity.
Development of an Analytical Method for Nitric Oxide Radical Determination in Natural Waters
(ACS Publications, 2009-07-27) Olasehinde, Emmanuel F.; Kazuhiko, Takeda; Hiroshi, Sakugawa
The measurement of photochemically generated nitric oxide radicals (NO) in natural waters has long been an arduous task because of a lack of simple analytical techniques, even though the environmental significance of this radical is paramount. We have developed a simple analytical method for the determination of photochemically generated NO in natural waters using 4,5-diaminofluorescein (DAF-2) as a probe compound. This method is based on the reaction of photoformed NO with DAF-2 in air-saturated solution to produce a highly fluorescent triazolofluorescein (DAF-2T) product. DAF-2T was determined by using reversed-phase HPLC with fluorescence detection, with excitation and emission wavelengths of 495 and 515 nm, respectively. Under optimum conditions, the calibration curve exhibited linearity in the range of 0.025−10 nM DAF-2T. The coefficients of variance for the measurements of the signal intensities of DAF-2T (from the photolysis of 0.5 μM and 5 μM NO2− with DAF-2) were less than 5% and 3%, respectively. For a total irradiation time of 30 min, the detection limit of the photoformation rate of NO was 1.65 × 10−13 M s−1, defined as 3σ of the lowest measured DAF-2T concentration (0.025 nM). The proposed method is relatively unaffected by potential interferents in seawater. The method was employed to determine the photoformation rate of NO in the Seto Inland Sea and the Kurose River in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The measured NO photoformation rates in seawater and river water samples ranged from (5.3−32) × 10−12 M s−1 and (9.4−300) × 10−12 M s−1, respectively.
Purification, characterization and toxicity of a mannose-binding lectin from the seeds of Treculia africana plant
(Taylor & Francis Group, 2009-10-01) Adeniran, Olukemi A.; Kuku, Adenike; Obuotor, Martins E.; Agboola, Femi K.; Famurewa, Akindele J.; Osasan, Stephen
In this study, a mannose-specific, homodimeric lectin from the seeds of Treculia africana was purified, characterized and its adverse effects were investigated in mice. The purification protocol involved anionic exchange chromatography on DEAE-Cellulose followed by gel filtration on Sephadex G-100. The hemagglutinating activity of lectin towards human erythrocytes was sensitive to inhibition by D-mannose. Treatment of the protein with EDTA exerted no inhibitory effect; however, analysis of metal content by atomic absorption spectroscopy revealed the presence of Cu2+, Fe3+, and Mg2+. The results obtained showed that the lectin possesses maximum hemagglutinating activity towards human erythrocytes activity over the pH range 3–7.2 and is relatively thermostable up to 50°C. Periodic acid Schiff's (PAS) reagent staining showed that the protein was non-glycosylated while its amino acid composition analysis revealed that the protein contained 155 residues per subunit. The subunit had a minimal molecular weight of 22,139 Daltons, while the native molecular weight was estimated to be 41,000 Daltons. The lectin was found to be moderately toxic to mice with an LD50 of 47.21 µg g−1 body weight while, histopathological analysis showed no treatment related effects in any of the organs examined.
A comparative study of serum ferritin and other acute phase reactants (APR) in minor and major surgery
(Academic Journals, 2009-12-31) Asaolu, M. F.; Oyeyemi, A. O.; Fakunle, Julius B.
This study was carried out on serum ferritin, acute phase reactants (APR), iron (Fe) and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) in healthy women in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria and in female patients undergoing suture (minor operation) and ceaserean operations at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria between February and March, 2009. The results revealed post-operative serum ferritin and APR concentrations to be significantly higher (p> 0.01) while iron and TIBC were significantly lower in patients undergoing caesarean operation compared to both patients with minor operation and healthy women. The pre-operative results of serum ferritin were however significantly lower in patient undergoing major operation than in patients with minor operation. The present study was carried out to examine the changes in serum ferritin and other acute phase reactants in response to the magnitude of tissue damage. It can be concluded that the concentrations of serum ferritin and acute phase reactant increases as the magnitude of tissue damages increases. There is an acute phase response of serum ferritin levels following major surgery.
Risk mitigation strategies and policy implications for carbon dioxide (CO 2) emission in organically-amended soils in Nigeria
(Academic Journals, 2010) Gbemisola, O. O.; Akin, O.; Aladesanmi, O. T.; Maruf, S.; Famurewa, Akindele J.; Siyanbola, W. O.
Global food security has been a challenge, especially in Africa. This has attracted the adoption of strategies to improve soil productivity and crop yield. One of such strategies is the use of solid wastes as soil organic matter amendments. An investigation of the effects of soil amendment using poultry manure, sawdust and their mixtures on carbon dioxide (CO 2) emission, maize (Zea mays L.) growth and dry matter yield were assessed under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Top soil obtained from unfertilized plots at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching and Research farm, Ile-Ife, Nigeria was used for the experiments. The organic amendments were added at the rate of 10 g/kg, treatments were in triplicates and treatment means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at 95% level of significance. Results obtained revealed that CO 2 emission decreased while maize heights and dry matter yields significantly (P> 0.05) increased with increasing ratios of poultry manure in the poultry manure-sawdust mixtures. The CO 2 emission from poultry manure amended soil was about 61% that from sawdust amended soil while the mean height and dry matter yield in sawdust-amended soils were 84% and 52% respectively those obtained in poultry manure amended soil. This paper concludes that it is essential to design and implement policies that will guide and encourage the use of organic amendments at ratios that can enhance crop yield and mitigate CO 2 emission to the environment.
Acute administration of co-artesiane induces oxidative stress in the testes of adult male Wistar rats
(Bioscience Research Communications, 2010) Tijani, Abiola S.; Ukwenya, Victor O.; Sodunke, Grace A.; Fakunle, Julius B.
Co-artesiane is an artemether-lumefantrine combination therapy that is used in the treatment of malaria. In this work we studied the toxicological effect of this drug with reference to seminal and biochemical parameters of the male reproductive system of wistar rats. Twenty (20) adult male rats were divided into four groups of five rats per group. Group A was administered a single dose (4 mg/kg/bw) of Co-artesiane, Group B was administered double dose (8 mg/kg/bw) of Co-artesiane and Group C received 10 mg/kg/bw of the drug for a period of 3 days. Group D served as control and received physiologic saline. In each group body weight, testicular weight, sperm count, motility and viability as well as oxidative stress status were assessed by evaluating the activities of reduced glutathione, Glutathione S-transferase, catalase, super oxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). The mean sperm count, motility and viability in rats treated with Co-artesiane were reduced when compared with controls. Biochemical analyses showed increase in the activities of oxidative stress markers in a dose-dependent manner. The results suggest that the graded dose of Co-artesiane® elicit depletion of antioxidant defense system and induced oxidative stress in the rats.

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