Posted by admin on Jun 30, 2025 in |
Dental caries, a widespread infection caused by cariogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans, is traditionally managed in Nigeria using chewing sticks like Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides and Nauclea latifolia. This study compares the anti-caries activity of these two plants and provides a scientific basis for their traditional use. The stems of Z. zanthoxyloides and N. latifolia were collected, identified, and subjected to powder microscopy, proximate analysis, phytochemical screening, and GC-MS analysis. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp., and Candida albicans. Both plants exhibited significant antibacterial activity, with Z. zanthoxyloides showing effectiveness against S. aureus even at low concentrations, while N. latifolia was broadly effective against all tested organisms. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and steroids in both extracts, with GC-MS analysis identifying key bioactive compounds. Incorporating Z. zanthoxyloides into a plain toothpaste enhanced its antimicrobial activity, suggesting its potential in modern preventive dental care. These findings validate the traditional use of Z. zanthoxyloides and N. latifolia as effective oral hygiene...
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Posted by admin on Jun 30, 2025 in |
To perform phytochemical screening, estimate total phenolics and total flavonoid content of hydro alcoholic extract of dried leaves of Portulaca grandiflora Hook. The shade- dried leaves of P. grandiflora (100 g) were extracted exhaustively by Soxhlet with hydro- alcohol. The conc. hydro-alcoholic extract were further studied to quantitative determination, GC-MS and HPTLC to identify and characterize the chemical compound present in the crude extract. The phenolic content present in hydro-alcoholic leaf extract was found to be 1.57µg/ml (µg of Gallic acid/mg of extract) and flavonoid content was found to be 2.73µg/ml (µg of Rutin/mg of extract). Phytochemical analysis of hydroalcoholic extract showed presence of major classes of phytochemicals. High performance – thin layer chromatography results revealed the mobile phase of ethyl acetate: formic acid: glacial acetic acid: water (10:0.5:0.5:1.3), the fluorescent band under (254 nmand366 nm) at Rf 0.21 was identified, and the marker chemical rutin was measured. Gas chromatography – mass spectroscopy results showed the presence of 27 phytoconstituents including phenolic acids, ketones, flavonoids, carbohydrates, and hydrocarbons. The...
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Posted by admin on Jun 30, 2025 in |
Marine sponge (Tetilla dactyloidea) of the family Tetillidae is an unexplored medicinal sponge. This marine sponge from the Demospongia class, and its active ingredients have a number of possible medical uses. The study was for the assessment of Phytochemical, GC-MS, and antimicrobial potential of the acetone extract of Tetilla dactyloidea. Antimicrobial activity of T. dactyloidea acetone extract (25 µg) in terms of zone of inhibition (ZOI) varied from 9 ± 1.33 mm, 0 mm, 0 mm, and 0 mm while, Ciprofloxacin (5µg) showed ZOI ranged from 18 ± 1.35 mm, 16 ± 0.87 mm, 19 ± 1.16 mm, and 22 ± 1.22 mm against tested bacteria E. coli, S. typhe, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus, respectively. Molecular docking demonstrated that compounds exhibited good binding affinity with the E. coli bacterial target. MD simulation demonstrated the stability of the top compounds complexed with the target proteins over 200 ns. All of the best compounds met the Lipinski rule and displayed traits found in medications. Thus, the current study suggests that the acetone extract of...
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Posted by admin on Jun 30, 2025 in |
Daily consumption of highly oxidized products of fatty acids from re-used deep fried vegetable oil via intake of deep-fried foods leads to gradual accumulation of end products of lipid peroxidation, which are capable of distorting most biochemical homeostasis, with health complications such as inflammation of the vascular system. This research work aims to identify, characterize and quantify the presence of cytotoxic lipid peroxidation products in re-used deep fried culinary oil collected from different fast-food vendors within (Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Abia and Imo) States in Eastern Nigeria. Hundred milliliters (100 mL) of re-used deep fried vegetable oil collected from different fast-food vendors within these States, were subjected to characterization, and further identification and quantification of end products of lipid peroxidation level using thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) method, slightly modified ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange assay method (FOX2 assay) and GC-MS analysis. Our findings indicate significant (p<0.05) increase in aldehyde groups, lipid hydroperoxide concentrations, saponification values, rancidity, percentage free fatty acid values, acid values, and remarkable decrease in iodine values in comparison...
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Posted by admin on Jun 30, 2025 in |
This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of eight commercially available toothpaste samples (P1–P8) and a standard antibiotic control (Tetracycline) against three oral bacterial isolates (C2, C3, C4) and Escherichia coli using the well diffusion method. Zones of inhibition were measured to assess antimicrobial efficacy. Among all samples, P1 demonstrated the highest activity, with inhibition zones surpassing those of the antibiotic control for several strains. P8 exhibited consistent activity across all bacteria, while P2 was selectively effective against C3. In contrast, P4, P6, and P7 showed no activity against E. coli. Notably, E. coli resistance to several formulations underscores the need for rigorous post– brushing rinsing to minimize potential impacts on gut microbiota. The results affirm that antibacterial efficacy varies widely among commercial toothpaste brands, likely due to differences in formulation and active components. This study highlights the superior antibacterial action of certain commercial toothpastes compared to antibiotics and also underscores the importance of product–specific evaluation for effective oral health...
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