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 |
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 |
Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is a widely cultivated tropical fruit, enjoyed globally for its delicious taste, vibrant color, and high nutritional value. Beyond its culinary appeal, litchi has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat various ailments, including stomach ulcers, diabetes, and digestive issues. Herbal medicines have played a vital role in traditional healing practices, such as Ayurveda and homeopathy, offering effective treatments and cures for a range of diseases and physiological conditions. Recent studies have unveiled the fruit’s impressive range of health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, attributed to its rich composition of polysaccharides and polyphenols. However, consumption of litchi can also lead to adverse reactions in some individuals, likely due to its soluble protein content. This review aims to provide an overview of litchi’s nutrient profile, health benefits, and safety considerations, highlighting its potential applications in the food, medical, and cosmetics...
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Posted by admin on Jun 30, 2025 in |
Magnolia champaca, also known as Michelia champaca, is a member of the Magnoliaceae family, widely distributed across the sub-Himalayan region, West Bengal, Myanmar, South India, and apart from China. This plant is celebrated for its perfumery applications, earning the nickname “Joy Perfume Tree,” with its fragrance featured in the world’s second best-selling perfume, “Joy.” The plant boasts a diverse array of phytochemicals, including alkaloids, tannins, sterols, flavonoids, phenols, and saponins, suggesting its potential as a rich source of medicinal compounds. Michelia champaca has demonstrated a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including anti-microbial, anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, insecticidal, anti-uretic, carminative, and anti-diabetic properties. In this review article express taxonomy, synonyms, vernacular names, distribution, ethnomedical uses, phytochemicals, and pharmacological activities of Magnolia champaca have been...
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