GOUNI Repository (Godfrey Okoye University)
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Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities of Schumanniophyton magnificum leaves: In vivo and in vitro approaches
Get PDFPurpose: To investigate the methanol extract of Schumanniophyton magnificum leaves' (MESM-L) anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties Methods: Acute toxicity studies were carried out for 24 hours. Albino rats were randomized into five groups for in vivo anti-inflammatory studies using three models namely egg albumin-induced paw edema, acetic acid-induced vascular permeability, and in vivo leukocyte mobilization assay. Groups include the control, standard and experimental groups (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. of MESM-L). Membrane stabilization and anti-platelet aggregatory response were carried out at the concentrations 0.1 – 0.8 mg/ml. Nitric oxide, 1, 1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assays were employed for anti-oxidant studies. Results: : In acute toxicity investigations, MESM-L was found to be non-toxic at the maximum dose of 5000 mg/kg b.w. MESM-L (400 mg/kg b.w) inhibited edema by 73.13% and inhibited vascular permeability by 72.37%. A profound effect of MESM-L on leukocyte mobilization was detected at the lowest dose (41.17%). Inhibition of hemolysis and aggregation of platelets was exhibited with highest concentration of MESM-L on membrane stabilization and anti-platelet aggregatory. MESM-L scavenged NO and DPPH radical- with IC50 values of 19.52 and 12.31 μg/mL in that order. The effect of gallic acid on FRAP assay was found to be higher than MESM-L. Conclusion: These findings proved the anti-inflammatory potential of MESM-L, although the activities exhibited by the standard drugs were significantly higher. The capacity of the plant to scavenge free radicals is responsible for the effects that have been discovered
Isolation and Characterization of Microorganisms from Fermented Cayenne Pepper Obtained from Markets within Enugu Metropolis
Get PDFThe study investigates the microbial diversity in fermented cayenne pepper sourced from four The study investigates the microbial diversity in fermented cayenne pepper sourced from four markets within Enugu metropolis. Fermented foods, including cayenne pepper, are notable for their unique flavors, nutritional benefits, and extended shelf life. This research aims to isolate and characterize the microorganisms present in fermented cayenne pepper, identifying predominant
species and evaluating variations in microbial composition across different markets. Samples were collected from Ogbete, Orie-Emene, Abakpa, and Obiagu markets, fermented for 21 days, and analyzed microbiologically using standard techniques. The study revealed diverse bacterial
populations, including Streptococcus lactis, Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plantarum, and markets within Enugu metropolis. Fermented foods, including cayenne pepper, are notable for their unique flavors, nutritional benefits, and extended shelf life. This research aims to isolate and
characterize the microorganisms present in fermented cayenne pepper, identifying predominant species and evaluating variations in microbial composition across different markets. Samples were collected from Ogbete, Orie-Emene, Abakpa, and Obiagu markets, fermented for 21 days, and
analyzed microbiologically using standard techniques. The study revealed diverse bacterial populations, including Streptococcus lactis, Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Enterococcus faecalis. Fungal isolates identified were Mucor spp., Aspergillus niger, Rhodotorulla
spp., and Geotricum spp. Ogbete market exhibited the highest bacterial load (6.67 x 10³ CFU/ml), while Abakpa had the least (1.68 x 10³ CFU/ml). Bacterial occurrence was significantly higher across the market with frequency values above 79%. While fungi were below 21% in all cases. The
study identifies the impact of environmental conditions and market practices on the microbial ecology of fermented foods, offering insights for optimizing food safety and quality control
Computational Studies of 5-methoxypsolaren as Potential Deoxyhemoglobin S Polymerization Inhibitor
Get PDFFicus thonningii is a native Southeast Nigerian tree. The leaves are medicinal, and it is reportedly used in sickle cell disease (SCD) management by ethnic people of Ebonyi State, Southeast, Nigeria. Previously we characterized the in vitro antisickling activity of its crude leaf methanol extract and observed that it functioned via the sickle polymerization inhibition pathway and 5- methoxypsolaren (5-MPS) labelled FTH1 was isolated as one of its constituents. Therefore, this research aim and objectives are to comprehend in silico the mechanism of the observed in vitro sickle deoxyhemoglobin (DeOxyHbS) polymerization inhibitory activity of 5-MPS. The structure of the target protein (2HBS) was chosen based on advanced BLAST analysis. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies were carried out using blind docking and distant dependent dielectric assays, respectively whereas ADMET was performed using SwissADME and protox-II webserver. The ability of 5-MPS to interfere with the processes that leads to DeOxyHbs polymerization was evident in the binding affinity of -6.4 Kcal/mol. The MD simulation analysis of the binding site amino acid residue confirmed its antisickling potentials due to observed variation in perturbation between the bound (DeOxyHbS-5-MPS) and unbound (DeOxyHbS) simulation studies whereas the ADMET showed that 5-MPS is a potential CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 inhibitor. The results suggest that 5-MPS is a potential antisickling drug candidate
ANTI-SICKLING EFFECT OF VIGNA SUBTERRANEAN (L.) VERDC ON SICKLE CELL BETA THALASSEMIA
No full textSickle cell disease affects millions of people worldwide and has been recognized as a global health concern by WHO. Presently, there is no cure for sickle cell disease. Treatment options which include bone marrow, stem cell transplantation, blood transfusions, and hydroxyurea are not only expensive but have their side effects. Medicinal plants are often employed in the treatment of diseases because of the therapeutic effects of the secondary metabolites in them. Vigna subterranean an important leguminous crop in Africa, is used in some parts of the world for the treatment and management of sickle cell disease. However, there are no established link between the use of Vigna subterranean and their pharmacological effects. The present study investigated the therapeutic effect of Vigna subterranean on a variant of sickle cell disease known as sickle cell beta thalassemia. Parameters such as reversibility test, polymerization test, osmotic fragility test, deoxygenation test, beta synthesis and oxy-haemoglobin concentration were used to study the anti-sickling potentials of sickle cell beta thalassemia. The result showed that the plant extract reversed the sickled cells, reduced the rate of polymerization, maintained the stability of the cell membrane, increased beta globin synthesis and increased the oxyhaemoglobin concentration. This suggests that Vigna subterranean possesses anti-sicking properties and could be used as an effective therapeutic for the treatment and management of sickle cell beta thalassemia
Swimming exercise regulates indices of skeletal muscle glucose metabolism and attenuates cardiac inflammatory cytokines activity via IL-6/TNF-α pathway in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
No full textDiabetes mellitus (DM) manifests with impaired glucose metabolism that affects the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. This study investigated the effects of swimming exercise on some indices of muscle glucose metabolism and cardiac inflammatory markers in diabetic rats induced with streptozotocin. Wistar rats of both sexes (150–200 g) were assigned into five groups of seven (7) rats. Group 1: Control (CON), Group 2: Diabetes only (DM), Group 3: Exercise only (EX), Group 4: Diabetes + Exercise (DM + EX), Group 5: Diabetes + Insulin (DM + IN). Type 1 DM was induced via intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Insulin (6 IU/g) was administered (IP) to animals in group 5. Swimming exercise test was done for 27 days after which animals were euthanized. Blood samples were collected while hamstring muscles and heart were harvested and homogenized to assess biochemical parameters. The body weight, serum insulin level, muscle glucose metabolic indices (glycogen, Glut-4, CK-MB), and cardiac troponin-T were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased. In contrast, the random blood glucose, cardiac TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were increased (P < 0.05) in diabetic rats when compared with the control group. Swimming exercise regimen significantly (P < 0.05) reversed these anomalies by reducing blood glucose and cardiac inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) levels, improving serum insulin, muscle glycogen, and GLUT-4 expression in diabetic rats when compared to the DM group. The cardiac inflammatory cytokine levels in DM + EX were comparable to the DM + IN group. In conclusion, swimming exercise improves muscle glucose metabolism and protects the heart against cardiac inflammation in diabetic conditions
Democracy and National Development in Nigeria: Vis-À-Vis John Locke’s Social Contract Theory
Get PDFThis study investigated democracy and national development in Nigeria: vis-à-vis John Locke’s social contract
theory. Three research questions were posed to guide the study: what is the nature and character of the practice of
democracy in Nigeria in the light of the principles of John Locke’s social contract theory? What are the effects of
the dichotomy between John Locke’s social contract theory and the practice of democracy in Nigeria? And how can
John Locke’s social contract theory serve as a foundational base for the practice of democracy in Nigeria? In line
with the research questions, three objectives and three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Literatures
related to the study were extensively reviewed. The researchers adopted participatory theory as a theoretical
framework. Also, the study adopted narrative-qualitative approach and secondary method of data collection. Data
collected were analyzed based on the value of information that is content analysis. The findings of the study
indicated that the nature and character of the practice of democracy in Nigeria did not adhere to the principles of
John Locke’s social contract theory. The study recommends amongst others that the social contract establishing
the Nigerian state should be re-negotiated by convocation of national/constitutional conference to or adoption of
recommendations of previous national conferences to seek the consent of the people in tandem with the social
contract theory. The researchers concluded that the practice of democracy in Nigeria does not support John
Locke’s social contract theor
APPRAISAL OF ỌJỊ AS THE EPICENTER OF HOSPITALITY IN IGBO COSMOLOGY
Get PDFThe aim of this paper is to make an appraisal of ọji which is the Igbo kola nut as the
epicenter of hospitality in Igbo cosmology. Using analytic method of research, this
paper makes a critical assessment of the implications of ọji as an apical agent of
hospitality among the Igbo people of Nigeria. In the attempt to achieve the stated aim,
this paper studies both the concept, nature, uses, and spiritualties of ọji as expressed in
the presentation (ịche ọji), ritual blessings (ịgọ ọji), breaking (ịwa ọji) and eating (ịta
ọji). Cola accuminata is the botanical name of ọji in Igbo translation and kola nut in
English. It is a fruit plant that occupies a central position in Igbo socio-cultural and
traditional milieu. From the analysis of its concept, uses and spirituality; it is obvious
that ọji is the quintessential gesture of welcome in both formal and informal gathering
in the Igbo cosmology. The official presentation of ọji with the accompanying rituals
is the utmost expression of heartfelt hospitality, goodwill, open-mindedness,
honesty/sincerity, love, welcome and friendship to a guest(s). This paper makes a
clarion call to all Igbos not to allow the wave of westernization and devaluation of
cultures to bastardize the rich symbolism of kola nut among the Igbo people. This can
be achieved by conscientization, formal and informal education, workshops and
seminars on the concept, values and spirituality of ọjị as the epicenter of Igbo
hospitalit
EFFECT OF GREEN PROPERTIES MANAGEMENT ON REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA
Get PDFThe study examined the effect of green property management on the real estate
development in Nigeria. The specific objectives of this study were to; examine the effect of energy
efficiency on the real estate development and evaluate the effect of water conservation on the real
estate development in Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. A
structure questionnaire design with five-point Likert scale was used to collect data for the study.
The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means) to summarize
the responses. While Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28.0 for analysis. The
result revealed that energy efficiency has a significant positive effect on the real estate development
with a p-value of (0.001<0.05) and water conservation has a significant positive effect on the real
estate development with a p-value of (0.001<0.05) in Nigeria. The study concluded that green
property management has significant effect on real estate development in Nigeria. The study
recommended, that the government and regulatory bodies should provide incentives for developers
who incorporate energy-efficient technologies and practices in their projects. This could include tax
breaks, grants, or reduced permitting fees, encouraging a shift toward sustainable building practices
Deregulation of Downstream Oil Sector and Social Welfare in Nigeria, 2010-2022
Get PDFThe study examines the impact of removal of subsidies on petroleum productson social welfare in Nigeria. Appalling levels of corruption in the management of petroleum subsidy arising from institutional decay and poor policy choicesare highlighted. Documentary method was used to generate the relevant secondary data,while the rentier state theorywas employed to x-ray the relegation of social welfare arising from the withdrawal of subsidies on petroleum products and corresponding increments in their pump prices attendant to the implementation of neoliberal reforms. The study holds the view that the mismanagement of oil wealth has led to social decay and disempowerment of the masses.The study argues that removal of subsidies on petroleum products by the Nigerian government is in conformity with the on-going determination by the major purveyors of monopoly capitalism to transform the character of state.The study sees responsible political leadership as the only way to actualize prudent management of oil wealth, human security, and sustainable national development in Nigeri
Penetration Dimension of Financial Inclusion and Poverty Index
Get PDFThis study examined the relationship between the penetration dimension of financial inclusion and poverty reduction in selected developing
countries between 2012 and 2019. Using time series data and
appropriate pre-regression diagnostic tests, the study employed econometric
analysis to investigate the impact of financial penetration, measured primarily
by the number of bank deposit accounts, on poverty headcount. The results
indicate that the penetration dimension of financial inclusion exerts a negative
but statistically non-significant impact on poverty reduction. This finding
suggests that increasing access to deposit accounts alone does not guarantee
improvements in the welfare of low-income populations. Structural barriers
such as high transaction costs, complex account-opening procedures,
geographical disparities, and limited relevance of financial products constrain
the transformative potential of financial inclusion. The study recommends
policy interventions that address these systemic challenges, including leveraging
government payment systems, promoting mobile money platforms, and
reducing entry barriers to financial services. Such strategies would enhance
accessibility, affordability, and inclusivity, thereby strengthening financial
inclusion as a tool for poverty alleviation