International Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology

International Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology ISSN 2169-3048 Vol. 6 (2), pp. 740-744, February, 2017. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Preliminary screening of the antimicrobial activities of some medicinal vegetables and spices indigenous to AbrakaSouth-south Nigeria

¹Okwuwe CI*, ¹Tonukari NJand ²Uzoh CV

¹Department of Biochemistry Delta State University PMB 1Abraka,Delta State Nigeria.

²Department of Microbiology Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo PMB 1010 Abakaliki, Ebonyi State Nigeria.

*Corresponding author E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 07 January, 2016

Abstract

The phytochemical and antimicrobial activities of some indigenous Nigerian vegetables and spices against E.coli and C.albicans were determined using the susceptibility and inhibitory concentration technique. The vegetables Cucurbitacaea peltafum, Acalypha begonia and spices Mondora myristica and Aframomum sceptrum extracts showed susceptibility with zones of inhibition diameters of 10mm, 8mm,10mm and 7mm respectively after 24 hours of incubation while vegetables like V. amygdalina, Talinium triangulare, C. peltafum, A. begonia, Telferiaoccidentalis and the spice Monodora myristica extractshad zones of inhibition of 6mm, 7mm, 9mm, 11mm, 10mm and 10mm respectively against C. albicans. The phytochemical screening analysis showed that extracts with antimicrobial activity contains some quantity of phytochemicals like saponin, tannin, flavonoid and alkaloids. These results shows that this plant can be used for the treatment of diseases caused by these microorganisms. These antimicrobial properties exerted may be due to the presence of the phytochemicals.

Keywords: Phytochemical, antimicrobial activity, spices, vegetables, saponin.

International Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology ISSN 2169-3048 Vol. 6 (3), pp. 745-749, March, 2017. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Influence of aging, free radicals and weight gain since menopause on bone mineral metabolism

¹Ruchi Kant*, ²Navneet Kumar and ²Yirga Adugna

¹Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia.

²School of Medicine, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Post Box-1145, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia.

*Corresponding author E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 05 September, 2016

Abstract

Bone is a dynamic tissue that is being remodel constantly throughout life. It is composed primarily of the inorganic materials (Ca and Phosphate) and organic matrix (type-1- collagen). Bone formation is an orderly process in which inorganic mineral is deposited in relation to organic matrix. During the bone resorption first calcium and phosphorus are released into the extra cellular fluids and organic matrix is then desorbed. The concentrations of Ca, Phosphate and Mg in plasma are dependent on the net effect of bone mineral deposition and resorption, then intestinal absorption and renal excretion. Osteoporosis is the term used for diseases that cause a reduction in the mass of bone per unit volume and is one of the dreaded afflictions of ageing. There is a close relationship between estrogen deprivation and its development. In the present study, we investigate the effect of age and body weight on blood indicators of bone health namely, Ca, Mg and P. Bone mineral marker ALP was used which have more advantages when predicting the postmenopausal bone loss. The subjects were classified into three groups namely controls, premenopausal and postmenopausal. In our study blood levels of both Ca as well as Mg were found to be lowered in postmenopausal women. Mg and Fe are the major minerals that doctors find deficient in people who are overweight. Blood level of P is also decline in our study. So, that Ca: P ratios are maintained.

Keywords: Menopause, oxidative stress, ageing, mineral, enzymes.

International Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology ISSN 2169-3048 Vol. 5 (1), pp. 735-739, January, 2017. © International ScholarsJournals

Full Length Research Paper

Prevalence of Candida albicans among women attending federal medical centre Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria

^1*Uzoh CV, ²Iheukwumere IH, ³Umezurike KC,⁴Onyewenjo SC

¹Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 1526 Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria,

²Department of Microbiology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu University PMB 02 Uli Anambra State, Nigeria,

³Department of Biology Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education PMB Owerri 1033, Imo State,

⁴Department of Biology/Microbiology Federal Polytechnic Nekede PMB 1036 Owerri Imo State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author E-mail: [email protected]. Tel.: +234-8068582884

Accepted 03 December, 2017

Abstract

Four hundred (400) High Vaginal Swabs (HVS) were carefully and aseptically collected from symptomatic and asymptomatic pregnant and non pregnant women aged 18-49 years. The samples were analyzed using standard microbiological methods. Wet preparation of the samples was examined microscopically and the swabs were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) plates and incubated at 37⁰C for 3-4 days. The overall prevalence of Candida albicans was 137 (34.25%). Among this number 96(36.36%) of the symptomatic women had Candida albicans while 41(30.14%) asymptomatic women as well had Candida albicans. This investigation recommends good personal hygiene and regular check up for women domiciled in this area since C.albicans poses a major health challenge to avoid complicated health problems.

Keywords: Candida albicans, asymptomatic, prevalence, candidiasis.

International Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology ISSN: 2169-3048 Vol. 5 (5), pp. 718-724, May, 2016. © International Scholars Journals 

Full Length Research Paper

Varieties of ligno-cellulolytic enzymes and proteins of wood ear mushroom

Indira R. Modi¹*, Ranvid C. E¹, Rupeert Cindura² and Vijay Shan¹

¹Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, India.

²Department of Botany, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, U.P. India.

E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 22 April, 2016

Abstract 

The enzyme potential of different mushrooms varied differently and differed greatly based on the nature of the substrates used for cultivation. But in common, all mushrooms produce both cellulases and laccase, more particularly, for easy degradation and utilization of the substrate. High level of cellulolytic enzyme activities namely: exo β-1, 4 glucanase and endo β-1,4 glucanase was observed in beds prepared with paddy straw + wheat bran (3:1), whereas high level of lignolytic enzyme activity namely, laccase was observed in paddy straw + wheat bran (1:1). Protein profile studies of Auricularia polytricha were compared with those of Pleurotus platypus, Pleurotus florida, and Pleurotus eous. SDS - PAGE analysis of mycelium of different mushrooms revealed the presence of 12-14 protein bands in A. polytricha. Common protein bands were expressed at 14 kDa, 25 kDa and 49 kDa in all the mushrooms.

Key words: Auricularia polytricha, bioefficiency, cellulases, laccase, protein.

International Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology ISSN: 2169-3048 Vol. 5 (6), pp. 725-734, June, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Antioxidative potential and radioprotective ability of fermented black tea (FBT).

Narendra K. Ambedkar*, Shankar A. Priyanka and Satyajit Rukh

Department of Biotechnology, West Bengal University of Technology, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 11 May, 2016

Abstract 

This study was undertaken to evaluate the antioxidative potential and radioprotective ability of fermented black tea (FBT). Total polyphenol content in the FBT was found to be 148.30 ± 2.56 mg/g as determined by ferrous tartrate method. DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl) radical scavenging reached a maximum of 96% at 200 μg/ml of FBT and accordingly the reducing power also saturated at the very same concentration. Studies carried out with plasmid DNA revealed the ability of FBT to inhibit gamma radiation-induced single as well as double strand breaks. Prior administration of FBT to human lymphocytes significantly countered radiation-induced DNA damage as evaluated by micronuclei assay and chromosomal aberration study and cell death by trypan blue exclusion method. The results clearly indicate that FBT has significant potential to protect cellular system from radiation-induced damage and ability to scavenge free radicals might be playing an important role in its radioprotective manifestations.

Key words: Radioprotection, fermented black tea, antioxidant, free radical, CBMN assay.

International Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology ISSN: 2169-3048 Vol. 5 (5), pp. 711-717, May, 2016. © International Scholars Journals 

Full Length Research Paper

Assessment of genetic variability in Trigonella cultivars by RAPD analysis

Indira R. Modi¹*, Ranvid C. E¹, Rupeert Cindura² and Vijay Shan¹

¹Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, India.

²Department of Botany, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, U.P. India.

E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 19 April, 2016

Abstract

Trigonella is receiving great importance due to its rear medicinal properties. Gene banks harbor scanty germplasm. The neglected use of this important herb had received less attention due to which very little information is available about its genetic diversity. As such, an attempt was made to study the genetic diversity of this important plant. For the present study, five cultivars of Trigonella were analyzed to estimate genetic diversity by using eleven random primers. A total of 80 bands were detected, 66 of which were polymorphic with a polymorphism of 82.50%. The amplified DNA fragments ranged in size from 200-3060 bp. Jaccard’s similarity coefficient ranged from 0.266 to 0.615. A dendrogram constructed based on UPGMA revealed two clusters. Cluster 1 consists of three accessions - T3, T1 and T2, while cluster 2 consists of two accessions - T4 and T5. It is evident from the dendrogram that accession T3 and T5 are genetically diverse; hence it is recommended that these should be used for future breeding programs to create higher amount of genetic variability in Trigonella.

Key words: Trigonella, genetic diversity, polymorphism, dendrogram, monomorphic.