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The plant Peristrophe bicalyculata (Retz) Nees is used for the treatment of cancer. While its leaf extracts have been shown to inhibit the growth of some cancer cells, there is little information supporting the constituents’ anti-tumour potential. This study, therefore, investigated the effects of the plant’s leaf extracts on cancer cells and the associated cellular/molecular mechanisms. Extracts were prepared using hexane (PBH), chloroform (PBC), ethyl acetate (PBE) and methanol (PBM) and constituents were identified by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). Their cytotoxic effects on human cervical (HeLa) and lung cancer (MRC5-SV2) cells were assessed using the MTT and LDH release assays. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was assessed using 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) and mitochondrial membrane potential by staining with JC-1 (5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethylbenzimidazolyl-carbocyanine iodide). Caspase activation was determined using a Caspase-Glo-3/7 assay, and DNA damage by the Comet assay. Changes to mRNA expression were assessed using Quantitative Real-Time PCR. PBC, PBE and PBM reduced cell viability and induced LDH release, with IC50 values (48 h, MTT, in μg/ml), respectively, of 6.21 ± 0.70, 23.39 ± 3.92, and 22.43 ± 3.58 (HeLa); and 1.98 ± 0.33, 8.57 ± 1.91 and 28.24 ± 5.57 (MRC5-SV2). PBC induced ROS, while PBC, PBE and PBM impaired mitochondrial membrane potential and induced caspase 3/7 activation. PBC and PBE induced DNA damage, and PBE induced caspase-3 mRNA expression. Constituents of the extracts included derivatives of gallic acid, dipeptides, diterpenoids and flavones. We conclude that P. bicalyculata contains cytotoxic principles that could be potential leads for developing novel anti-cancer agents.

Despite the promising effects of herbal preparations in lowering blood pressure (BP), hypertension remains a major clinical challenge in Nigeria. The BP-lowering effects of medicinal plants are due to the presence of bioactive compounds.This meta-analysis presents a precise estimate of the therapeutic benefits of medicinal plants utilized in Nigeria for the management of hypertension in animals and humans.A systematic literature search was performed through Cochrane, PubMed, Science Direct and Scopus databases from inception until February 28, 2021 using search terms related to randomized controlled trials of Nigerian medicinal plants for hypertension. Additional studies were identified through manual search. BP was the main outcome that was measured after the intervention. Meta-analysis was performed using the Review Manager and Meta-Essential.Nineteen trials comprising of 16 preclinical and 3 clinical studies were enrolled for the meta-analysis. A total number of 16 plants was identified of which H. sabdariffa was the highest reported plant. The plant extracts significantly lowered the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of the hypertensive subjects compared to control. Weighted mean difference (WMD) for SBP (-43.60 mmHg, 95% CI: -63.18, -24.01; p0.0001) and DBP (-29.50 mmHg, 95 CI: -43.66, -15.34; p0.0001) was observed for the preclinical studies. For clinical trials, the WMD was -13.98 mmHg, 95 CI: -19.08, -8.88; p0.00001 for SBP and -10.00 mmHg, 95 CI: -12.22, -7.78; p0.00001 for DBP. High heterogeneity was observed for the outcome measures of preclinical studies, but not for the clinical studies. The observed substantial heterogeneity in preclinical studies may be linked to methodological shortcomings as evidenced by the results of the risk of bias assessment. There was no evidence of publication bias in animal trials for BP using the funnel plot and Egger's regression test (SBP, p=0.239 and DBP, p=0.112).This study provides evidence of medicinal preparations for the treatment of hypertension. A well-conducted trial with methodological rigour and a longer duration of follow-up is required for their effective clinical utilization.

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) plays an important physiological role in the regulation of blood pressure by converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor; hence, its inhibition is a major target in the prevention and treatment of hypertension. In this study a novel ACE inhibitory peptide from Heterobronchus bidorsalis (cat fish) was isolated, purified and characterized. The peptide was purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation, dialysis and gel filtration chromatography (sephadex G-50). The amino acid sequence of the seventeen amino acid peptide was found to be KHRDTSEPGACVMILYF with a final inhibitory activity of 0.07 μmol/ml and a purification fold of 2.93 having a percentage yield of 34 %. The peptide had an optimum temperature and pH of 37°C and 8.3, respectively. The ACE inhibitory activity of the peptide reduced in the presence of sodium, calcium, magnesium, and potassium ions, while EDTA increased it when compared to the control. Treatment with trypsin also inc...

The use of plant products in the management of diabetes has gained ground in pharmacotherapy. It becomes imperative to evaluate the antidiabetic effects of fruit extracts of Ziziphus mauritiana (HMZM), Ziziphus spina christi (HMZS) and Glibenclamide on blood glucose, total protein, albumin and lipid profile in alloxan induced diabetic rats. 68 albino rats weighing 70 - 130g were used in this study. 26 rats were used for acute toxicities of Ziziphus mauritiana and Ziziphus spina christi. 42 rats of 7 groups of 6 rats each were used to test antidiabetic effects of Ziziphus mauritiana and Ziziphus spina christi plant extracts. Group 1 served as the negative control, groups 2-7 were intraperitoneally administered 360mg/kg of alloxan in normal saline respectively. Group 2 served as positive control, groups 3 and 4; 5 and 6 were respectively administered daily dose of 200 and 400mg/kg of HMZM and HMZS, group 7 was administered 0.21mg/kg of glibenclamide. Results showed Ziziphus mauritiana and Ziziphus spina christi non toxic at dose of 5000mg/kg. 48 hours after alloxan administration, blood glucose levels were found to be significantly higher (P 0.05) serum level of total protein and albumin compared to group 2. The results obtained showed a significantly lower (P < 0.05) serum level of glucose. The effects of HMZMand HMZS fruit extracts on blood glucose, total protein, albumin and lipid profile was dose dependent. Conclusively, this study has demonstrated the antidiabetic effects of HMZM and HMZS with HMZS having a more pronounced effect on Blood glucose and lipid profile. Keywords: Antidiabetic, Blood glucose, lipid profile, Glibenclamide, Ziziphus mauritiana, Ziziphus spina Christi.

The increasing demand for processed foods, detection of microorganisms in some of these products, and consumer preference for “natural” over synthetic preservatives have driven research in essential oils (EOs) known for decades to have antimicrobial properties. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that lemongrass EO and its volatiles can inhibit a range of bacteria and fungi known to be the major causative organisms for several storage and food-borne pathogens. Lemongrass EO has been reported to retard spoilage of bakery products, cheese, fruit juices, and chocolates, among others. The oil has also been shown to be an effective fumigant for stored food commodities due to its bioactivity in the vapor phase. Lemongrass EO was found to significantly reduce colony development against key postharvest pathogens: Colletotrichum coccodes, Botrytis cinerea, Cladosporium herbarum, Rhizopus stolonifera, and Aspergillus niger in vitro. The oil was found to extend the shelf life and sensory properties of refrigerated mussel and vegetables. Reports suggests that lemongrass EO is a safe natural flavor complex, preservative, and food spoilage inhibitor capable of reducing the risk of diseases associated with contaminated products.

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is one of the most widely used spices, and the constituent parts of its essential oil contribute to its value. Although traditionally used as a culinary ingredient, fragrant aromatic, and medicine, it is presently used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. The recognition of the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the essential oil of black pepper fostered research and proposals for its potential use as a natural food preservative. This is because existing methods of food preservation involving the use of synthetic preservatives have been reported to have undesirable effects on health and sometimes do not completely eliminate microorganisms. Essential oil of black pepper has been used to preserve orange juice and pork. Also its effect on meat spoilage organisms has been extensively studied, prompting the call for further studies and its subsequent adoption as a natural preservative.

Hypertension is an important public health issue in both developed and developing countries due to its high incidence and morbidity. This has motivated researchers especially in developing countries to search for strategies for the treatment using different plant parts. The use of the aqueous decoction of the leaves of Peristiophe bicalyculata in the treatment of hypertension has been documented. This study was designed to carry out a bioassay-guided isolation of the antihypertensive components of the leaves of Peristrophe bicalyculata in L-NAME hypertensive rats, determine the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity of the extracts and fractions obtained and identify the constituent(s) present. From our results, L-NAME hypertensive rats given the cold water extract had significantly (p0.05) lower mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) with longer duration of action than other extracts. Also, the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity of the cold water extract was significantly (p0.05) higher than that of other extracts. From the GC-MS analysis of the most effective fraction (fraction 4), P,P,P-triphenyl-imino(triphenyl)phosphorane and andrographolide 2(3H)-furanone were identified among others. The present work demonstrates the hypotensive effect of the cold water extract of Peiistiophe bicalyculata on L-NAME hypertensive rats, which further justifies the folkloric application of extracts of the plant in the management as well as treatment of hypertension.

Publisher Summary This chapter appraises the use of papaya seeds as a food condiment. It is used to produce an indigenous Nigerian food condiment called “daddawa”; this is the most important condiment used in soups and stews in the entire savannah region of west and central Africa. It has a strong, ammonia-like smell, characteristic of the latter stages of its fermentation. However, although daddawa is used as a flavoring agent, it also contributes to the calorie and protein component of food. Carica papaya is a source of calcium and an excellent source of vitamins A and C. The plant contains many biologically active compounds, whose concentrations differ in the root, fruit, latex, and leaves. Studies using female rats have demonstrated that, unlike the unfermented seed, the fermented seed has no contraceptive effects and does not affect litter size, litter body weight, and anogenital distance (AGD)/ crown–rump length (CRL) ratio; hence, it does not affect the developing fetus or alter the intrauterine environment. The fermented seeds of Carica papaya may be safe for consumption in female mammals. However, more studies need to be carried out to determine its effect in male animals.