Biochemistry Research Papers/Topics

2-Hydroxy-4-Methoxybenzaldehyde: larvicidal structure-activity studies

Abstract/Overview 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde (1), a compound isolated from Mondia whytei (Hook) Skeels (Asclepiaceae) roots exhibited larvicidal activity (LD5022 mg/mL). A total of 18 other derivatives and closely related congeners revealed varying levels of larvicidal activity. Several closely related congeners, like 2-benzyloxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde (2), 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde (12), 2-benzyloxybenzaldehyde (3) and benzylphenyl ether (4), showed marked improvement in activity (LD5010...

The use of catechins as biochemical markers in diversity studies of tea (Camellia sinensis)

Abstract/Overview The concentrations of catechins in a Kenyan tea germplasm collection of 102 accessions were determined by HPLC. Total green leaf catechin concentrations and the ratio of dihydroxylated to trihydroxylated catechins were used to establish genetic differentiation in the germplasm. Upon multivariate analysis, accumulation of the various catechins separated the tea clones into 3 major and 5 minor groups according to their phylogenetic origins. The Cambod teas had the highest ...

Biochemical differentiation in Camellia sinensis and its wild relatives as revealed by isozyme and catechin patterns

Abstract/Overview The variation in three NADP-linked dehydrogenase enzymes; glucose-6-phosphate dehydro- genase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase and shikimate dehydrogenase as well as alpha and beta esterases was determined in 24 cultivars of Camellia sinensis and 2 other species of Camellia; C. japonica and C. irrawadiensis, using specific activity staining. The isozyme pro- files partitioned the cultivars according to their phylogenetic origins; (China, Assam, Cambodia and Japan). At...

High fluoride water in Bondo-Rarieda area of Siaya County, Kenya: a hydro-geological implication on public health in the Lake Victoria basin

Abstract/Overview Background: Only a few studies to evaluate groundwater fluoride in Eastern Africa have been undertaken outsidethe volcanic belt of the Great Eastern Africa Rift Valley. The extent and impact of water fluoride outside theseregions therefore remain unclear. The current study evaluated fluoride levels in household water sources in Bondo-Rarieda Area in the Kenyan part of the Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) and highlighted the risk posed by waterfluoride to the resident communitie...

Effectiveness of using milled Moringa Oleifera seeds as a disinfectant in waste water treatment

Abstract: Water disinfection is a crucial water treatment process because it deals with the removal of pathogens to make water safe to drink. Moringa oleifera extract was used as a disinfectant and the total coliform count was monitored through microscopic observations. The total coliform bacteria removal at a dosage of 5 ml/100 ml of Moringa Oleifera extract was counted to be 13 colonies from an original count of 200 colonies, translating to about 93.5% removal of the bacterial strains. The...

Optimizing yield and quality of bio-oil: a comparative study of Acacia tortilis and Pine dust

Abstract: We collected pine dust and Acacia tortilis samples from Zimbabwe and Botswana, respectively. We then pyrolyzed them in a bench-scale plant under varying conditions. This investigation aimed to determine an optimum temperature that will give result to maximum yield and quality of the bio-oil fraction. Our experimental results show that we obtain the maximum yield of the oil fraction at a pyrolysis temperature of 550 ◦C for the acacia and at 500 ◦C for the pine dust. Our results ...

The sustainability of biodiesel synthesis from different feedstocks: a review

Abstract: Currently, the world is facing an energy crisis due to an increase in the global energy demand and this has led to an increased dependence on fossil fuels for energy generation and transportation. The steady rise in the world population which is more than seven billion currently is met with an increase in fossil fuel consumption thereby increasing the threat of fossil depletion and an apparent energy deficit. Fossil fuel emissions pose a threat to the environment and the general hu...

A computational study of the s2 state in the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy

Abstract: The S2 state produces two basic electron paramagnetic resonance signal types due to the manganese cluster in oxygen-evolving complex, which are influenced by the solvents, and cryoprotectant added to the photosystem II samples. It is presumed that a single manganese center oxidation occurs on S1 → S2 state transition. The S2 state has readily visible multiline and g4.1 electron paramagnetic resonance signals and hence it has been the most studied of all the Kok cycle intermediate...

Ameliorative Potential of Bambara Nuts (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc) Extract against Acute Ethanol-Induced Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the ameliorative potential of Bambara nuts extract against acute ethanol-induced oxidative stress in Wistar rats. Bambara nuts of the Songkhla 1 variety locally sourced in Obinze area of Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria were powdered using a coffee grinder and an extract obtained from a Soxhlet apparatus with methanol as solvent. Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were acclimatized for seven days and were randomly divided into four groups of six rats ...

Effect of Bambara Nut Consumption on Blood Glucose Level

Aim: This study sought to investigate the effect of Bambara nut consumption on blood glucose level and lipid profile of Wistar rats.Methodology: The Songkhla 1 variety (red seed coat) of Bambara nuts were locally sourced from   Obinze area of Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. The seeds were peeled and ground to a fine powder using a coffee grinder and extracted using soxhlet apparatus and methanol as the solvent. Twenty four adult male Wistar rats were acclimatized for seven days during which the...

Qualitative Determination of Phytochemical Composition of Ethanolic Extract of Xylopia aethiopica Fruit

Aim: The aim of this study is to qualitatively determine the phytochemical compositions of ethanolic extract of Xylopia aethiopica fruit.Methodology: The fruits of Xylopia aethiopica were obtained from new market in Aba, Abia State and were identified and authenticated by Prof. (Mrs) Margaret Bassey of the Department of Botany and Ecological Studies, University of Uyo with the voucher number UU/PH/4e. The plant was deposited in the Herbarium of the Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Medi...

Evaluation Of The Therapeutic Effects Of Aloe Vera Gel On Alloxan Induced Diabetic Animal Models

ABSTRACT Aloe vera gel (AVG) extract is commonly used as a home remedy for some diseases, including diabetes mellitus. This study investigates the effects of pure Aloe vera (Aloe babardensis) gel on some biochemical, haematological and histological parameters in diabetic rats. The animals were divided into six groups of six rats each (n=6). Diabetes mellitus was experimentally induced in rats by intraperitoneal administration of a single dose of alloxan monohydrate (170 mg/kg BW.) following ...

Nitrate-Nitrite, Vitamin C And In-Vitro Methemoglobin Formation From Some Vegetables

ABSTRACT The content of nitrate, nitrite and Vitamin C in eleven samples of fresh vegetables were determined. The levels of nitrate were beyond here on recommended in six of the vegetables, namely: Celosia sp. Lactuca, sativa , Amaranthus hybridus, Brassica oleracea variety acephala, Talinum sp, Spinacia oleracea. Minute quantifies of nitrite were detected in Celosia sp and Daucus carota. With accompanying high concentration of Vitamin C (a reducing agent) present in Celosia sp. this vegetabl...

Influence of Chloramphenicol and Amoxicillin on Rat Liver Microsomal Enzymes and Lipid Peroxidation

ABSTRACT Generation of reactive oxygen species beyond the antioxidant capacity of biological system has been reported to give rise to oxidative stress which through a series of events deregulates cellular functions, leading to oxidative damage and various pathological conditions. This study examined the effect of chloramphenicol and amoxicillin on liver microsomal enzymes Ca2+ - ATPase and Glucose-6-Phosphatase (G-6-P) and lipid peroxidation in rats. Male Wistar strain rats weighing 120 – ...

In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and Nitric Oxide Scavenging Activity on Citrullus Lanatus Seeds

Citrullus lanatus (water melon) is a commonly consumed fruit worldwide. The seeds are often thrown away without considering its potential nutritional and medicinal benefits. In this study, a methanol extract of citrullus lanatus seeds was analyzed for the presence of bioactive secondary metabolites and to determine its ability to scavenge 2, 2‐ diphenyl ‐1‐ picrylhydrazyl (DPPH.) radical, superoxide anion radical (O2.‐), and nitric oxide radical (NO.). Quantitative phytochemical a...


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