Jewel Journal of Scientific Research

Anti-Nutrient Composition of Anyan Ekpang and Otong Soup as traditional dishes in Efiks Cross River State and Oron, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

2025-06-18T02:36:15+00:00

This study investigates the anti-nutrient composition of Anyan Ekpang and Otong Soup, two traditional dishes commonly consumed by the Efik and Oron ethnic groups in Nigeria. The objective is to evaluate the presence and concentration of saponins, phytates, oxalates, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) in these meals, assessing their potential health implications. The soups were prepared following traditional recipes used by the Efik and Oron people. Anti-nutrient levels were analyzed using spectrophotometric and titrimetric techniques to ensure accurate quantification. Standardized laboratory procedures were applied to maintain data reliability and minimize analytical errors. Findings revealed notable concentrations of anti-nutrients in both dishes. In Otong Soup, saponin content ranged from 0.73–0.80 mg/100g, phytates from 0.70–0.73 mg/100g, and oxalates from 0.80–0.82 mg/100g for both ethnic groups. Anyan Ekpang exhibited saponin levels of 0.60–0.54 mg/100g, phytates between 0.69–0.48 mg/100g, and oxalates ranging from 0.76–0.52 mg/100g for Oron and Efik, respectively. Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) in Anyan Ekpang prepared with cassava was significantly higher (1.86–1.92 mg/100g) than the WHO safe consumption threshold of 1.52 mg/100g, indicating potential toxicity risks. Moderate levels of tannins, phenols, and flavonoids were detected, which may contribute to reduced mineral bioavailability, particularly calcium and iron, essential for bone health and anemia prevention. While Otong Soup and Anyan Ekpang are nutritionally valuable and culturally significant, their high anti-nutrient content, particularly elevated HCN levels in Anyan Ekpang, presents potential health concerns. Proper processing techniques or dietary modifications may be necessary to reduce toxicity risks while preserving their nutritional benefits. Further research into alternative preparation methods and fortification strategies could enhance their safety and dietary suitability.

Evaluation of Seed Morphometrics, Germination and Oil Content of Collected Castor Landraces

2025-05-23T02:09:01+00:00

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is a valuable non-edible oilseed crop with industrial and medical applications, known for its high seed oil content (35–65%) and ricinoleic acid (85–90%). This study evaluated seed morphometrics, germination, and oil content of 15 castor landraces collected from six sites in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Morphological traits such as stem color, leaf petiole texture, seed color, and size were analyzed, revealing significant variability. Light green stems (73.3%), dark chocolate seeds (66.7%) were predominant, while white, and light brown seeds were rare. Seed size varied, with small seeds (60%) being most common. Germination parameters showed high variability: germination percentage ranged from 32.67% to 78.00%, with a mean of 55.82%, while mean germination time varied from 3.78 to 8.75 days. Seed oil content ranged from 23.89% to 41.77%, with Samples 15 (41.77%) and 14 (39.72%) exhibiting the highest yields. Morphometric analysis using ImageJ software revealed significant differences in seed traits such as area, perimeter, and circularity, indicating diverse seed shapes and sizes. Correlation analysis showed weak relationships between seed morphometrics and oil content, suggesting that seed size and shape are poor predictors of oil yield. The findings highlight the genetic diversity among castor landraces in Ilorin, with implications for breeding programs aimed at improving oil yield and germination performance. The study underscores the need for integrated approaches combining morphological, biochemical, and genomic data to optimize castor cultivation for industrial applications.

Mineral Composition and in Vitro Antioxidant activities of extracts of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subtereanean) and Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan) Harvested in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

2025-04-08T19:25:24+00:00

The study evaluates the mineral and antioxidant content of Bambara groundnut (BG) and pigeon pea (PP) and their potential therapeutic benefits. Three different samples were taken: sample A was made up of Bambara groundnuts; sample B was made up of pigeon peas; and sample C was made up of 50% BG and 50% PP. Using accepted techniques, the samples were examined. The study shows that pigeon pea and the mixture (50%BG+50%PP), the mineral composition results indicated that Bambara groundnut had considerably greater levels of calcium, zinc, and potassium (P<0.05). Bambara groundnut and the combined sample, pigeon pea had substantially higher magnesium and iron levels at (p<0.05). Additionally, the mixed sample (50% BG+50% PP) demonstrated a notable increase in sodium when compared to Bambara groundnut and Pigeon pea. When compared to Bambara groundnut and pigeon pea, the combined sample (50%BG+50%PP) significantly increased at (p <0.05) the ability to inhibit DPPH, H₂O₂ scavenging activity, and lipid peroxidation. The ferric reducing activity of Bambara groundnut, however, significantly increased at (p>0.05). These medicinal plants' bioactive components have a high concentration of minerals and antioxidants. As a result, BG and PP might be utilized to treat conditions including high blood pressure, osteoporosis, anemia, and arthritis. This study supports the in-vitro study's assertion that Bambara groundnut and pigeon pea are therapeutic in nature. These researches come to the conclusion that the medicinal plants contain antioxidant scavenging capacity that may be advantageous for human health.

Mathematical Model of Oxygen Concentration on County Solid Waste Management at Dumpsite

2025-06-17T03:53:38+00:00

This study presents the development of one-dimensional mathematical model capable of simulating simultaneous processes of oxygen flow. The resulting governing equations is partial differential equation (PDE) which have been solved by separation of variables method. The goal is to study the three transport parameters; effective diffusivity, decay constant rate and porosity on the oxygen concentration which results in degradation of refuse because after a long-term process in the dumpsite. Solutions of the model equation are obtained using Separation of variables. The results are presented graphically. From the simulated results it is found that for the particular time, oxygen concentration decreases with increase in reaction rate constant (k) with times and depths at the dumpsite. Oxygen concentration at the dumpsite increases with increase in porosity at a particular time at all depths. Oxygen concentration increases with increase in effective diffusivity () time and depth.

Comparative Assessment of The Antibacterial Activity of Ethanolic and Aqueous Extract of Annona muricata against Staphylococcus aureus

2025-04-30T06:29:27+00:00

In indigenous medicine, natural products particularly those derived from plants have long been utilized to support human health. Annona muricata is widely used in folkore medicine by indigenous people in South America and Africa because of its purported therapeutic benefits. This study was conducted to explore he phytochemical constituents and also ascertain the antibacterial activity of ethanol and aqueous extracts of Annona muricata leaf (soursop) leaves against Staphylococcus aureus. The extracts were screened qualitatively for the presence of phytochemicals and tannins, saponins, flavonoids and alkaloids were present. Antibacterial susceptibility profile of the isolate with standard antibiotics as well as the antibacterial activity of the plant extracts was determined using disc and agar diffusion method respectively. The inhibition zones of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Annona muricata against Staphylococcus aureus were 37 ± 4.7 mm and 25 ± 3.75 mm respectively at 100 mg/ml concentration. The HPLC analysis of the phytochemicals revealed the presence of Limonime, Licorice, Geraniol, Strychnine, Chlorogenic acid, Quinine, Squalene and some unidentified compounds. This study revealed the antibacterial activity of crude Annona muricata leaf extracts against the clinical isolate in comparison to some standard antibiotics. Further research on the isolation and characterization of the bioactive agent in the plant is required to provide a variety of novel components for drug discovery.