Jewel Journal of Scientific Research

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

C. O. Oke, B. Z. Salihu, A. B. Abdulsalam — Wed, 21 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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

G. I. Ekpo, O. E. Eteng, O. D. Ndodo, F. E. Obun — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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.

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

A. O. Mohammed, S. O. Hassan, F. E. Yakubu — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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.