Chidi Uzoma Igwe

Chidi Uzoma Igwe
Federal University of Technology Owerri | FUTO · Department of Biochemistry

B.Sc., MMLS, PhD, FMLSCN, MNSBMB

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100
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Introduction
Chidi Uzoma Igwe currently works at the Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology Owerri. Chidi does research in Clinical Chemistry, Nutritional Biochemistry and Medicinal plants. His most recent publication is "Alterations in Lipid Profile and Atherogenic Predictor Indices of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria", which was published in Biochemistri

Publications

Publications (100)
Preprint
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High soil salinity induces osmotic and ionic stress that threaten crop production worldwide and affect food security. Iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using an aqueous leaf extract of _Diodella sarmentosa_, and the results of the characterization using FTIR, XRD, EDX, TEM, UV-vis, and SEM revealed the presence of polydisperse spherical iro...
Article
The study determined the in vitro antioxidant potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and inhibitory properties of ZnONPs-ciprofloxacin nanoconjugate on the activity of dehydrogenase enzyme from multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Rauwolfia vomitoria (SW) leaf extract was used for the synthesis of the ZnONPs. Volatile phytoche...
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Objective: Aframomum melegueta Schum (Zingiberaceae) is widely cultivated for its valuable seeds in the tropical region of Africa. This study identified the bioactive components present in aqueous seed extract of Aframomum melengueta Methodology: Aqueous seed extract of Aframomum melengueta was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using Fourie...
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Aim: The aim of the present study was to characterize the role of ABO/Rhesus blood group antigen polymorphism in malaria among adults in Bayelsa State, Niger Delta, Nigeria. The pattern of distribution of ABO/Rhesus antigen polymorphism in the area was also assessed. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and six adults (91 males and 115 females) were...
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Background: Wetlands serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes, the vector of malaria Plasmodium. Effective detection of Plasmodium infection requires a very sensitive method. Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of malaria parasite infection in Sagbama LGA, Bayelsa State using nested PCR and high resolution melting analy...
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The study analyzed phytochemical and nutritional compositions of ethanol-water leaf extracts of Justicia secunda and Jatropha tanjorensis using standard methods. In both plants significant amounts of alkaloids, tannin and flavonoids were seen. J. tanjorensis had higher amount of saponin and cardiac glycoside. The quantitative phytochemical and anti...
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The potentials of African elemi oil coating was evaluated on post-harvest loss reduction and shelf-life extension of tomato fruits during 16 days of storage. Tomato at turning stage were grouped into oil-incorporated (treated), non-oil incorporated (treated control) starch coated fruits, and non-coated fruits (untreated control). Fatty acid profile...
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The study investigated the effects of the alkaloid fraction of Vitex doniana on liver and kidney functions in albino rats. A solution of CCl4 in paraffin (1:1) was used to induce liver damage in albino rats. The liver and kidney function tests were carried out by oral administration of varying doses (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg) of the bulk alkaloid to...
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Acalypha wilkesiana is a widely eaten vegetable, reportedly used traditionally in the management of hypertension, diabetes and as an antimicrobial agent, probably because of its rich phenolic composition. The phytochemical and phenolic profiles of the crude leaf extract of the plant were assessed using standard methods, and gas chromatography coupl...
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Aims: This study was aimed at investigating the protective potential of ethyl acetate fractions of Persea americana (PA) seed and Bryophyllum pinnatum (BP) leaf binary combinations against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers. Methodology: Fifty (50) male Wistar rats were used in this study; they were assigned into 10 groups of five animals each and...
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The study investigated the hepatocurative activity of the bulk alkaloids of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides in a tetrachloromethane (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity model in rats. The hepatocurative activity of the alkaloids at 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg doses was demonstrated by the assay of both enzymic and non-enzymic parameters. Sections of the liver were...
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In Nigeria, Azadirachta indica leaf is used traditionally in the treatment of various diseases. The present study aims at investigating the science behind in vitro aggregation inhibition activity of n-hexane leaf extract of Azadirachta indica of human platelet which can be used for the prevention and management of stroke, which has been found to be...
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Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are currently two important blood-borne human pathogens of major public health concern with high prevalence rates in Africa. Objectives: The study assessed the impact of HIV and HBV mono- and co-infections on serum total protein, albumin, globulin fractions and plasma fre...
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The root of Gmetum africanum Welw, which serves as food among some locals, has been under study for its nutritional quality. This research is aimed at determining its in vitro and in vivo antioxidant property, and its effect on lipid profile. The aqueous and ethanol root extracts of Gnetum africanum Welw were obtained following established protocol...
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The roles of plant-derived products in the management of diseases and their safety cannot be overemphasized. In several cases, these plants are used in ethnomedicine without regard to their toxicity. The study evaluated the antioxidant activities of both methanol (MeOH) extract and the bulk alkaloidal fraction of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides leaves a...
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Antioxidants of plant origin reduce or inhibit oxidative stress-induced tissue damage in gastric ulcers. Plants’ edible and non-edible parts have been investigated as potential sources of natural antioxidants. The present study aims at investigating the antioxidant potentials of aqueous extracts of Irish potato tubers, Avocado pear seeds, and un...
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Persea americana and Bryophyllum pinnatum are important plants with age-long application in traditional medicine for the management of varieties of ailments. The seed of P. americana is a byproduct and the leaf of B. pinnatum constituting weed in some locality could be harnessed for marketable antioxidant potentials. The present study aims to asses...
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Aims: Persea americana (P. americana) dubbed ‘green gold’ is a highly sought after fruit today, with insatiable export market. Different parts of avocadoes have been consumed both for nutritional and health benefits across regions of the world. Therefore, this study investigates the bioactive composition of P. americana seed ethyl acetate fraction...
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Aims: To characterize the chemical composition of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf ethyl acetate fraction. Methodology: Quantitative phytochemical composition was assessed using gas chromatography fitted with flame ionization detector (GC-FID), while chemical characterization was via gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) analysis. The mass spe...
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Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides is a plant used traditionally as food and in medicine, with known antioxidant properties. The study aimed to prepare n-butanol fractions of Z. zanthoxyloides leaves and evaluate their in-vitro antioxidant potential. Vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) was used to separate the constituents of the n-butanol fraction using gr...
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Aim: The study evaluated the chemical contents and antioxidant potential of aqueous extract of Irish potato tubers traditionally used for ulcer treatment in Nigeria. Methods: Freshly harvested Irish potato tubers were purchased from Aba grocery market, Abia State. They were thoroughly washed in running water, peeled, sliced and dried in an oven at...
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Objective: The protective effect of aqueous leaf extracts of Euphorbia heterophylla and Jatropha curcas against paracetamol-induced acute changes in lipid, atherogenic and haematologic parameters of albino rats were studied. Methodology: Twenty-five adult male albino rats weighing 180 to 200 g were randomly assigned into 5 experimental groups (I-V)...
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1.0 INTRODUCTION ietary quality is an important limiting factor to adequate nutrition in many resource-poor settings. One aspect of dietary quality with respect to adequacy of micronutrient intake is bioavailability. Several traditional household food-processing and preparation methods can be used to enhance the bioavailability of micronutrients in...
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The plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations were determined spectrophotometrically on 70 fasting Type 1 and 150 fasting Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and also on 100 apparently healthy, age-matched controls in Delta State, Niger...
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The increased demand for herbal remedies and natural quest for alcohol consumption has positioned alcoholic herbal preparations (bitters) as ideal drink. Bitters are acclaimed to have blood detoxifying and liver cleansing potentials. This study investigated the acclaimed detoxifying potentials of an alcoholic bitter (AB) on carbon tetrachloride (CC...
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The ethanolic leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia (Schum. and Thonn.) Mull. Arg (Euphorbiaceae), a widely used traditional medicinal plant was assessed for possible sub-acute toxicity in Swiss albino rats. The rats were randomly distributed into five groups of four animals each. The groups were respectively administered 125, 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg...
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Objective: The protective effect of aqueous leaf extracts of Euphorbia Heterophylla and Jatropha Curcas against paracetamol-induced acute changes in lipid, atherogenic and haematologic parameters of albino rats were studied. Methodology: Twenty-five adult male albino rats weighing 180 to 200 g were randomly assigned into 5 experimental groups (I-V)...
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Full-text available
Objective: Otapiapia is a locally produced, easily accessible, non-regulated household pesticide, which could easily contaminate human food. The ameliorative effect of ethanol leaf extract of Moringa oliefera on otapiapiainduced changes in oxidative stress, lipid profile and atherogenic indices of albino rats was investigated using standard methods...
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Objective: The protective effect of aqueous leaf extracts of Euphorbia Heterophylla and Jatropha Curcas against paracetamol-induced acute changes in lipid, atherogenic and haematologic parameters of albino rats were studied. Methodology: Twenty-five adult male albino rats weighing 180 to 200 g were randomly assigned into 5 experimental groups (I-V)...
Article
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Sickle cell disease (SCD), caused by haemoglobin mutant (haemoglobin S), and originates from the replacement of a hydrophilic amino acid residue glutamic acid by a hydrophobic moiety valine at the sixth position of the β-chain of haemoglobin molecule. This loss of charge causes the erythrocytes to sickle under hypoxic conditions. A retrospective st...
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The chemical (phytochemical, vitamin, elemental and proximate) compositions of the leaves of Sigesbeckia orientalis was determined using standard methods. The results of the phytochemical composition in mg/100g indicated that saponins appeared to be highest followed by alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, oxalates, cynogenic glycosides and phytate. The...
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The effect of different concentrations of Citrullus colocynthis seed and pulp aqueous extracts on some important oxidative stress parameters [Ascorbic acid (AA), Reduced glutathione (GSH), Malondialdehyde (MDA)] were determined. The activities of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of albino rats were assayed....
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The effect of different concentrations of Citrullus colocynthis seed and pulp aqueous extracts on some important oxidative stress parameters [Ascorbic acid (AA), Reduced glutathione (GSH), Malondialdehyde (MDA)] were determined. The activities of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of albino rats were assayed....
Article
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The effect of different concentrations of Citrullus colocynthis seed and pulp aqueous extracts on some important oxidative stress parameters [Ascorbic acid (AA), Reduced glutathione (GSH), Malondialdehyde (MDA)] were determined. The activities of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of albino rats were assayed....
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The effect of processing (germination and fermentation) on the chemical composition (proximate, mineral and phytochemical contents) of a Nigerian traditional beverage, kunu-zaki made from sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) grains with the addition of sweet potato (Ipomonea batatas) paste were studied. The bioavailability of Zn and Fe in the beverage were al...
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The calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn) and phytate contents of raw, boiled, and boiled plus 72 h fermented samples of four lesser-known African seeds – Citrullus colocynthis, Cucumeropsis edulis, Ricinus communis and Prosopis africana – locally used for production of condiments in Nigeria were evaluated. Zinc bioavailability of the samples were also estimated...
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Objective: Renal and hepato-protective effects of Irvingia gabonensis juice on sodium fluoride-induced toxicity was assessed in twenty-four male Wistar albino rats. Methodology: The rats were divided into 4 groups of 6 animals each. All except normal control (NC), were intoxicated with 20 mg.Kg-1 body weight of sodium fluoride (NaF) daily by gavage...
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The amino acid profile of Rhynchophorus phoenicis, Zonocerus variegatus, Helix pomatia and Littorina littoria were determined using a Technicon sequential multi sample amino acid analyzer (TSM).The protein qualities of the samples were also estimated. The result of the study showed that R. phoenicis and Z. variegatus contain predominantly glutamic...
Article
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This study aimed at investigating the changes in activities of dehydrogenase, catalase, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and alkaline protease of soil samples exposed to electromagnetic radiations (EMR) from mobile phone for the periods of 0, 30, 60 and 90 days. EMR-unexposed soil samples served as the source of control enzyme activities. The...
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Ethanol and aqueous extracts of the leaves, stem bark and roots of Alchornea cordifolia were tested for in vivo anti-malarial activity in 27 Swiss albino mice infected with chloroquine resistant Plasmodium bergei NK 65. The plant extracts were administered to the animals intraperitoneally, at a dose of 100 mg/kg b.w.t., and compared with Artesunate...
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Background: Pre-eclampsia is a syndrome of pregnancy-induced hypertension with proteinuria, which has high prevalence rate among blacks. Aims and Objectives:To study the effect of pre-eclampsia on bioenergetics for the transport of erythrocytic cations to plasma, the plasma and erythrocytic levels of magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), zinc...
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Twenty-four male albino rats, 4 weeks old were randomly distributed into 4 groups (A-D) and fed growers' mash as the control diet and 25, 50 and 75% oven-dried, ground Macrotermes nigeriensis fortified diets respectively for a total period of 28 days. The effects of the diets on hepatic, renal and haematologic function indices of albino rats were s...
Article
Full-text available
The calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn) and phytate contents of raw, boiled, and boiled plus 72 h fermented samples of four lesser-known African seeds – Citrullus colocynthis, Cucumeropsis edulis, Ricinus communis and Prosopis africana – locally used for production of condiments in Nigeria were evaluated. Zinc bioavailability of the samples were also estimated...
Article
Full-text available
Total amino acid (AA) profiles of heat-processed fresh Elaeis guineensis and Raphia hookeri wines were studied. Heating their fresh wines to 85°C, cooling and diluting to original volumes distilled off ethanol, but did not change their moisture and nitrogen contents. R. hookeri wine contained more (p<0.05) Phe, Val, Ala, Gly, Pro, Asp, Asn, His and...
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Aqueous filtrates of processed yellow and white garri {fried fermentation products of cassava (Manihot esculenta)} were investigated for their effects on the aggregation of sickle cell trait haemoglobin (HbAS), in vitro. Phytochemicals detected in the two filtrates included tannins, catechins, flavonoids, cyanogenic glycosides, β-carotene and thioc...
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Background: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder with multiple etiologies. Its sufferers are generally at high risk of dyslipidemia characterized by hypercholesterolemia, hyper-triglyceridemia, hyperlipoproteinemia and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Globally, the estimated cost of diabetes care was $376 billion in 2010, re...
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The amino acid profile of the dried and ground seeds of Lagenaria sphaerica, Mucuna pruriens and Cucurbita pepo Var styriaca were determined using standard methods with the purpose of evaluating their possible use in the reduction and management of sickle cell crises. The anti-sickling effects of crude aqueous extract (CAE), water-soluble extract (...
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Background: Increasing incidence of malnutrition occasioned by high incidence of hunger,worsening food situation in the world, insufficient availability and high cost of animal protein sources, has necessitated extensive research into and use of alternative plant protein sources especially underexploited leguminous seeds.Methods: Flours from raw, b...
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The amino acid profile and the effects of the seed extracts of Sphenostylis sternocarpa, Monodora myristica and Mucuna sloanei were studied based on their ability to inhibit haemoglobin polymerization and improve the Fe 2+ /Fe 3+ ratio of sickle cell erythrocytes. The samples were fractionated into crude aqueous extract (CAE), fat-soluble (FAS), bu...
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Honey is a naturally sweet and viscous fluid produced by honeybees (Apis mellifera) from the nectar of flowers. Proline, free amino acid, tannins, phenols and flavonoids content were determined in eight samples of Obudu cattle ranch honeys. Antioxidant content (ascorbic acid equivalent, quercetin equivalents, tocopherol content) and free radical sc...
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The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of some seafood diets on some important biochemical parameters with a view to recommending them for inclusion in the daily diets of resource-contstrained persons who are hapless victims of the deadly collusion of malnutrition and a flotilla of communicable and communicable diseases prevalent in...
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Spondias mombin Linn (Anacardiaceae) is an edible plant that is ethnopharmacologically used for induction of labour, expulsion of afterbirth, and stabilization of women after childbirth. The effects of ethanol extract of the leaf of S. mombin on hepatic, renal and haematologic function indices of albino rabbits were studied using standard methods....
Article
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Macrotermes nigeriensis is a gregarious termite that is eaten as a delicacy in different parts of Nigeria and several other African countries. The concentrations of proximate, minerals, vitamins and fatty acids of the termite were determined using standard methods. The following major nutrients were identified: proteins (20.94 ± 0.08%), carbohydrat...
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The effect of Gongronema latifolium and Ocimum gratissimum supplemented diet on diesel petroleum induced liver damage in rats was investigated. Rats were acclimatized for two weeks and divided into three groups. Oxidative stress was induced with diesel petroleum (4 ml/kg body weight) at alternate days for seven days in group II and III rats. Group...
Article
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Twenty male albino rats of about 6 weeks old randomly distributed into 4 groups were respectively fed growers' mash as the control diet, and 25%, 50% and 75% oven-dried, ground Macrotermes nigeriensis supplemented diets for 28 days. Plasma and hepatic triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and free cholesterol concentrations were measu...
Article
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The physicochemical properties of some fresh locally produced (crude) and industrially refined edible vegetables oils available in northern Nigeria were investigated, using standard methods. Results obtained showed that the crude and refined palm oil samples as well as palm kernel oil gave significantly (p < 0.05) higher values for percentage free...
Article
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Biochemical changes in the tissues of thirty-six albino rats (Rattus rattus) following subchronic exposure to 1.25% , 2.50% and 5% of crude oil polluted feed was investigated. There were age and sex matched with another twelve albino rats fed without crude oil. The exposure period lasted for thirty days. The concentrations of serum albumin, cholest...
Article
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Biochemical changes in the tissues of thirty-six albino rats (Rattus rattus) following subchronic exposure to 1.25% , 2.50% and 5% of crude oil polluted feed was investigated. There were age and sex matched with another twelve albino rats fed without crude oil. The exposure period lasted for thirty days. The concentrations of serum albumin, cholest...
Article
Full-text available
Hepatotoxicity of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs using liver function parameters were assessed in 40 HIV seropositive subjects on ARV, 40 HIV seropositive subjects not on ARV and another 40 HIV seronegative subjects. They were all of the same age range of 19 - 56 years old. Results show that the serum activities of the liver enzymes and the concentrati...
Article
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Increased oxidative stress and lipid disorders may exacerbate complications of diabetes mellitus. This study, therefore was designed to evaluate the effect of aqueous root extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius and Daniella oliveri (SDAE) on oxidative strees and lipid peroxidation in nondiabetic and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The alloxan (65mg/kg)...
Article
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The phytochemical, proximate, minerals and vitamins A and C compositions of Spondias mombin leaves were determined using standard methods. The results of the phytochemical analyses showed the presence of saponins (4.80 ± 0.35%), alkaloids (3.40 ± 0.10%), flavonoids (2.80 ± 0.36%), tannins (1.47 ± 0.06%), oxalates (0.92 ± 0.09%), phytates (1.73 ± 0....