EZEONU CHUKWUMA STEPHEN

• B.Sc, M.Sc, PhD
• Lecturer at FEDERAL UNIVERSITY WUKARI, TARABA STATE NIGERIA

Lipid metabolism is a highly intricate and tightly regulated process essential for cellular function, energy homeostasis, and metabolic balance. It encompasses lipid synthesis (lipogenesis), storage, breakdown (lipolysis and β-oxidation), and transport, all of which are orchestrated by complex regulatory networks involving enzymes, transcription fa...

Microalgae are photosynthetic, unicellular microorganisms also known as phytoplankton. They are small plant-like entities. In this research, the sample were collected from cement factory in a sterilised 20L container wrapped with foil paper and were transported down to Federal University, Wukari where it was kept in refrigerator at biochemistry lab...

Good soil is needed for public health and this research studies lead concentrations of tomato planted in different soil samples in Wukari, Taraba state, Nigeria (with 50mg/kg simulated and non-simulated contamination) labelled groups A-H. Two weeks-old tomato seedlings were transplanted to triplicates of soils pots labelled A: normal soil, B:Ginger...

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder that remains a major health concern worldwide. It is associated with derangement of carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism. This study evaluates the antidiabetic and hepatoprotective effects of aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of Mitracarpus hirtus on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Fifty-five m...

Several herbal preparations are used to treat diabetes; however, their overall biochemical effects other than hypoglycemic effects are scanty. This study therefore was designed to evaluate the effect of methanolic extract of leaves and stem-bark of Adansonia digitata on biochemical indices of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Sixty-three wistar...

Dairy products have long been recognized as a source of healthy nourishment, a vital part of many people's diets because of the protein, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids they contain. According to recent studies, consuming dairy products appears to help with muscle growth, lowering blood pressure and low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and prev...

This study was carried out to evaluateanti-hypertensive effect of aqueous extracts of Beta vulgaris (BV) (bulb) and Stellaria media (SM)(leaf) onAlbino rats. Fifty-five Albino rats were used and randomly distributed into eleven (11) groups of 5 animals each. Hypertension was induced in animals using 18% sodium chloride (NaCl) orally at the dose of...

Ezeonu CS, Tatah SV, Imo C, Yakubu OE, Garba QH, Arowora K, Umaru IJ, Abah MA, Abu MS, Yohanna ER, Timothy M. 2022. Antioxidant potential of ginger extract on metals (lead, cadmium, and boron) induced oxidative stress in maize plant. Asian J Trop Biotechnol 19: 45-51. Plants have a high potential to accumulate heavy metals, which may have a toxic e...

Proteins are the basis of cellular and physiological functioning in living organisms, and the physical and chemical properties of proteins dictate their activities and functions. The primary sequence of a protein is a main determinant of protein folding and final conformation as well as biochemical activity, stability, and half-life. Post-translati...

This study was carried out to establish the ability of spilled oils on soil to produce biosurfactant from fungal isolates. The bioprocess was conducted with two fungal isolates after several culturing and subculturing which was identified as Mucor spp and Fusarium spp. The research was conducted using the following medium, groundnut oil, palm oil,...

This work compared the nutritional and phytochemical compositions, antioxidant capacities of fermented castor oil and soursop seeds. The seeds of castor oil and soursop were fermented traditionally and standard methods were applied for the determination of the phytochemical, proximate, vitamins, minerals and in vitro antioxidant activity. The phyto...

Background The fruits of Xylopia aethiopica and seeds and leaves of Piper guineense are commonly used as spices. Due to their wide use in nutrition and traditional medicine, there is need to examine the biochemical and histological effects of ethanolic extracts of fruits of Xylopia aethiopica and seeds and leaves of Piper guineense on liver and kid...

Biosurfactants are amphiphilic compound that contain hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties produced extracellularly by microorganism on cell surface or excreted extracellularly thereby reducing surface and interfacial tension between molecules at the surface and interface, respectively. This study was aimed on the isolation and identification of bio...

Base – catalyzed transesterification of Shea ( Vitellaria paradoxa ) seed fat was carried out at a methanol/oil ratio of 5:1 (V/V) at 70 o C to synthesize the corresponding methyl esters (biodiesel). The percentage yield of approximately 87%, was recorded after ninety minutes, indicating that Shea fat is a good biodiesel feedstock. The physicochemi...

Post-harvest loss by fungal rot disease is a major problem associated with the availability and quality of cocoyam production in Nigeria. There is need for natural and ecofriendly antifungal agents to improve yield and storage. Fungi causing cocoyam rot were isolated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) using standard isolation method. Pure isolates were...

Background: Biosurfactants are produced extracellularly by microorganism on cell surface or extracellularly on media environments. They are known for their role in surface and interfacial tension reduction between molecules at the surface and interface, respectively. Thus, this study was conducted to determine and compare the capability of biosurfa...

In a bid to investigate the antifungal properties of cashew fruit (apple fruit), a fungal sensitivity test on both ethanolic and aqueous cashew apple fruit extract was conducted. The results revealed rather an experimental serendipity. The aqueous extract of the fruit gave little or no inhibition at all on the isolates, instead, it served as a bett...

Aims and objectives: The aim of this study is to look at the influence of different concentrations from the different solvent extracts of Barringtonia asiatica on selected pathogens. Material and Methods: Barringtonia asiatica extracts were evaluated for their functional potential antimicrobial properties. The leaves of the plant were extracted wit...

Background and Objective: Air harbours large quantity of bacteria and fungi, and the knowledge of their number is very important as an index of hygiene for any particular environment. it becomes imperative to carry out microbiological analysis of the indoor and outdoor air in General Hospital Wukari. Materials and Methods: Seven points, male ward,...

Effects of ethanolic extracts of leaf, seed and fruit of Datura metel on kidney function of male albino rats was investigated in this study. The result showed a non-significant (p > 0.05) increase of urea concentration in groups 2 and 3 administered low (300 mg/kg bw) and high (600 mg/kg bw) dose of leaf extract respectively and a non-significant (...

Background and objective: The processing and preservation of Irish potato tubers like many other crops has been affected by various pathogens like fungi (particularly storage rot) which causes a major constraint to Irish potato production in Nigeria resulting to enormous post-harvest spoilage. The inhibitory effect of aqueous and ethanolic extract...

This study investigated the chemical composition of Cyperus esculentus nut and Phoenix dactylifera fruit. The nuts and fruits were purchased as commonly sold in Wukari, Nigeria. They were cleaned, sorted for healthy parts, sun-dried and milled into fine powder. The AOAC, AAS and GC-MS methods were adopted for the proximate, mineral and phytochemica...

Background: Fungal rot diseases of white yam (Discorea rotundata) tubers and cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) are the major post-harvest challenges in the availability of these root tubers. The use of biological extract of plants will prevent post-harvest losses without any negative health challenge. Methods: Microwave-assisted method of extraction wa...

Background and objective: Cocos nucifera nut is widely consumed in different forms by indigenes of many countries. It is used in preparation of some drinks and oil. Cocos nucifera nut is believed to have many potential nutritional, medicinal and pharmaceutical uses. This study evaluated the proximate, mineral and phytochemical composition of Cocos...

This research was necessitated by the quest to create a useful product from wastes (bio-ethanol from rice husk). This if successful will serve two purposes; first, help reduce wastes in the environment and to create wealth from waste. Separated isolates of Trichophyton soudanense, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophyte, Aspergillus oryzae,...

Objectives: This study was carried out to evaluate the nutritional compositions of polished rice (Royal stallion) and local varietal rice (sipi) procured in Wukari, Taraba state, Nigeria. Methods: Proximate composition of the samples were determined by Standard Methods of Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC), while Atomic Absorption Spectropho...

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to compare the ascorbic acid levels of three common cucurbits before and after the traditional preparatory method of cooking in order to ascertain the effects of processing on their nutritional contents. Methods: Ripe pulps of two cultivars of Cucurbita pepo (smooth-rind and coarse-rind) and Citrullus lanatus in...

Softwoods are readily available in the tropics as found in Nigeria and most African forests; where they are used basically for timber purposes. Their biomass and physical constituents are great qualities needed to assess their values. These parameters (biomass and physicochemical constituents) were determined in some selected softwoods. The results...

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of orally administered extracts of Datura metel (leaf, seed and fruit) on blood sugar and serum protein levels. Methods: Thirty-five (35) male Wistar rats were randomly allotted into seven (7) groups and each group had five rats. Each group was administered orally varying amounts of Datura metel for one...

The study investigated the levels of protein, energy, and moisture content as well as amino acid composition in some oilseed samples, using High Performance Liquid Chromatographic (HPLC) Technique, while other analysis were carried out using the standard methods of Association of official analytical chemists. All the samples were procured from Wuka...

Abstract Burukutu, an indigenous alcoholic beverage (made from cereals, sometimes in composites), is widely consumed in Nigeria as a close substitute for the expensive labelled beers. This research sought to comparatively quantify the nutritional content of Burukutu made exclusively from one of three different cereals. Burukutu samples made from a...

Abstract This study was conducted to determine the protein and energy levels, and also amino acids content in some leafy vegetables. Amino acids composition was determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method, energy determination was by the bomb calorimetric method while other analyses carried out on the vegetables were adapt...

Groundnut husk (GH) was used as an adsorbent to remove Mn2+, Zn2+ and Pb2+ ions from fertilizer industrial wastewater. FTIR-spectrum shows the participation of aromatic compounds (C=C), Aldehydes (C=O) and Alkenes (C=C) in adsorption due to their absence in the adsorbent after the process. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to examine the...

Groundnut husk (GH) was used as an adsorbent to remove Mn2+, Zn2+ and Pb2+ ions from fertilizer industrial wastewater. FTIR-spectrum shows the participation of aromatic compounds (C=C), Aldehydes (C=O) and Alkenes (C=C) in adsorption due to their absence in the adsorbent after the process. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to examine the...

Solid dumpsites within Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria were randomly selected. The constituents of the dumps were studied, identified and classified into harmful and nonharmful ones. The bacterial flora was also studied to determine the potential of the dumps to health hazards. The result indicated that plants wastes were generated more, having the hi...

Solid dumpsites within Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria were randomly selected. The constituents of the dumps were studied, identified and classified into harmful and non harmful ones. The bacterial flora was also studied to determine the potential of the dumps to health hazards. The result indicated that plants wastes were generated more, having the h...

Abstract Fermented foods are normally associated with health benefits. More often than not, emphases are made on the beneficial aspect of fermented food products such as: reduction of lactose to lactic acid for lactose intolerant individuals, increase in beneficial microorganism in human flora that safe guide the health of individuals by occupying...

Contamination of environment by heavy metals has become a major concern worldwide. The role of conventional methods in remediating heavy metals has become ineffective and costly. Therefore, it becomes imperative to explore bioremediation using a cost effective, efficient and environmentally friendly alternative method of removing heavy metals. In t...

In this study, biochemical composition and sensory evaluation of yoghurts from soy, cow and commercial milk was carried out. Proximate analysis carried out on samples of cow yoghurt (CY), soy yoghurt (SY), cow/soy yoghurt (CSY) and commercial yoghurts (CMY), showed significant difference (P<0.05) in crude protein of (SY) 6.27% and cow/soy yoghurt (...

Water lily (Nymphaea lotus) bulbs from Mankhanwa River in Ibi – Nigeria were quantified for their biochemical composition. Proximate composition, anti-nutritional factors, minerals, vitamins and phytochemical contents in the plant bulb were assayed using Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) standard methods. Values were obtained in du...

This research work was conducted to quantify the components in the yoghurts produced from coconut and tiger nut as well as their composite with fresh cow milk yoghurt serving as the control. The yoghurts were hygienically produced under clean environment and evaluated to determine the biochemical contents in addition to the vitamin/mineral composit...

This research work was conducted to quantify the components in the yoghurts produced from coconut and tiger nut as well as their composite with fresh cow milk yoghurt serving as the control. The yoghurts were hygienically produced under clean environment and evaluated to determine the biochemical contents in addition to the vitamin/mineral composit...

ABSTRACT Background: This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Datura metel (leaf, seed and fruit) on blood lipid profile of male albino rats. Methods: Thirty-five albino rats (8 weeks old) weighing between 66g and 84g were purchased and randomly allotted into 7 groups. The normal control (group 1) received normal saline, while gro...

The attention of most countries lately has been on improvement of existing goods and services. However, looking for alternative to whatever exists brings about novelty. Fossil fuel as a means of energy has been utilized for quite a long time that those who are progressive minded have begun to look for alternative sources. This is due to the fact th...

The abundance of softwoods in Nigeria makes them readily available and their renewability is also an advantage in generation of any product that has usefulness in scientific application. All the softwood samples investigated were soluble in hot concentrated H2SO4. From a measured quantity of each Nigerian softwood powder consumed in their destructi...

Trichophyton soudanense and Trichophyton mentagrophyte were isolated from the rice mill environment, cultured, and used singly and as co-culture in the treatment of measure quantities of pre-heated rice husk. Carboxymethyl cellulase activity of 57.61μg/ml/min was optimum for T. mentagrophyte-treated rice husk crude enzymes at 50°C and 80°C, respect...

Trichophyton soudanense and Trichophyton mentagrophyte were isolated from the rice mill environment, cultured, and used singly and as co-culture in the treatment of measure quantities of pre-heated rice husk. Carboxymethyl cellulase activity of 57.61 μg/ml/min was optimum for T. mentagrophyte-treated rice husk crude enzymes at 50 °C and 80 °C, resp...

Various parameters, such as growth index used to evaluate the productivity of a good agricultural soil were integrated in this study and critically examined under a pollution condition. The indigenous Nsukka soil representing a typical tropical soil was contaminated with calculated quantities of a given Nigerian crude oil (Bonny Light B-111). Growt...

Fungi isolates were obtained from decomposing rice husk using potato dextrose agar (PDA). These isolateswere Aspergillus fumigatus (AF), Aspergillus niger(AN), Aspergillus oryzae (AO), Trichophyton mentagrophyte (TM), Trichophyton rubrum (TR) and Trichophyton soudanense (TS). Pure strain of each fungal culture was obtained and identified. Measured...

Pure monoculture strains of Aspergillus fumigates (AF), Aspergillus niger (AN), Aspergillus oryzae (AO), Trichophyton mentagrophyte (TM), Trichophyton rubrum (TR) and Trichophyton Sudanese (TS) were isolated from decomposing rice husk and di-culture combination in equal proportion used for treatment of fresh heat treated rice husk. Freshly processe...

The phytochemical contents of some milled Nigerian softwood chips were carried out in a quest to evaluate their potentials as sources of alternative medicine as well as uses in other industrial applications. The qualitative and quantitative analysis were ascertained. Tannin was found in all the Nigerian softwoods examined with the highest quantitie...

Pawpaw, banana and watermelon are tropical fruits with short shelf-lives under the prevailing temperatures and humid conditions in tropical countries like Nigeria. Production of wine from these fruits could help reduce the level of post-harvest loss and increase variety of wines. Pawpaw, banana and watermelon were used to produce mixed fruit wines...

The effect of sprouting shea nuts on the proximate composition, fatty acid profile and microbiological quality of shea nut butter were examined. Shea fruits were collected under different shea trees, pooled, divided into sprouted and non-sprouted and butter extracted using skimmed method. Proximate and microbial quality was analyzed using standard...

ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Food additives are organic substances that are intentionally added to food in small quantities during production or processing to improve the organoleptic quality (colour, flavour, appearance, taste and texture) of the food. Food preservative is a class of food additive that help to prevent food spoilage by preventing the grow...

For all consumable products such as pharmaceuticals, foods and other ingestible substances manufactured, good manufacture practices (GMP) are expected from the producers. This is the reason why most countries set up agencies with specific mandate to monitor all such products so as to safe guide the health of their citizens. National Agency for Food...

The tradition of farming on pieces of land situated around waste dumps for the purpose of harvestingsoil nutrients to enhance crop productivity is of great agricultural importance. However constantincineration of waste dumps may not guarantee this assumption. Nitrate, chlorophyll and zinc werequantified in the soil and leaves of Manihot esculentum...

Climate change is a multifactor event that requires proper evaluation, monitoring and management. In this study, biomass content of Zea mays and Arachis hypogea were measured to evaluate their contribution to climate change. Different concentration (80g, 160g, 400g, 800g and 1200g) of crude oil were impacted in sterile soil and viable seeds of Zea...

Selected timbers indigenous to Niger delta area of Nigeria were identified and their physical properties and phytochemical constituent (qualitative and quantitative determination) check conducted. The result of the physical properties showed that: the highest porosity index was 1.75 % from Phyllanthus discoideus, the highest specific gravity record...

Aspergillus fumigatus (AF) and Aspergillus niger (AN) were isolated from consortia of other microorganisms from an over 8 months decomposing rice husk dump using potato dextrose agar (PDA). Pure strains of individual Aspergillus species were obtained and identified. Measured quantities of freshly processed rice husk in Mandle's medium were heat pre...

The rate of biodegradation of crude oil under natural environment was examined. Crude oil contaminated soil was simulated. A quantity of 24kg of the soil was divided into 3 groups of 8kg each, consisting of soil samples contaminated with Petrol Hydrocarbon (PHC) in the concentrations of 5%, 10% and 20 % w/w. After a week of soil preparation, 6 viab...

Toilet soaps were produced with the incorporation of three herbal extracts from basil, aloevera and guava leaves singly and in combination. Volunteers were drawn from Community Secondary School Ehandiagu, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria, to use the soaps and provide feedback on their qualities and various properties. The research was experimental, how...

The effect of crude oil on microorganisms, animals, plants and the environment has become a major concern to the environmental scientist. Therefore this work is aimed at comparing the effect of various contamination of crude oil on the total wet weight, biomass, water content and total protein of two varieties of maize plants (Zea mays) i.e. the wh...

The environment is a very important component necessary for the existence of both man and other biotic organisms. The degree of sustainability of the physical environment is an index of the survival and well-being of the entire components in it. Additionally, it is not sufficient to try disposing toxic/deleterious substances with any known method....

Bioremediation is a biotechnological approach of rehabilitating areas degraded by pollutants or otherwise damaged through mismanagement of ecosystem. It is the ability of microorganisms to degrade or detoxify organic contaminated areas by transforming undesirable and harmful substances into non-toxic compound (Bioremediation overview, 2003).

The antihepatotoxic effect of ethanolic extract of ginger (Zingiber officinale) against CCL (10 mL kg-1 body weight) were investigated. Total 7 groups of rats were used in the investigation with alternative methods of administration of ginger extract and CC14 both at 24 h intervals as well as simultaneous administrations. All the administration met...

The effect of storage at 0°C, 4°C and ambient temperature on the vitamin c (ascorbic acid) and sugar content of five fruits; pawpaw (Carica papaya), pineapple (Anana comosus), apple (Pirus malus), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and orange (Citrus sinensus) was determined titrimetrically by the use of 2,6-dichlorophenol indophenol and spectrometrica...

This study seek to maintain what is observable in a real environmental deteriorative field involving medium to large scale of metal salts applicable when in excess in an agricultural land as well as spillage of crude oil. Specifically, calculated quantities of soluble metal salts and crude oil were used in the contamination of a given quantity of s...