Phytochemical and Nutritive Composition of Uvariachamae P. Beauv. Leaves, Stem Bark and Root Bark

Uvariachamae is employed in African traditional medicine for the treatment of piles, ulcer, sore throat, cough, diarrhoea and urinary tract infection (UTI). In this study, the phytochemical and nutritional composition of root bark, stem bark and leaves were analysed using standard analytical methods. The results of the preliminary phytochemical screening indicate the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenes, phenols, carbohydrates, while deoxy sugar and phlobatannins were found to be absent in all the plant parts. Anthraquinones, saponins and cardiac glycosides were not found to be present in the leaves. Quantitatively, root bark, stem bark and leaves contained (mg/100 g); alkaloids (3.40, 0.80 and 1.40), cardiac glycosides (0.80, 0.64 and 0.53), flavonoids (6.70, 2.50 and 5.13), phenols (3.20, 4.30 and 1.76) respectively. The proximate composition estimation are: carbohydrate (91.83- 87.76%), caloric value (387.57- 375.87%), fibre (2.93- 2.40%), fat (0.80- 0.50%), protein (3.93- 5.70%), ash (1.30- 5.51%) and moisture (9.43- 79.80%) in the root bark, stem bark and leaves, with the highest carbohydrate and caloric values observed in the root bark. The percentage estimation of the antinutrients content for root bark, stem bark and leaves also revealed hydrocyanic acid values ranging from 0.97 to 1.26, phytate 0.24- 1.54, total oxalate 5.66- 11.40 and soluble oxalates 3.08- 6.38. The present findings suggest that the plant may be a potent site for drugs and food supplement. &nbsp

Trichobezoar as Cause of Anorexia in A West African Dwarf Goat

Nigerian Veterinary Journal, VOL:32 (4) 362-36

LEVELS OF HAEMOGLOBIN AND PACKED CELL VOLUMES IN UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD IN JOS

Haemoglobin and packed cell volume have been studied in many neonatal study populations, but in Jos, Nigeria, no real reference values exist. On the other hand, disorders of the blood are common in this environment, necessitating knowledge of the references values of blood parameters as are applicable to neonates. Blood samples were taken from 121 umbilical cords at time of birth, and were analysed for haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV). The Hb concentration was determined by the indirect colorimetric method, and the PCV by the microhaematocrit centrifuge method. The mean values obtained were Hb 12.13 ± 0.11 g/dl and PCV 37.95 ± 0.49%. The mean umbilical cord blood haemoglobin and packed cell volumes were compared with those of the mothers, taken also at the time of delivery. The maternal values were Hb 10.87 ± 0.012 g/dl and PCV 34.51 ± 0.045%. The comparison shows statistically significant difference in Hb (P<0.0001, n =121) and PCV (P<0.0001, n = 121). The study establishes a baseline data on Hb and PCV in neonates in Jos

LEVELS OF HAEMOGLOBIN AND PACKED CELL VOLUMES IN UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD IN JOS

Haemoglobin and packed cell volume have been studied in many neonatal study populations, but in Jos, Nigeria, no real reference values exist. On the other hand, disorders of the blood are common in this environment, necessitating knowledge of the references values of blood parameters as are applicable to neonates. Blood samples were taken from 121 umbilical cords at time of birth, and were analysed for haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV). The Hb concentration was determined by the indirect colorimetric method, and the PCV by the microhaematocrit centrifuge method. The mean values obtained were Hb 12.13 ± 0.11 g/dl and PCV 37.95 ± 0.49%. The mean umbilical cord blood haemoglobin and packed cell volumes were compared with those of the mothers, taken also at the time of delivery. The maternal values were Hb 10.87 ± 0.012 g/dl and PCV 34.51 ± 0.045%. The comparison shows statistically significant difference in Hb (P<0.0001, n =121) and PCV (P<0.0001, n = 121). The study establishes a baseline data on Hb and PCV in neonates in Jos

The Effects Of Capsicum Annuum And Capsicum Frutescens-Induced Gastric Acid Secretion In The Rat Is By H2 Receptor Stimulation.

Background:Peppers, containing Capsicum annuum and Capsicum frutescens are frequently consumed as spice in food. It is also known that the capsaicin content of peppers is a cause of hyper acidity. Aims:This study was undertaken to assess the mechanism of action of the extracts of Capsicum annuum and Capsicum frutescens on gastric acid secretion. Method: Aqueous extracts of Capsicum annuum and Capsicum frutescens prepared by simple maceration were administered to urethane anaesthetized rats, and gastric acid secretion assessed using the continuous perfusion method. The effects of ranitidine on Capsicum annuum and Capsicum frutescens-induced gastric acid secretion in albino rats of both sexes were also investigated. Results: Aqueous extracts of Capsicum annuum or Capsicum frutescens induced gastric acid secretion dose-dependently. Maximum acid output induced by either crude extract was significantly (p

Evaluations on the R Wave in asymptomatic subjects: a preliminary report

This preliminary cross-sectional survey on the R wave of the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) was undertaken to evaluate the normal R wave duration and amplitude of the young adult Nigerian from Jos; to ascertain significant correlation coefficients for R wave duration and amplitude, age and anthropometric measurements and to derive prediction equations. The study population consisted of one hundred and nine (109) subjects aged nineteen to thirty years (mean age 21.7 years). The range for the mean R wave duration was 0.022 ± 0.006 second in V1 to 0.315 ± 0.021 second in V5. The range for the mean R wave amplitude was 0.196 ± 0.103 mV in aVL to 1.078 ± 0.515 mV in V4. Significant inverse correlation was found between R wave duration and: age, height and systolic blood pressure. Significant inverse correlation was found between R wave amplitude and: age, height and systolic blood pressure. Significant correlation was found between R wave amplitude and: height, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and chest circumference. Significant correlation was found between R wave duration and weight, diastolic blood pressure and chest circumference. Prediction equations were derived for the mean R wave duration and: age, systolic blood pressure, height and diastolic blood pressure. Prediction equations were derived for R wave amplitude and: height, age, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. The study has estimated the mean values for the R wave duration and amplitude in the 12-lead ECG as well as the normal range. It has also documented some derived predictable equations. The results can provide invaluable guidance about the interpretation of normal R wave duration and amplitude in this setting in particular and in Nigeria at large. Nigerian Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences Vol. 7 (1) 2008 pp. 7-1