Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity of Crude Whole Plant Methanolic Extract of Oxalis stricta Linn
Raphael Dzinyela,
Abdul-Nasir Abdul-Baasit,
Abdul Razak Alhassan
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, April 2021
Pages:
43-48
Received:
9 May 2021
Accepted:
20 May 2021
Published:
27 May 2021
Abstract: Globally, it is well-known for some time now that the oxidation in vegetables and organisms is significant; it is responsible for cells’ existence. The side effects are free radicals, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and reactive nitrogen species. Every living organism has an antioxidant defense and maintenance system that enables it to handle the ROS produced. In a biological system or an organism, an imbalance of ROS and antioxidant capacity leads to a phenomenon called oxidative stress. Naturally, antioxidant defense and maintenance systems of most biological systems or organisms are unable to cater to the entire oxidative injury. Oxidative stress is known to result in chronic diseases, including autoimmune diseases, cancer, etc. Oxalis stricta Linn. is a valuable medicinal plant native to Florida and uses many diseases. This study was intended to assess antioxidant activity, evaluate the phenol contents, and screen for phytonutrients present in O. stricta Linn. The antioxidant activity was determined by 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydranyl-hydrate (DPPH) assay and phosphomolybdate assay with ascorbic acid as reference antioxidant, while the phenol content was also determined using Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Phytochemical screening revealed that Oxalic acid, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, and glycosides were present. The total phenol content present in the crude methanolic extract was 25.26±1.02 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of dried extract. Antioxidant activity of extract by DPPH assay was expressed as IC50 values (μg/ml); the IC50 of the extract was 205.10 µg/ml and 85.04 µg/ml for ascorbic acid. The total antioxidant activity of the extract using phosphomolybdate assay was 24.73±1.14 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g of dried extract. Therefore, the results suggest that the phenolic content of O. stricta Linn. provides substantial antioxidant activity. The authors recommend further investigations for the isolation and then the characterization of specific active components present in O. stricta Linn.
Abstract: Globally, it is well-known for some time now that the oxidation in vegetables and organisms is significant; it is responsible for cells’ existence. The side effects are free radicals, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and reactive nitrogen species. Every living organism has an antioxidant defense and maintenance system that enables it to handle the RO...
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Elemental Analysis of Soil and Effluent Samples Sourced from Hermas Paint Industry, Enugwu-Ukwu
Ebele Joy Morah,
Vincent Ishmael Egbulefu Ajiwe,
Priscilla Chinwe Okonkwo,
Blessing Chidimma Ikezuagu,
Nkiruka Charity Eboagu,
Ozioma Juliana Anekwe
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, April 2021
Pages:
49-52
Received:
20 April 2021
Accepted:
24 May 2021
Published:
16 June 2021
Abstract: Industrial pollution by effluents is one of the major problems facing Nigerians at present and several efforts are being vigorously engaged to control it in the various industry spanning the length and breadth of the country to see that Nigerians live in a disease-free environment. Some heavy metals contained in these effluents from the industry have been found to be carcinogenic, toxic or poisonous to the environment (plants, animals and humans). This research paper investigates the heavy metal content of the effluent and soil samples in order to determine the level of toxicity and pollution by the metals to the environment. The elemental analysis of soil and effluent samples were conducted. The soil samples were sourced 2-metres distance away from the discharge point of the effluent. The soil samples were digested using aqua regia for the elemental analysis for the detection of ten different metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, calcium, zinc, sodium, mercury, iron and cobalt) using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The values of the mean concentrations of the elements Pb, As, Cd, Cr, Ca, Zn, Na, Hg, Fe and Co in both the soil and effluent samples showed excessive levels above the recommended standards for WHO and NESREA with the exception of Na, Ca and Zn. This indicates that the effluent was discharged without proper treatment. It is therefore recommended that adequate monitoring should be done through aggressive supervision on effluent treatment before discharge. Local raw materials such as activated carbon, coal, rice husk, saw dust and clay should be employed in the treatment of the effluent as they are readily available and cost- saving.
Abstract: Industrial pollution by effluents is one of the major problems facing Nigerians at present and several efforts are being vigorously engaged to control it in the various industry spanning the length and breadth of the country to see that Nigerians live in a disease-free environment. Some heavy metals contained in these effluents from the industry ha...
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