Journal of Chemistry and Nutritional Biochemistry

Identification and Characterisation of Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Compounds in Corchorus olitorius Leaves: A LC-MS Analysis

Aziz Alans — 2026-06-09

This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical content and biological activities (antibacterial and antioxidant) of a methanol extract from the leaves of the Corchorus olitorius L. plant. The methanol extract was shown to be capable of withstanding LC-MS testing. The extract was also subjected to in vitro tests for antibacterial and antioxidant properties. The 96 peaks in the LC-MS analysis indicate 96 distinct phytochemicals in the methanolic extract. The methanolic extract exhibited significant antibacterial activity against E. coli, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 125 μg/mL. In DPPH experiments, a strong antioxidant response was demonstrated. This article provides key diagnostic characteristics for the species Corchorus olitorius.

Optimization of a bio adsorbent-integrated multiple barrier technique for palm oil mill effluent treatment

Moses Olukayode Onigbinde — 2026-06-09

Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is a highly polluting wastewater generated in large volumes in agrarian regions, posing serious environmental and public health concerns if discharged untreated. This study investigates the effectiveness of a bio adsorbent-integrated multiple barrier technique (MBT) for the treatment and quality improvement of POME. The treatment system consisted of sequential physical (sieving and sedimentation), chemical (coagulation and flocculation), and adsorption processes, followed by disinfection. A modified cellulosic bio adsorbent derived from orange mesocarp was incorporated into the adsorption stage to enhance contaminant removal. Operational parameters for each treatment stage were optimized to achieve maximum efficiency. Optimum conditions were obtained at 53 µm sieve size, 3 hours sedimentation time, 5 mg/l alum and 5 mg/l lime for coagulation–flocculation, 0.3 g adsorbent dosage with 20 minutes contact time, and 1.0 mg/l calcium hypochlorite for disinfection. The integrated treatment system achieved substantial reductions in key pollution indicators, including total solids (96.19%), suspended solids (97.57%), dissolved solids (91.19%), biochemical oxygen demand (77.18%), and chemical oxygen demand (60.98%). Significant reductions in microbial load were also observed, alongside improvements in dissolved oxygen and pH towards acceptable limits. The results demonstrate that the synergistic combination of multiple treatment processes with a low-cost, eco-friendly bio adsorbent significantly enhances POME remediation efficiency. This approach offers a sustainable and practical solution for wastewater management and potential reuse in resource-limited settings. Further studies on adsorbent characterization, economic feasibility, and large-scale application are recommended.

Ethylacetate Leaf Extract of Adansonia digitata Linn Mitigates Against Redox Imbalance and Inflammatory Disorders Associated with Ageing in Liver of Male Wistar Rat

Emmanuel Olagoke — 2026-06-09

Ageing is driven by oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and impaired cellular repair. However, Adansonia digitata linn is employed as an anti-ageing remedy in West Africa with limited scientific basis. Hence, this study evaluated the potential of Adansonia digitata Ethylacetate Leaf Extract (ADELE) in mitigating against redox imbalance and inflammatory disorders associated with ageing in hepatic tissue of male Wistar rats. Ethylacetate extract of the powdered leaves of the plant was prepared by cold extraction. Sixty-three (63) male Wistar rats weighing an average of 110 g were randomly allocated into 9 groups of seven (7) rats each. Group I (control), Group II (ADELE-only 200 mg/kg body weight (bw)), Group III (Vitamin E-only 200 mg/kg bw), Group IV (D-galactose-only) were treated for 8 weeks, and pretreatment groups receiving graded doses of ADELE and/or Vitamin E 4 weeks prior to D-galactose administration for an additional 4 weeks: Group V (ADELE 100 mg/kg bw and D-gal), Group VI (ADELE 200 mg/kg bw and D-gal), Group VII (ADELE 400 mg/kg bw and D-gal), Group VIII (Vit. E 200 mg/kg bw and D-gal) and Group IX (ADELE 100 mg/kg bw and Vit. E 100 mg/kg bw and D-gal). ADELE was administered orally in 0.3 ml distilled water while D-galactose was administered intraperitoneally (IP) in 0.3 ml of 0.9% normal saline daily and animals were sacrificed after eight weeks. Liver indices [Alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST) and Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities and total bilirubin concentrations] in serum, antioxidant indices [Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, Reduced glutathione (GSH), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and total protein concentrations], and inflammatory indices [Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF-α) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations] in liver homogenates were evaluated using standard biochemical methods. Data were analysed using GraphPad Prism 5 at (P < 0.05) level of significance. Results showed induction of ageing by D-galactose (Group IV) with significant increase (P < 0.05) in liver indices (ALT: 84.01 ± 3.86, AST: 95.17 ± 2.33, GGT: 29.49 ± 1.70 and total bilirubin: 50.70 ± 2.87), lipid peroxidation (MDA: 10.26 ± 0.89), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α: 6709 ± 833.00 and IL-6: 528.9 ± 35.31), and concomitant reductions in antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD: 0.69 ± 1.11, CAT: 4.07 ± 0.33 and GPx: 4.07 ± 0.13), as well as GSH: 3.60 ± 0.24 and hepatic total protein (TP): 27.04 ± 1.36, compared with controls (ALT: 70.09 ± 3.23, AST: 76.35 ± 2.51, GGT: 15.36 ± 0.52, total bilirubin: 38.74 ± 0.98, MDA: 3.84 ± 0.57, TNF-α: 1268 ± 82.66, IL-6: 345.6 ± 29.94, SOD: 1.43 ± 1.60, CAT: 5.19 ± 0.13, GPx: 6.07 ± 0.11, GSH: 4.18 ± 0.16, hepatic total protein: 38.00 ± 0.72). Pretreatment groups (V, VI, VII, VIII and IX) markedly attenuated D-galactose-induced alterations, restoring most biochemical parameters toward control levels, with some parameters showing dose-dependent activity. Histological examination revealed dose-dependent improvement in D-galactose-altered hepatic architecture toward control levels. ADELE exhibited antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-protective potential; hence, its bioactive components may be employed in the treatment of oxidative stress- and inflammatory-related disorders as well as in the management of ageing.

Using Coconut Water to Control Addiction in Nigeria

Edith N Ahajumobi — 2026-06-09

Introduction: Relapse from nicotine and other addictive substances prevented people from quitting and contributed to mental-health problems, academic decline, and increased risk-taking. Objective: To determine whether coconut juice could help individuals addicted to drugs or alcohol quit successfully. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study because it was a clinical trial: a control group (I) and one treatment group II. Group II received coconut water, and Group I did not receive treatment; Group I served as a comparison group. Participants used journals to record treatments received and amounts of addictive substances consumed. Only individuals willing to quit were included to reduce attrition. Data were analyzed with Microsoft Excel and SPSS. ANOVA assessed within- and between-group differences; MANOVA and Tukey HSD tested significance; and bivariate regression examined relationships and causal direction. Participants received 30 ml of coconut water 3 times daily (30 ml x 3/daily), and control group, 200 ml x 3/daily. Results: With a 5% error margin and 95% CI, p-value was set at .05. So, values ≥ .05 H0 to be accepted meaning no relationship, and values ≤ .05 H0 to be rejected. Results showed that p-values were far less than .0001 < .05; thus, H₀ was rejected and Hₐ accepted because there was a very strong relationship. Conclusion: Coconut-water treatment showed a very strong statistical and practical significant difference and a meaningful relationship with addiction control.