CHARACTERIZATION

Polyherbal teas, also known as herb-herb combinations, have been used in Chinese medicine practice, but scientific evidence of their therapeutic benefit is lacking. This study aims to examine the nutritional composition, characterization of some phytochemical constituents, and hepatoprotective activity of a poly-herbal tea formulation comprised of Moringa olifera, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and lemon in CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. Proximate and mineral compositions were analyzed by the method described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The characterization of some phytochemical constituents was analyzed using HPLC. CCL4 induced hepatotoxicity was used for hepatoprotective activity. The proximate composition of poly-herbal formulated tea indicated carbohydrate (64.66 %), protein (19.25 %), fat (6.35 %), moisture content (6.12 %), ash content (0.24 %) and fibre (3.36%). Mineral compositions present include potassium (1356.0 mg/kg), calcium (821.3 mg/kg), magnesium (380.8 mg/kg), phosphorus (331.4 mg/kg), and iron (221.4 mg/kg).nt). Luteolin, Arbutin, Kaempferol, Apigenin and Quercetin were the most abundant phenolic compound, Quinine was the most abundant alkaloid, Diosgenin and Ergocalciferol were the most abundant steroid, Epigattotechin and Catechin were the most abundant tannins in polyherbal formulated tea. The body weight of animals given 10 mg/kg of the formulated tea extract, 5 mg/kg of the tea extract + CCL4, 10 mg/kg of tea extract + CCL4 and CCL4 without treatment significantly reduced compare to control (*p<0.05) in CCL4-induced nephrotoxicity. There was liver weight reduction in the animals that were given distilled water, 5 mg/kg of the formulated extract, 10mg/kg of the formulated extract, 5 mg/kg of the extract + CCL4, 10 mg/kg of extract + CCL4 when compared with CCL4 without treatment (***p<0.001; *p<0.05). ALP, AST and ALT levels in the animals were reduced by 5 mg/kg of the formulated tea extract, 10 mg/kg of the formulated extract, 5 mg/kg of the extract + CCL4, 10 mg/kg of extract + CCL4 when compared with CCL4 without treatment (**p<0.01; *p<0.05). Superoxide dismutase and catalase values were increased, and the molondialdehyde level was reduced by the formulated tea extract when compared with CCL4 without treatment (****p<0.0001; ***p<0.001; **p<0.01; *p<0.05). Conclusively polyherbal tea formulation (Moringa olifera, garlic, ginger, turmeric and lemon) possesses hepatoprotective activity

This study explores the extraction and characterization of starch composites derived from unripe banana (Musa spp.) reinforced with okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) fibre, with a focus on their structural, chemical, and mechanical properties. The starch was extracted from unripe bananas sourced from Evbuotubu, Benin City, while okra fibres were obtained from Oluku Market. Composite formulations were prepared by blending 10 g of banana starch with 3 g of okra fibre and plasticized using 5mL of glycerol. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed enhanced hydrogen bonding interactions in the fibre-reinforced composite, evidenced by a stronger and slightly shifted O-H stretching peak (3300–3400 cm⁻¹) and the emergence of carboxyl (C=O) functionalities around 1700–1750 cm⁻¹. Elemental analysis revealed a decrease in carbon content from 70.02% (0G fibre) to 66.88% (3G fibre) and an increase in nitrogen from 23.40% to 29.56%, suggesting the introduction of nitrogen-rich organic components from okra fibre. The presence of calcium (0.48%) in the 3G fibre composite, absent in the 0G fibre sample, indicates mineral incorporation. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images showed a denser microstructure in the 0G fibre composite, whereas the 3G fibre composite exhibited a rougher and more porous texture, indicative of improved fibre-starch interfacial adhesion. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) demonstrated enhanced thermal stability in the fibre-reinforced composite, with a higher degradation onset temperature and increased residual char content, confirming its resistance to thermal decomposition. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns indicated a reduction in crystallinity upon fibre incorporation, as evidenced by broader and less intense diffraction peaks, suggesting a transition to a more amorphous structure. These findings demonstrate that okra fibre reinforcement significantly enhances the mechanical strength, thermal stability, and flexibility of starch composites, making them suitable for biodegradable applications in packaging and sustainable material development.

Schiff bases and their complexes are versatile compounds synthesized from the condensation of an amino compound with carbonyl compounds and widely used for industrial purposes and also exhibit a broad range of biological activities including antifungal, antibacterial, antimalarial, antiproliferative, anti inflammatory, antiviral, and antipyretic properties. Many Schiff base complexes show excellent ca alytic activity in various reactions and in the presence of moisture. Over the past few years, there have been many reports on their applications in homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. The high thermal and moisture stabilities of many Schiff base complexes were useful attributes for their application as catalysts in reactions involving at high temperatures. The activity is usually increased by complexation therefore to understand the properties of both ligands and metal can lead to the synthesis of highly active compounds. The influence of certain metals on the biological activity of these compounds and their intrinsic chemical interest as multidentate ligands has prompted a considerable increase in the study of their coordination behaviour. Development of a new chemotherapeutic Schiff bases and their metal complexes is now attracting the attention of medicinal chemists.

This study investigates the isolation and characterization of Lactobacillus sp.Isolated Trace Minerals to evaluate their capacity for bacteriocin production.Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), especially those of the Lactobacillus sp, are well known for producing antimicrobial substances called bacteriocins. These natural peptides effectively inhibit the growth of harmful and spoilage microorganisms. Probiotic supplements such as Trace Minerals contain diverse Lactobacillus strains with strong bacteriocin-producing potential, making them valuable for both health and industrial applications.The isolates morphological and biochemical Properties was perform to confirm their identity to be Lactobacillus sp. Bacteriocin synthesis was assessed using the agar well diffusion technique to determine antimicrobial activity against selected test organisms. The influence of hydrogen peroxide neutralization and proteolytic enzyme treatment was examined to confirm the stability and proteinaceous nature of the produced bacteriocin. In addition, high- performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to characterize the molecular structure of the compound identified in the bacteriocin. This study isolated and identified Lactobacillus species from Trace Mineral probiotics to assess their bacteriocin production and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli. The isolates were cultured in MRS media under anaerobic conditions and confirmed through biochemical tests. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method, while enzyme and hydrogen peroxide treatments verified the protein nature of the bacteriocin. HPLC analysis confirmed the purity and presence of active bacteriocin fractions. The isolates displayed typical Lactobacillus characteristics and showed strong inhibitory effects against E.coli, supporting their potential as natural antimicrobial agents.This study confirms that Lactobacillus sp from Trace Mineral probiotics produce effective bacteriocins with strong activity against E.coli. The results verified the protein nature and purity of the compound, indicating its potential as a natural and safe antimicrobial agent for health and industrial use.