Phytochemicals

Cola nitida, commonly known as kola nut, is widely recognized for its stimulant and medicinal properties. This study investigates the antioxidant potential of its ethanol extract, highlighting its significance as a natural source of bioactive compounds. Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the onset of chronic diseases, thereby increasing the need for effective and safe antioxidants. Ethanol extraction, widely regarded for its ability to isolate phytochemicals, was utilized to obtain the active constituents of Cola nitida.
Through various invitro assays such as determination of DPPH radical scavenging ability, determination of the ferric-reducing antioxidant property (FRAP), determination of Fe chelating ability, determination of hydroxyl radical (OH•2+) scavenging ability and
determination of nitric oxide (NO•) scavenging ability with quercetin as the control. Theresult disclosed DPPH radical scavenging capacity of the extract (EC₅₀ = 0.539 ± 0.010mg/mL) was lower than that of Quercetin (EC₅₀ = 0.453 ± 0.010 mg/mL). Similarly, the Fe²⁺chelating ability (EC₅₀ = 0.162 ± 0.010 mg/mL) and nitric oxide scavenging activity (EC₅₀ =0.107 ± 0.05 mg/mL) were slightly lower than those of Quercetin (EC₅₀ = 0.147 ± 0.009mg/mL and EC₅₀ = 0.103 ± 0.05 mg/mL, respectively). The FRAP assay indicated nonsignificant difference between the extract and the control. However, the extract demonstrated significant hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (EC₅₀ = 0.062 ± 0.008 mg/mL), which was more potent than quercetin (EC₅₀ = 0.086 ± 0.009 mg/mL) The ethanol extract exhibited strong free radical scavenging properties and lipid peroxidation inhibition, demonstrating its potential in combating oxidative stress. This research highlights Cola nitida as a promising natural antioxidant source with potential applications in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and functional foods.

Inflammation is a fundamental biological response of the immune system that protects the body against harmful stimuli but can lead to pathological conditions when prolonged or uncontrolled. Current anti-inflammatory therapies, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are effective but associated with side effects, prompting the need for alternative remedies from natural sources. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of the ethanol extract of Dioscorea alata (water yam) on experimentally induced paw edema in albino mice. Fresh tubers of Dioscorea alata were collected, processed, and extracted with ethanol. Sixty albino mice were used and divided into three (3) groups for acute and chronic inflammation models induced by carrageenan, egg albumin, and formaldehyde. Test groups received oral doses of Dioscorea alata extract (20
mg/kg and 250 mg/kg), while negative and positive controls received normal saline and indomethacin (10 mg/kg) as a standard drug respectively. Paw volume was measured at specified time intervals, and data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. The results revealed that Dioscorea alata extract significantly reduced paw edema across all
models in a dose-dependent manner, with higher doses exhibiting comparable effects to indomethacin. Both acute and chronic inflammation models demonstrated notable antiinflammatory activity, suggesting the presence of bioactive phytochemicals such as saponins, phenolic compounds, and diosgenin. Importantly, no mortality was observed among the treated animals. This study concludes that ethanol extract of Dioscorea alata possesses significant antiinflammatory properties, supporting its traditional use in the management of inflammatory conditions. It is recommended that further studies, including isolation of active compounds and clinical evaluations, be conducted to validate its therapeutic potential.

Alchornea Cordifolia commonly known as the Christmas bush or “Ewe ira” in West Africa, isamedicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of infections, wounds, andinflammatory conditions. This study investigates the phytochemical compositionandantimicrobial properties of Alchornea cordifolia leaf extracts. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of major bioactive constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides and phenolic compounds, which are known to possess therapeuticand antimicrobial potential. However , terpenoids was absent in the cause of this work. Theantimicrobial activity of the ethanolic leaf extracts was evaluated against selected bacterial isolates including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosaandBacillus substilus. The study employed the agar well diffusion method to assess bacterial susceptibility to varying concentrations (1000 mg/ml, 500 mg/ml, 250 mg/ml,125 mg/ml and62.5mg/ml) of Alchornea cordifolia leaf extract. The results showed no significant degreesorzones of inhibition exhibited by the extract and so suggest further research is needed. Theobserved activity is attributed to the synergistic effects of the identified phytochemicals. Thesefindings support the ethnomedicinal use of Alchornea cordifolia leaves and suggest that theplant could serve as a potential source of natural antimicrobial agents for developing alternativetherapies against resistant microbial strains.

Unlocking Location-Specific Bioactivity: Profound Phytochemical Variations in Guinea Grass (Megathyrsus maximus) Across Benin City Signal New Frontiers in Precision Animal Nutrition. The shift toward sustainable livestock production demands innovative strategies that leverage natural forage bioactivity as alternatives to conventional supplements. This groundbreaking study addresses a critical knowledge gap by mapping the phytochemical diversity of Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus), a vital tropical forage, across three distinct locations in Benin City, Nigeria. Through rigorous analysis of leaf samples from Ekehuan, University of Benin, and Ekosodin, we quantified key secondary metabolites-alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and phenol-that define the forage's functional properties. Our results demonstrate dramatic location-dependent variations in phytochemical composition. Ekosodin-derived grass emerged as exceptionally bioactive, containing substantially elevated levels of alkaloids (12.500 mg/100g), saponins (9.800 mg/100g), tannins (5.457 mg/100g), and phenols (4.200 mg/100g)-significantly surpassing concentrations found in other sampling sites. This establishes a clear geochemical signature that directly links environmental factors to forage quality. The implications are transformative: geography dictates bioactivity. The superior phytochemical profile of Ekosodin Guinea grass positions it as a powerful natural supplement capable of enhancing protein utilization, reducing methane emissions, and strengthening animal antioxidant defenses. However, this potency requires careful management, as high concentrations of certain compounds necessitate strategic inclusion rates to balance benefits against potential antinutritional effects. This research provides the scientific foundation for precision forage management, enabling livestock producers to strategically select and utilize Guinea grass based on its verified phytochemical profile. Our findings pioneer a new approach to tropical forage utilization, transforming Guinea grass from a conventional feed into a targeted nutritional tool that promises to revolutionize sustainable livestock production practices throughout West Africa. Megathyrsus maximus, Bioactive Compounds, Phytochemical Geography, Sustainable Livestock Production, Precision Nutrition, Forage Optimization, Natural Supplementation, Agricultural Sustainability.

Curry-leaf tree is scientifically known as Murraya koenigii. It used as spice in Nigerian local cuisine and use as a medicinal plant in India. In recent years, greater attention has been paid to the
use of plants and their extracts in traditional medicines and home remedies in the treatment of diseases and infections. This research project aim at investigating the phytochemical and
antimicrobial activity on some clinical isolates which are of gastrointestinal origin. Curry leaves were obtained from local market at New Benin, in Edo state. Pure clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and klebsiella were obtained from the Medical Microbiology Laboratory, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). Identification of test organisms was based on their cultural, morphological and biochemical properties. Methanol, water and ethanol were used to extract the phytochemicals of the curry leaves. The leaf powder of the study plant was dissolved in various solvents and phytochemical analysis was carried out to test for
the presence of various phytochemical constituents of the curry leaves. The antimicrobial activity of the curry leaves extracts on the test isolates were examined using disc diffusion method. Zone of inhibition such as the minimum and maximum antimicrobial concentration of the extracts were determined. Antibiotic sensitivity test was carried out on standard antibiotics sensitivity disk. The antimicrobial effects of the curry leaves extracts was compared to standard antibiotics such as Tarivid, Augmentin, Amoxillicin, Pefloxacin, ampiclox, Streptomycin, Septrin, Erythromycin, Sparifloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, and Chloramphenicol etc. Phytochemical test revealed alkaloid, carbonhydrate, Tannins and terpenoid in all three solvents for extract. Cardiac glycosides was present only in methanol and ethanol extract of the sample while saponins
was absent from all sample extract of the curry leaves. With all three (3) solvent extracts of the M. koenigii (curry leaves), minimum antimicrobial activity and zone of inhibtion at 25% aqueous
concentration of the curry leaves extract against E. coli, while the overall maximum antimicrobial
activity was recorded at a 100% aqueous concentration against Staphylococcus aureus. In the case of Klebsiella pseudomonas, all extracts failed to show antimicrobial activity. Keywords: Antimicrobial leaves extract, M. koenigii, Phytochemicals, Susceptibility.