COMPOSITION

The study was carried out to determine the yield, physical and chemical composition of Opepe leaves (Nauclea diiderrichi) De Wild. and T. Durand. The leaves used were harvested and blended, before the leaf Protein Concentrate was extracted using 3 different methods (Heat coagulation , acid coagulation and alum precipitation methods) . The result from the analysis showed that acid coagulation , alum precipitation and heat coagulation methods yielded 2.398% , 3.913% and 6.383% respectively. The yield of bagasse was 23.508%. The result of the proximate analysis showed that the dry matter and NFE were higher in alum precipitation method than in acid coagulation and heat coagulation methods . It also showed that CP , CF and ASH were higher in the acid coagulation method than in the alum precipitation and heat coagulation methods, while EE was higher in the heat coagulation method than in the other two methods . The mineral analysis showed that Mg , Na and P were higher in the heat coagulationmethod than in the acid coagulation and alum precipitation methods . It also showed that K , Fe and Mn were higher in the acid coagulation method than in the alum precipitation and heat coagulation methods . LPC result of Ca , showed that acid and heat coagulation methods yielded the same amount , which were higher than that of alum precipitation method .

Forest degradation remains a pressing environmental issue, threatening biodiversity and ecosystem functionality worldwide. This study evaluates tree seedling diversity and growth dynamics in a forest restoration site at the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. The research aims to assess species composition, growth performance, and biodiversity indices within a designated 100m x 86m sample plot. Data collection involved identifying tree species, recording their abundance, and measuring key growth parameters, including height, number of leaves, number of branches, and collar girth. The study employed descriptive statistics and diversity indices such as Shannon-Wiener, Simpson’s, and Margalef’s indices, while growth data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). A total of 194 trees, representing 28 species from 19 families, were recorded. Among these, 19 species regenerated naturally, while 9 were deliberately planted. The diversity analysis indicated that naturally regenerated species exhibited higher diversity indices (Hˡ = 2.813, D = 0.947, M = 4.195) compared to planted species, highlighting the significance of natural regeneration in enhancing biodiversity. Growth analysis revealed that Terminalia ivorensis demonstrated the highest growth rates across all measured parameters, while Entandrophragma cylindricuvvvvvvvvvvv m recorded the lowest performance. This study underscores the role of human activity in shaping forest regeneration outcomes. The findings suggest that deforestation and land-use change significantly impact species diversity, thereby affecting ecosystem stability. To promote effective forest restoration, it is recommended that reforestation efforts prioritize the selection of resilient native species, enhance conservation strategies, and conduct further research on the ecological factors
influencing seedling establishment and growth. These initiatives are essential for fostering long-term forest sustainability and biodiversity conservatio

Cymbopogon citratus is a widely used medicinal and culinary herb known to contain a variety of vitamins and bioactive compounds. Solvent-based extraction plays a crucial role in determining the yield and profile of these nutrients, particularly vitamins, which differ in polarity and solubility. This study aimed to compare the vitamin composition of polar (ethanol) and non-polar (diethyl ether) extracts of C. citratus to determine which solvent more effectively recovers specific vitamins. Extraction was carried out using standard maceration techniques with ethanol and diethyl ether as solvents. Vitamin analysis was conducted spectrophotometrically, and data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Relevant literature was sourced from peerreviewed journals indexed in scientific databases and pla forms such as PubMed, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and ScienceGate. The results showed that the polar extract contained
significantly higher levels of vitamin A (51.02 ± 0.004 ppm), vitamin B6 (2.533 ± 0.010 ppm), and vitamin D (55.89 ± 0.020 ppm). In contrast, the non-polar extract yielded significantly higher concentrations of vitamin B12 (2.957 ± 0.155 ppm), vitamin C (59.71 ± 0.035 ppm), vitamin E (36.07 ± 0.2335 ppm), vitamin K (19.90 ± 0.2137 ppm), and benzoic acid (6.124 ± 0.027 ppm), all with p-values < 0.05. In conclusion, the choice of solvent significantly affects the recovery of vitamins from C. citratus. Ethanol is more suitable for extracting water-soluble or moderately polar vitamins, while diethyl ether is better for highly lipophilic compounds. It is recommended that future research include in vivo investigations to evaluate the biological relevance, bioavailability, and therapeutic potential of the extracted vitamins, building upon the in vitro findings of this study.

This study investigated the proximate composition, saponin, and flavonoid contents of five legume species soybean (Glycine max), faba bean (Viciafaba), black gram (Vignamungo), jack bean (Canavaliaensiformis), and velvet bean (Mucunasloanei). The aim was to assess their nutritional value and bioactive potential for food and feed applications. Proximate parameters such as moisture, crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber, ash, and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) were analyzed using standard AOAC (2019) procedures. Results revealed notable variations among samples. Soybean had the highest protein (42.00%) and lipid (15.68%) contents, confirming its exceptional nutritive quality. Velvet bean showed the lowest moisture (1.30%), implying better storage durability, while black gram exhibited the highest NFE (62.04%), indicating that it is primarily carbohydrate-based. Jack bean and faba bean displayed moderate nutrient levels, whereas velvet bean offered a balanced profile of protein and carbohydrates. Quantitative Phytochemical findings revealed relatively high flavonoid and phenolic concentrations in soybean and jack bean, while velvet bean contained the highest saponin level. These bioactive components are associated with antioxidant and health-protective properties. The result suggest that underexploited legumes, particularly jack bean and velvet bean, could serve as nutritious alternatives to soybean when adequately processed to remove anti-nutritional compounds. Their wider use could expand protein options, enhance food security, and support sustainable agricultural systems.

This study investigated the chemical composition and some mineral properties of maize cobs ensiled with wood ash extract fortified with molasses. The study aimed to determine the effect of soaking durations and additive combination on the proximate and mineral composition of maize cob silage. Six treatments were used, comprising ordinary dried ground maize cobs (control), maize soaked in only water, maize soaked in 500 ml of wood ash for three days, maize soaked in 500 ml of wood ash for seven days, maize soaked in 500 ml of wood ash and molasses for three days, and maize soaked in 500 ml of wood ash and molasses for seven days. Samples of these differently treated maize cobs were analyzed for moisture content, dry matter content, crude protein, crude fat, ash, crude fiber, carbohydrate, and selected minerals such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, zinc, and sodium. The results showed that the inclusion of wood ash extract and molasses, as well as prolonged soaking duration, had significant effects (p < 0.05) on the chemical and mineral composition of the maize cob silage. Moisture, ash, and mineral contents increased with the addition of wood ash extract and molasses, while crude protein, fat, and carbohydrate showed slight decreases as fermentation progressed. The highest ash (6.53%), calcium (188.30 mg/100g), potassium (578.10 mg/100g), and sodium (99.91 mg/100g) contents were recorded in maize soaked in 500 ml wood ash and molasses for seven days, while the control recorded the least mineral enrichment. The increase in mineral content indicates that wood ash extract served as a good mineral fortifier, while molasses enhanced fermentation and nutrient stability. Prolonged soaking improved nutrient diffusion and fermentation efficiency, resulting in better silage quality. The combination of wood ash extract and molasses for seven days proved to be the most effective treatment, producing silage with improved nutritional and mineral composition suitable for livestock feed. This study concludes that maize cobs can be effectively converted into nutritionally valuable and mineralrich silage through ensiling with wood ash extract fortified with molasses, thereby providing a cost-effective and sustainable feed resource for livestock production.

The Experiment was conducted to determine the physical properties and nutritional composition of the Leaf protein concentrates and bagasse obtained from Gmelina (Gmelina arborea) leaves using alum precipitation and heat coagulation methods. The extraction process of leaf protein from Gmelina leaf was carried out in the main Laboratory of the faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin. After extraction it was
observed that GLPC obtained from alum precipitation was light green with fine and powedery feeling while the GLPC obtained from heat coagulation was dark green in colour with fine and powedery feeling. The yield of GLPC obtained using alum precipitation method (8.13%) was obviously higher (5.24%) than that obatined from heat coagulation method. The bagasse yields were (22.47 and 25.14%) respectively for both alum precipitation and heat coagulation method. The result from the expirement shows higher dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre and crude ash contents in GLPC extracted using alum precipitation method compare to those extracted using heat coagulation method. Crude fat and NFE on the contrary were higher
significantly in GLPC extracted using heat coagulation method. Elemental Phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen, zinc, iron, manganese and copper were higher in GLPC extracted using alum precipitation method than that obtained in GLPC from heat coagulation method. Other parameters assayed for mineral components of the LPC were higher in those extracted using heat coagulation method. It is concluded based on the above
findings that Gmelina leaf protein concentrates obtained using alum precipitation would be preferred as a result of its high crude protein content and qualitative mineral composition should therefore be considered as a viable substitute for more expensive conventional protein feed materials like soya bean meal etc. in livestock feed formulation.