Antioxidant Activity

Infertility remains a significant global health challenge, with male factors contributing to nearly half of all reported cases. The search for natural, safe and cost-effective alternatives to conventional fertility drugs has led to increasing interest in medicinal plants. This study investigated the Pro-fertility potential of extracts of Ananas Comosus (Pineapple juice) and Cocos Nucifera (Coconut milk) on adult male Wistar rats. The extracts were administered orally at doses of 50 ml/kg and 250 ml/kg for 28 days with distilled water and Proviron (25 mg/kg) serving as negative and positive controls, respectively. Sperm parameters, reproductive organ indices and hormonal profiles were assessed following standard procedures. The extract-treated groups, especially at 250 ml/kg, showed significant increases in sperm count, motility, morphology and testosterone levels compared to the control (P <0.05). These improvements suggest enhanced spermatogenesis and androgenic activity. The Observed effects are attributed to Phytochemical such as bromelain, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and medium-chain fatty acids, which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Overall, the Combination of Ananas Comosus and Cocos Nucifera demonstrated strong pro-fertility potential, indicating its promise as a natural alternative to conventional fertility treatments.

Medicinal plants represent one of the oldest forms of treatment, having been utilized for thousands of years across different cultures in traditional healing practices. They serve as a vital source of bioactive compounds that can be developed into pharmaceutical drugs (Rasool, 2012; Ogbeide et al., 2018). Across the world, many plant species grow abundantly, yet remain underutilized despite their potential medicinal benefits. This has led to a renewed interest in plant-based medicine, increasing demand for drugs derived from natural sources.

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.

The rising prevalence of Hypertension has increased the search for functional foods that provide both nutritional and therapeutic benefits. This study focused on the production and evaluation of functional biscuits made from selected plant materials including Cardaba Banana, Beetroot, Tigernut, Justicia carnea, and Soybean. The aim was to determine their antioxidant scavenging abilities and evaluate their potential as a natural antihypertensive snack.

Composite flours were prepared from the selected plant materials and incorporated into biscuit formulations. The resulting products were analyzed for phytochemical profile, mineral content, and proximate composition to determine their nutritional value and bioactive components. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH Radical Scavenging Assay and the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power methods.

The findings revealed that the formulated biscuits contained appreciable levels of dietary fiber, potassium, nitrates, betalains, phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, and other phytochemical compounds known for their antioxidant properties. The antioxidant evaluation demonstrated notable free radical scavenging activity, suggesting that the biscuits possess significant functional potential.

The study concludes that the developed biscuits have considerable antioxidant capacity and may serve as a functional snack with potential antihypertensive benefits. Their consumption may therefore contribute to dietary strategies aimed at the management and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.