Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences 

About: Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences is an academic journal published by African Journals OnLine. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Population & Water quality. It has an ISSN identifier of 1118-0579. Over the lifetime, 1016 publications have been published receiving 5915 citations.

Phytochemical Studies And Comparative Efficacy Of The Crude Extracts Of Some Haemostatic Plants In Edo And Delta States Of Nigeria

Abstract: Leaves of Ageratum conyzoides (L), Alchornea cordifolia (Schym and Thonn) Muel. Arg, Aspilia africana (Pers.) C. D. Adams, Baphia nitida (Lodd), Chromolaena odorata (L) K. R., Landophia owariensis (P. Beauv) and sap of Jatropha curcas (L) used traditionally to arrest bleeding in fresh cuts were comparatively investigated phytochemically and their ability to precipitate and coagulate blood plasma. Saponins and tannins were the most abundant compounds in these plants while flavoids were the least. Crude aqueous extracts of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and saponins from these plants precipitated and coagulated blood plasma within time limits of 4 to 120 seconds (for precipitation) and 15 to 1500 seconds (for coagulation). Results from prothrombin timing showed that A. afriana was the most efficacious haemostatic plant followed by L. owariensis, and L. curcas the least. Some similarities in their chemical composition established a scientific basis for common usage in traditional medicine. Key words: Phytochemical, crude extracts, haemostatic plants. (Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences: 2002 8(2): 203-208)

Phytochemical screening and mineral composition of chewing sticks in South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract: Phytochemical screening of the stems of Garcinia kola, Dennettia tripetala, Acioa barteri, Dialium guineense, Maesobotrya barteri, Mallotus oppositifolius and Psidium guajava which are commonly used as chewing sticks in southern Nigeria revealed the presence of bioactive compounds comprising saponins, tannins, flavonoids and alkaloids. The major, minor and trace elements in these chewing sticks were determined. The chewing sticks contained calcium (0.30-1.00%), magnesium (0.06-030%), phosphorous (0.10-0.38%), potassium (0.21-0.39%) and sodium (0.03-0.20%). The concentration of fluoride ranged from (0.02-0.11ppm), copper (0.02-0.14ppm), iron (2.86-5.14ppm), zinc (0.31-0.57ppm), manganese (0.00-0.26ppm) and lead (0.00-0.11ppm). Chewing sticks when used without tooth paste is very efficient, effective and reliable in cleaning the teeth of many people in Southern Nigeria, The teeth of the users of chewing sticks are usually strong, clean, fresh and devoid of dental plaques and carries. These results indicate the basis for the preventive and protection of the teeth against caries and plaques by the samplesused. Key Words: Bioactive compounds, chewing sticks, Mineral composition, Dental plaques. (Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences: 2003 9(2): 235-238)

ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF GINGER (zingiber officinale )

Abstract: The antibacterial activity and medicinal properties of ginger extracts were studied. Ginger extracts were obtained using solvents, n'hexane, ethyl acetate, e thanolic soxhlet and water. The extracts were assayed for antibacterial activity and bacterial growth inhibition activity. The results showed that all the extracts except the water extract have antibacterial activity and that the inhibition of bacterial growth was dose dependent. The results also showed that ginger extracts possesses antibacterial properties and could be used for the treatment of bacterial infections.