Showing papers on "Corchorus olitorius published in 2019"

Amelioration of experimental metabolic syndrome induced in rats by orlistat and Corchorus olitorius leaf extract; role of adipo/cytokines.

Abstract: Objectives To determine the efficacy of Corchorus olitorius (C. olitorius) leaf extract in the prevention of metabolic syndrome induced in rats by high-fat diet (HFD) and compare it with that of orlistat. Methods Phytochemical analysis was performed. Effect of orlistat and C. olitorius extract on lipase activity and acute food intake were investigated. Body weight, biochemical parameters and histopathological examination were demonstrated. Key findings Corchorus olitorius extract inhibited the pancreatic lipase activity, but orlistat was more potent. Cumulative food intake has not changed by the tested agents. In obese rats, C. olitorius or orlistat significantly decreased weight gain and visceral white adipose tissue. They exhibited a significant reduction in serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, free fatty acids, IL-1β, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), insulin and leptin levels of obese rat groups while high density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin levels were significantly increased by them. Histopathological examination of the liver revealed that C. olitorius was more effective than orlistat in the alleviating of steatosis and adipocyte hypertrophy shown in obese control rats. Conclusions Corchorus olitorius is effective as orlistat in preventing obesity, hyperlipidaemia, steatosis and insulin resistance. These actions may be mediated by inhibiting of lipase activity, TNF-α, IL-1β and leptin resistance along with increasing of adiponectin.

Resolving population structure and genetic differentiation associated with RAD-SNP loci under selection in tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius L.).

Abstract: The genetic basis of selection for geographic adaptation and how it has contributed to population structure are unknown in tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius), an important bast fibre crop. We performed restriction site-associated DNA (RAD) sequencing-based (1115 RAD-SNPs) population genomic analyses to investigate genetic differentiation and population structure within a collection of 221 fibre-type lines from across nine geographic regions of the world. Indian populations, with relatively higher overall diversity, were significantly differentiated (based on FST and PCA) from the African and the other Asian populations. There is strong evidence that African C. olitorius was first introduced in peninsular India that could perhaps be its secondary centre of origin. However, multiple later introductions have occurred in central, eastern and northern India. Based on four assignment tests with different statistical bases, we infer that two ancestral subpopulations (African and Indian) structure the C. olitorius populations, but not in accordance with their geographic origins and patterns of diversity. Our results advocate recent migration of C. olitorius through introduction and germplasm exchange across geographical boundaries. We argue that high intraspecific genetic admixture could be associated with increased genetic variance within Indian populations. Employing both subpopulation (FST/GST-outlier) and individual-based (PCAdapt) tests, we detected putative RAD-SNP loci under selection and demonstrated that bast fibre production was an artificial, while abiotic and biotic stresses were natural selection pressures in C. olitorius adaptation. By reinferring the population structure without outlier loci, we propose ad interim that C. olitorius was possibly domesticated as a fibre crop in the Indian subcontinent.

Effect of Methanolic Extract of Corchorus olitorius Leaves on Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidaemic Activities in Albino Rats

Abstract: Aim: This study sought to investigate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidaemic effect of methanolic extract of Corchorus olitorius leaves in Albino rats. Methods: Fresh plants of C. olitorius were harvested from the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan. The leaves were dried and extracted using soxhlet apparatus and methanol as the solvent. The methanol was evaporated in a rotary evaporator at 35°C with a yield of 2.17 g which represents a percentage yield of 8.68%. Ten adult male albino rats with body weight between 100 and 120 g were used for this study. They were randomly divided into two groups of five rats each. Animals in group 1 were administered saline solution while those in group 2 were administered C. olitorius extract. The animals were exposed to the extract and saline solution at a dose of 3 mL per 100 g body weight 12 hourly via oral route of administration. After fourteen days of administration, the animals were fasted overnight and anaesthetized using diethyl ether. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture. Fasting blood sugar and lipid profile were determined using standard methods. Results: C. olitorius leaves was observed to significantly lower fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride but increased HDL-cholesterol and HDL/LDL-cholesterol ratio significantly when compared to those of the control group at p<0.05. Conclusion: The result of this study implies that C. olitorius leaves are of significant health importance as far as hyperglucosemia and hyperlipidaemia is concerned. It could also be exceedingly helpful in the control of obesity and hypertension. This pharmacological study is a useful tool for further drug development from the natural plant products.

Kinetics and Mechanism of the Antioxidant Activities of C. olitorius and V. amygdalina by Spectrophotometric and DFT Methods.

Abstract: The kinetics and mechanism of the antioxidant activities of the methanolic extract of the leaves of two vegetables [Corchorus olitorius (C. olitorius) and Vernonia amygdalina (V. amygdalina)] have ...

Assessment of composted kitchen waste and poultry manure amendments on growth, yield and heavy metal uptake by Jute mallow Corchorus olitorius Linn.

Abstract: This study was carried out to compare the effects of composted kitchen waste (KW) and poultry manure (PM) soil amendments on growth, yield and heavy metal uptake in edible leaf of Corchorus olitorius. Kitchen waste and PM composted for 8 weeks were applied as soil amendment at the rate of 0 (no amendment), 5, 10 and 15 t ha−1. Corchorus seeds were sown 2 weeks after incorporation of amendment. Compost amendments were the main treatments while application rates were in sub-plots. Treatments were replicated three times in a randomized complete block design. Corchorus were harvested 6 weeks after sowing, following which growth and yield parameters were measured. Concentrations of manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in leaf tissue and plant uptake were also determined. Result showed that PM increased Corchorus leaf production than KW. Poultry manure significantly (p ≤ 0.01) increased Cu accumulation in leaf. Bioaccumulation of Cu was 0.005 and 0.011 mg kg−1 for KW and PM, respectively. The metals except Zn in leaf tissue showed significant (p ≤ 0.01) correlation with both fresh and dry weights of Corchorus. Despite high concentration of heavy metals in the compost, bioaccumulation in leaf was lower than maximum allowable limit of 0.1 mg kg−1 for Cu and 0.3 mg kg−1 for Mn, Fe and Zn in vegetables by WHO/FAO/FEPA. Soil amended with composted KW and PM promoted Corchorus growth and yield. Accumulations of heavy metals in leaf tissue are within allowable limit for vegetables.

Advanced Production Technology and Processing of Jute

Abstract: Jute (Corchorus spp.) is a kind of fiber which is obtained from two species Corchorus capsularis L. and Corchorus olitorius L. (annual and short day plants) of the genus Corchorus belonging to the family Tiliaceae. It is one of the most cheapest and economical vegetable fiber after cotton obtained from the skin or bast of plant’s stem. Recyclable, 100% biodegradable, and ecofriendly jute has low extensibility and high tensile strength. Jute is the versatile natural fiber widely used as a raw material in many textile, nontextile, packaging, construction, and agricultural applications. It has been used since ancient times in Africa and Asia to provide a cordage and weaving fiber from the stem and food from the leaves. Several historical documents (Ain-e-Akbari by Abul Fazal in 1590) during the era of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar (1542–1605) states that the poor villagers of India used to wear clothes made of jute. Jute is grown in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Brazil, and some other countries. It can be grown in any intermediate soil other than the extreme sand and extreme clay soil. Jute crop is attacked by various diseases and insects under field conditions. Stem-rot, anthracnose, wilting, soft-rot, dieback, black-band, and powdery mildew are the common fungal diseases of jute. Hairy caterpillar, semilooper, stem weevil, yellow mite, and the indigo caterpillar are the major pest of jute. Jute-based cropping patterns are Jute-T.aman-Wheat, Jute-T. aman-Potato, Jute-T.aman-Potato+Amaranthus, etc. are usually practiced. Quality of jute fiber has direct relationship with the stage of harvest. The plants usually harvested at the early flowering stage in order to obtain good-quality fiber are really in greater demand. There are two stages of grading jute fiber, one for the home trade and another for the export trade. Grading factors for jute are color, length, firmness of fiber, luster, strength, clearness, freedom from defects, and the amounts of root end which will have to be cut off. The national average yield of jute fiber is 2.07 t.ha−1. However, with improved package of practices, it is possible to get 2.5–3.5 t.ha−1 of fiber. Normally jute stick yields double than fiber. The average total variable cost (TVC) per hectare was calculated to Tk. 79,541; the average total cash cost (TCC) per hectare was about 69% of the TVC, amounting to Tk. 55,616 in the case of tossa jute production at farm level.

Phytochemical investigation of Corchorus olitorius and Corchorus capsularis (Family Tiliaceae) that grow in Egypt

Abstract: Background and objective Corchorus (Family Tiliaceae) is a genus of annual herbs. Nearly 40 species are known to occur in nature and distributed in the tropics of both hemispheres. Because of the wide medicinal applications of compounds isolated thereof, the present investigation deals with the isolation and structure elucidation of some phytochemicals from Corchorus olitorius (molokheya) and Corchorus capsularis that grow in Egypt. Materials and methods Phytochemical investigation of the seeds and different plant organs of both C. olitorius and C. capsularis was achieved applying different separation techniques. Petroleum ether extraction followed by saponification of the extract led to the isolation of phytosterols, hydrocarbons and fatty acids. Essential oils were obtained from the leaves by extraction with methylene chloride. Methanolic extraction led to the isolation of cardiac glycosides. Identification of isolated compounds was realized through Rf values, shift reagents and spectroscopic tools such as ultraviolet and nuclear magnetic resonance. The fatty acids were identified using gas liquid chromatography. Results and conclusion A study of the lipid contents (fatty acids, phytosterols and hydrocarbon components) of seeds, roots, leaves and stems of C. olitorius as well as the seeds and vegetative part of C. capsularis, which grow locally in Egypt, was carried out. The identification of the lipid content was achieved by comparing the retention time of their peaks in gas liquid chromatography with those of authentic samples. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry study of the chemical constituents of the essential oils of the leaves of C. olitorius and C. capsularis led to the identification of 11 and 21 compounds with a total concentration of 24.7 and 62.9%, respectively. Cedrane-5-one (17.7%) and γ-terpinene (12.1%) represent the major compounds in each plant, respectively. Phytochemical investigation of C. olitorius led to the isolation of raffinose I, coroloside II, glucoevatromonoside III, erysimoside IV and olitoriside V and gluco-olitoriside VI. Meanwhile, the study of the vegetative parts of C. capsularis led to the isolation of 3-O-glucopyranosyl-β-sitosterol VII. The isolated compounds were identified by spectral tools (hydrogen-1, carbon-13-nuclear magnetic resonance, electron ionization mass spectrometer).

Extraction, Qualitative and Quantitative Determination of Secondary Metabolites of Corchorus Olitorius

Abstract: Jute (Corchorus spp.) leaf has long been used as a remedy in many cultures. Jute leaf products, which include the leaf juice, fried leaf and some time whole green leaf are used, among other reasons, as laxatives, in creams for skin care, and as a treatment for a wide range of diseases, respectively. The heterogeneous nature of jute leaf products may contribute to the diverse biological and therapeutic activities that have been observed. The aim of the present study is to examine Corchorus olitorius whole plant for phytochemical profile. Qualitative analysis of various phytochemical constituents and quantitative analysis of total flavonoids were determined by the well-known test protocol available in the literature. The present study provides evidence that successive solvent extracts of Corchorus olitorius contains medicinally important bioactive compounds and this justifies the use of plant species as traditional medicine for treatment of various diseases. Quantitative analysis of flavonoids was carried out by aluminium chloride method. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, fixed oil and fats. The total flavonoids content of whole plant extracts was found to be chloroform- 0.505, ethyl acetate-1.300, methanol-2.050, aqueous-1.785 mg/100mg.The present study concluded that the crude extract of Corchorus olitorius is a potential source of various activates and this justifies its use in folkloric medicine. Keywords: Corchorus olitorius, Qualitative, Quantitative analysis, Total flavonoids

Ameliorative Efficacy of Phytochemical Content of Corchorus olitorius Leaves against Acute Ethanol-induced Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats

Abstract: Aim: This study is aimed at investigating the ameliorative efficacy of methanolic extract of Corchorus olitorius leaves against acute ethanol-induced oxidative stress in Wistar rats. Methods: Fresh plants of C. olitorius were harvested from the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan. The leaves were dried and extracted using soxhlet apparatus and methanol as the solvent. The methanol was evaporated in a rotary evaporator at 35°C with a yield of 2.17 g which represents a percentage yield of 8.68%. Twenty adult male Wistar rats with body weight between 120 and 150 g were used for this study. They were randomly divided into four groups of five rats each. Animals in groups 1 and 2 were administered saline solution while those in groups 3 and 4 were administered C. olitorius extract for twenty-one days. The animals were administered the extract and saline solution at a dose of 4 mL per 100 g body weight 12 hourly via oral route of administration. At the end of the treatment, they were fasted overnight and animals in groups 2 and 4 were exposed to a single dose of 70% ethanol at 12 ml/kg body weight to induce oxidative stress. After 12 hours of ethanol administration, the animals were anaesthetized using diethyl ether and were sacrificed. Liver was excised, weighed and homogenized in 50 mmol/L Tris–HCl buffer (pH 7.4) and then centrifuged at 5000 × g for 15 minutes for biochemical analysis. Supernatants were immediately kept frozen for further analysis. Results: Ethanol-induced oxidative stress significantly increased the activities of AST, ALT, LDH, LPO, CAT, SOD and GPX but decrease GSH. These effects were regulated by C. olitorius administration. Conclusion: C. olitorius was able to remedy the effect of ethanol by regulating the oxidative stress biomarkers, thus possesses ameliorative efficacy against ethanol-induced oxidative stress and can protect the body against free radicals arising from oxidative stress.

Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals Level in soil and Jute Leaves (Corchorus olitorius) Treated with Azadirachtin Neem seed Solution and Organochlorine Pesticides

Abstract: Synthetic agrochemicals are increasingly being relied upon as the easiest of way eliminating pests on our farm. However, synthetic chemical increases heavy metals in the soil, which is then likely transferred to plants that grow on such soils, with the associated risks of long term toxicity to humans that consume them and other biota in the ecosystem. Nonetheless, some plants like the neem plant have been reported to contain components that are natural pesticides. This study was therefore to determine the comparative presence and concentration of some heavy metals in Jute leaves (Corchorus olitorius) treated with Azadirachtin Neem Seed Solution (ANSS) and Organochlorine Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) pesticides and the human health risk associated with their consumption.Jute plant treated with ANSS and DDT and their corresponding soils were collected in triplicate from 6 pots and a control without treatment using same soil and seed. Physicochemical properties of the soil samples were determined using a standard methods. The concentrations of Pb, As, Cd, Cr and Cuin the soil before and after planting and in the leaves were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The potential health risk from the consumption of these vegetables was assessed using standard methods. Results obtained showed the presence of heavy metals (Pb, As, Cd, Cr and Cu) in Corchorus olitorius leaves and soils treated with each pesticide. Treatment with DDT pesticide elicited higher (P<0.05) heavy metals concentrations in the soil and vegetable compare to ANSS biopesticide treatment.The concentrations of Pb, As, Cd, Cr and Cu were 1.41, 2.06, 1.04, 1.85 and 3.78mg/kg respectively in Corchorus olitorius treated with DDT exceeded the WHO/FAO permissible limit of (0.3, 0.5, 0.2, 0.3, and 3.0mg/kg respectively) for edible vegetable. The Hazard Index (HI) of heavy metal contamination in the vegetables treated with ANSS and DDT was less than 1 suggestingit is safe for consumption, however the result shows that children are at greater risk from continuous consumption of Corchorus olitorius treated with DDT pesticide. The study concludes that the concentration of heavy metals in Corchorus olitorius treated with DDT pesticide exceeded the WHO/FAO permissible limits in vegetable. This showed that consumption of these vegetables treated with synthetic pesticide could pose health risk from heavy metal contamination.

Suitability of High Doses of Phenolic Acids for Controlling Corchorus Olitorius and Phalaris Minor Weeds

Abstract: The herbicidal potential of nine phenolic acids including p-hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic, syringic, vanillic, gallic, salicylic, ferulic, p-coumaric and caffeic acid were evaluated against Corchorus olitorius and Phalaris minor weeds at the concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 mM. The effectiveness of phenolic acids on germination depended on target seed, specific phenolic acid and concentration. The inhibitory effects varied between the two tested seeds, and P. minor was the more sensitive. With few exceptions, phenolic acids at all tested doses did not inhibit seed germination of C. olitorius, but the acids caused great inhibition effects on germination of P. minor. Salicylic acid nearly had a complete inhibition effect on germination of tested seeds when used at 20 mM. P-hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic, salicylic, vanillic and ferulic acids appeared great inhibition effects on germination of P. minor and nearly had complete inhibition effects when used at high dose. In a greenhouse trial, we found that application of phenolic acids at 5–20 mM did not produce any significant effect on growth on 5‑weeks-old C. olitorius or P. minor plants, after seven days from treatments. The study concluded that phenolic acids had diverse activities on germination and growth of C. olitorius or P. minor weeds.

Growth and Yield of Some Jew's Mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.) Ecotypes as Affected by Planting Dates and Foliar Application of Gibberellic and Humic Acids

Abstract: A Field experiment was conducted in 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons at the Vegetable Crops Research Station, Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University, to study the response of three Jew’s Mallow Ecotypess (Assiut, Eskandarany and Aswan) to planting dates and foliar application of Gibberellic acid (GA3) and Humic acids (HA) treatments

Assessment of Pesticide Residues in Some Commonly Cultivated Vegetables in Doma Metropolis, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract: Commonly cultivated vegetables (Amaranthus hybridus, and Corchorus olitorius) in Doma and environs were analyzed to determine the residual level of pesticide. The samples extracts were subjected to High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) using Acetonitrile, Anhydrous MgSO4, NaCl and Ultrapure water used as mobile phase. Data obtained were analyzed using Minitab 16.0.The following tests were applied: Chi square test of association, Mann Whitney U-test of comparing two non parametric systems, Kruskal Wallice H-test and the Independent t-test of significance. All hypotheses were tested at 95% level of significance. Analysis showed highest concentrations residual level of Cypermethrin in the Doma wet Corchorus olitorius sample at 2240.94mg/L with no traces in Igbabo sample. For the dry Corchorus olitorius sample, highest value was recorded in Doma (61.046mg/l) while Igbabo sample showed the lowest (9.285mg/l). The highest residual value (226.39mg/l.) of Cypermethrin in Amaranthus hybridus appeared at Igbabo with the lowest (12.18mg/l) in Alwaza Lamda Cyhalothrin, Alwaza wet Corchorus olitorius sample recorded highest value of 0.00593mg/l with lowest value (0.00058mg/l) in Doma. Dry sample jute recorded highest (0.0159mg/l) in Igbabo; lowest value (0.0002mg/l) in Doma. In spinach samples, the highest value (0.00171mg/l) appeared in Alwaza while igbabo (0.00051mg/l) recorded the lowest. The results showed that Cypermethrin values were well above the Japan Research Foundation MRLs of 0.03mg/l. This has serious implications on the consumers of the vegetables cultivated in the study area. However, for Lamda Cyhalothrin residues results occurred on levels well below MRLs of 0.5mg/l.

Molecular Characterization of Corchorus olitorius L. of Burkina Faso

Abstract: Corchorus olitorius is more and more cultivated in Burkina Faso because of its socio - economic interest. Hence the objective of this study which will contribute to improve the knowledge of the genetic diversity of the species in Burkina Faso. To this end, seventeen SSR markers were used to characterize ninety-six (96) accessions of the four phytogeographic sectors of Burkina Faso. These accessions consist of 16 accessions of the variety C. olitorius var insicifolius and 80 accessions of the variety C. olitorius var olitorius. The results of the analysis of the diversity of microsatellite markers tested, they were seized sixteen (16) of the seventeen (17) SSRs are polymorphic with a rate of polymorphism of 92.19 % and number of 53 alleles with a mean of three (3) alleles per locus. As for the Shannon diversity index, with an average of 1.05, it is between 0.53 for the HK-27 marker and 1.90 for the HK-19 marker. The polymorphism information content (PIC) potential ranged from 0.11 for the HK-12 marker to 0.49 for the HK-6 marker with an average of 0.32. A structure of diversity into three groups regardless of phytogeographic areas or botanical variety has always been.

Effects of Piggery and Poultry Bioslurry on the Safe Consumption of Amaranthus hybridus and Corchorus olitorius.

Abstract: Several health and environmental hazards had been associated with the use of synthetic fertilizers. It is, therefore, appropriate to look into possible alternatives which can assure safety. Hence this study aims to investigate and compare the effect of bioslurry on the heavy metals and anion contents of vegetables planted on bioslurries amended soils, inorganic fertilizers amended soils and soil with no amendments. Two vegetables Amaranthus hybridus (A) and Corchorus olitorius (C) as well as five treatments; piggery bio-slurry (V), poultry bio-slurry (W), piggery+poultry bio-slurry (X), inorganic fertilizer (Y) and the control (Z) were employed in the experiments. Nine samples of each vegetable type were harvested from each of the treatments for heavy metals and anion contents analysis from the plant leaves based on IITA (2001) standards. The highest Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Mn2+, Fe2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, NO3-, and PO43- contents of the plant type A are 551, 363, 1820, 4.11, 49.50, 0.92, 4.62, 28.40 and 16.30 mg/kg for treatments X, X, V, W, W, W, X, X and V respectively. The highest Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Mn2+, Fe2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Pb2+, NO3-, and PO43- contents for the plant type C is 233, 162, 1170, 5.20, 39.1, 2.53, 4.00, 15.30 and 7.18 mg/kg for the treatments X, X, Z, Z, Z, Z, Z, W and W respectively. The heavy metal and anion contents of both plant types are below recommended adequate daily intake (ADI) for all the treatments with the exception of Fe2+ in the plant type A for the treatment W and Pb2+ in the plant type C for the treatments Y and Z. Generally, the vegetables planted with bio-slurry are safe for consumption.

Effects of Diuron Residues on the Growth Performance of Jute (Corchorus. olitorius) Plant and Its Rhizosphere Soil Microbial Population

Abstract: Soil applied herbicides may persist to adversely affect rotational crops as well as perturb soil microbiological functions. This experiment therefore aimed at determining the effects of soil residual activity of diuron (3,4-dichlorophenyl)-N,N-dimethylurea) on Corchorus olitorius plants and on soil microbial population. Diuron herbicide was applied to potted soils at varying times of 12, 9, 6, 3 and zero weeks before planting Corchorus olitorius . Seed germination, seedling mortality, plant growth as well as soil microbial populations were determined. Results indicated that diuron, regardless of time of application significantly reduced growth parameters of C. olitorius plants few days after emergence, and this was followed by 100% die-back in the herbicide treated pots. Results further showed a reduction in soil microbial population with diuron application, and the reduction was inversely related to time of diuron application before sowing C. olitorius . Sensitive vegetables such as C. olitorius should not be sown to succeed a short season crop in which diuron had been applied to control weeds at the usual recommended rate of 3.0 kg a.i/ha. Allowance of a fallow period following the first crop might also help the soil microbial community to recover from diuron toxicity.

Effect of Cooking Methods on the β-carotene Content of Jute Mallow Leaves (Corchorus olitorius)

Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different cooking methods on the β-carotene content of jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius) leaves. Three cooking methods have been experimented. Jute mallow raw leaves was respectively boiled for 15 and 30 minutes in water (CW), in water containing ash leachate (CWA) and frying for 5 minutes followed by cooking with water (CWF) for 15 and 30 minutes. The -carotene content of raw Corchorus olitorius (jute mallow) leaves were 9774.90 µg/100g dry matter basis. The -carotene content decrease significantly (p=0.00) during the different types processing. However, the -carotene content on leaves cooked using ash leachate (3604.00 µg/100g and 3768.80 µg/100g) was significantly (p=0.00) higher that on leaves cooked in water (2285.50 µg/100g and 2365.00 µg/100g) respectively for 15 minutes and 30 minutes. The highest loss (86.42%) of -carotene was observed for leaves fried for 5 minutes followed by 30 minutes cooking. These results demonstrated that any of the cooking methods used lead significantly (p=0.00) to a decrease of the β-carotene content of jute mallow leaves, but addition of ash leachate during cooking improves significantly (p=0.00) the β-carotene retention.

Determination of vitamin a and vitamin c in corchorus olitorius (bush okra) using high performance liquid chromatography

Abstract: Vitamins A and C are essential to humans as they play important roles in general metabolic processes and maintenance of good health conditions. Their essentiality is based on the fact that they cannot be synthesized by humans but must be consumed from plant based foods. Corchorus olitorius (Jew’s mallow)being a widely cultivated and consumed vegetable either fresh or dried in Nigeria would serve as a reliably cheap and quantitative source of vitamins A and C. It has been used for healing benefits as natural medicinal herb as it has been used to treat and manage many diseases. This study was carried out to determine the vitamins A and C content in the fresh and dried leaf of Corchorus olitorius by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The fresh sample was found to contain 0.056 mg/ml of vitamin A and 0.108 mg/ml of vitamin C while the dried leaf was found to contain 0.162 mg/ml of vitamin A and 0.211 mg/ml of vitamin C. The result shows that the dried leaf of Corchorus olitorius contains higher concentration of vitamins A and C than the fresh vegetable. This is an advantage especially for people living in the rural areas as it can be dried and stored for future use with the vitamin content still maintained

Utilization of Urine for Cultivation of Selected Vegetable Crops in Backyard “Peeponics”

Abstract: This study evaluated the use of urine for soilless cultivation (as Peeponics) of Amaranthus viridis and Corchorus olitorius vegetables. This is a laboratory-based experiment involving optimization of amount of urine and dilution required for optimal growth of the test plants. Based on laboratory results, the experiments were scaled up. About 50 L of raw urine was collected from a male postgraduate student’s hall of residence, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. Water from Awba Dam, a natural lake within University of Ibadan, was used as the control. Viable seeds of Amaranthus viridis and Corchorus olitorius were collected from Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, and germinated in a nursery for 10 days before transplanting. The raw urine was diluted with varying amount of water in the ratio 1:1 through 1:50. Nutrients in urine media (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and biomass indicators of plant growth (height, weight, number of leaves and leaf area) were determined using standard procedures. Urine dilution ratios below 1:25 did not support the experimental plants growth within a week. Plant height (cm), stem girth (cm), number of leaves (sheets) and leaf area (cm2) of Amaranthus viridis and Corchorus olitorius cultivated on Urine Dilution Ratio (UDR) 1:35 and 1:45 were higher at the end of week 3 compared to other dilutions and control. Percentage reduction of nutrients (NPK) in the media of Amaranthus viridis cultivated on UDR 1:45 was several folds higher (N = 59.9%, P = 100%, K = 55.3%) compared to that of UDR 1:35 (N = 38.5%, P = 49.1%, K = 37.6%). In the control water, the nutrients were totally removed during the experimental period. Growth of Corchorus olitorius cultivated on both UDR 1:35 and 1:45, was significantly higher at the end of week 6. A significant negative correlation was observed between Corchorus olitorius plant height and Phosphorus (r = -0.0418; p < 0.05) removal in the media. The study concluded that the use of diluted human urine for soilless cultivation of vegetables, if encouraged, could promote food security and environmental sustainability at household level in communities.

Ethnopharmacological investigation of medicinal plants used to treat typhoid fever in Benin

Abstract: Typhoid and paratyphoid fevers are serious infectious diseases caused by enterobacteria of the genus Salmonella that become resistant to existing antibiotics. As part of the valorization of medicinal plants used in the treatment of typhoid fever in Benin, an ethnopharmacological investigation was conducted among 109 traditional healers, 151 herbalists and 130 elderly people in thirteen communes targeted in the departments of southern Benin.At the end of the investigation, 109 plant species belonging to 100 genera and 52 families were identified. These inventoried plant species are used in 235 recipes. Leaves (68%) are the most used plant organs in the form of decocities (91%) and are administered orally (99,74%). The fruits of Citrus aurantifolia (31,79%) are the most used in these recipes, followed by leaves of Corchorus olitorius (23,85%), Senna siamea (20,51%) and roots of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (16,1%). This study provides a database for further anti-typhoid drug formulation studies.