ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF METHANOL AND ETHANOL/WATER EXTRACTS OF TETRAPLEURA TETRAPTERA AND PARKIA BIGLOBOSA

Antioxidants present in natural sources help to scavenge free radicals and thus provide health benefits. This study reports in vitro radical scavenging and antioxidant capacity of crude methanol and ethanol-water extracts of the fruits of Tetrapleura tetraptera and Parkia biglobosa. Total phenolic contents in Tetrapleura tetraptera were 147.82±1.36 and 130.33±1.04 mg GAE/g dry weight while that of Parkia biglobosa were 128.32± 0.49 and 127.23±0.11 mg GAE/g dry weight respectively. The total antioxidant capacity of the extracts ranges from175.52±4.66 (methanol) to 172.87±2.15 mg/g (ethanol/water) for Tetrapleura tetraptera and from 160.44±2.26 (methanol) to 157.31±1.90 mg/g (ethanol/water) for Parkia biglobosa. The antioxidant activities of both fruits determined by the 2,2’-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and the reducing power (RPA) assays produced concentration-dependent values comparable to that of ascorbic acid control. The results of the study showed that fruits of Tetrapleura tetraptera and Parkia biglobosa have strong radical scavenging and reducing capacities.

Source: KNUST
Antinutrient contents of watermelon seeds

However, previous studies have shown watermelon seeds as considerable source of food for human nutrition and health. In the present study, seeds of three (3) varieties of watermelons (Kaolak, Crimson sweet and Sugar baby) were analysed for their moisture content and antinutrients; oxalate, phytate and tannin levels. The oxalate, phytate and tannin contents were determined by means of potassium permanganate titration method, Iron (I) chloride titration method and Folin‒Ciocalteau assay, respectively. The seeds were also boiled‒oven dried and roasted to determine the effects of the processing on the antinutrient levels. Results indicated that the fresh watermelon seeds had moisture content in the range of 10.81‒12.04%; oxalate, 0.43‒0.48 g/100g db; phytate, 0.23‒0.30 g/100g db and tannin, 5.06‒6.45 g/100g db. The boiling‒oven drying and roasting significantly reduced the levels of the antinutrients. Decrease in the oxalate levels was in the range of 92‒96% for boiled‒oven dried samples and 49‒64% for roasted samples. Decrease in the phytate levels ranged 58‒76% and 73‒82% for boiled‒oven dried and roasted samples, respectively. However, decrease in the tannin levels ranged 15‒35% for boiled‒oven dried samples and 23‒38% for roasted samples. The present findings suggest watermelon seeds contain antinutrients which are minor components and can be reduced by boiling and roasting of the seeds.

Source: KNUST
Antimycobacterial Activities of Selected Medicinal Plants and Formulations in the Management of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis

Recent years have witnessed an increase in the use and search for new drugs derived from plants. Microbiologists, Ethnopharmacologists, Botanists, Natural-product chemists and other related bodies are all trying to discover phytochemicals that could be developed for the treatment of infectious diseases. Tuberculosis is an endemic and pandemic bacterial disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Treatment, prevention and the rate at which tuberculosis is spreading has been the concern of World Health Organization and individuals. Isoniazid, Ramfipicin, and Ethambutol, among others have been the drugs of choice for the treatment of tuberculosis; however, these drugs take longer periods of time before their positive effects are noticed and experienced and may even produce adverse side effects on the human system. In this study, nine medicinal plants were selected through ethno-botanical survey in Southern part of Ghana. These medicinal plants used to treat respiratory diseases, stomach ailments and other microbial infections were evaluated for their anti-tubercular activity. The nine selected plant species were tested individually and as part of formulations against drug sensitive strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H37Rv) and Mycobacterium bovis at concentrations ranging from 1.0 to 5.0 mg/ml using Lowenstein-Jensen egg medium at bacteriology department of KCCR and Nougchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. Phytoconstituents observed were terpenoids, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, saponins, glycosides, and alkaloids. Allium sativum inhibited the growth of both Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H37Rv) and Mycobacterium bovis at concentrations of 5.0 mg/ml, 2.5 mg/ml and 1.0 mg/ml with other individual plants inhibiting the test organisms at 5.0 mg/ml. Formulations from a combination of Allium sativum and Lantana hispida formulation also inhibited the growth of both strains at the lowest concentration of 1.0mg/ml with other formulations inhibiting to varying degrees. Thus, Allium sativum and a formulation from a combination of Allium sativum and Lantana hispida exhibited great potential in inhibiting the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis; hence could be used to manage infections caused by these microbes. The study has also scientifically substantiate the used of selected medicinal plants used in the treatment of tuberculosis in Ghana and also revealed scientifically that, there is high potential of medicinal plants which can treat tuberculosis even better than the standard drugs.

Source: KNUST
Antioxidant activity, total phenols and phytochemical constituents of four underutilised tropical fruits

The antioxidant activity, total phenols content and phytochemical constituents of edible portions of four underutilised tropical fruits; Irvingia gabonensis (African mango), Artocarpus altilis (breadfruit), Annona muricata (soursop) and Annona squamosa (sweetsop) were determined. Extracts of fruit samples were screened for selected phytochemicals using standard methods whereas the total phenols content and antioxidant activity (by free radical scavenging action) was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method and DPPH assay, respectively. The antioxidant activities were high with values ranging from 63% inhibition (breadfruit) to 78% inhibition (African mango pulp). African mango seeds had the highest total phenols content (20.96 mg GAE /100g). Tannins, triterpenoids, saponins, sterols, cardiac glycosides, flavanoids and coumarins were detected in most of the fruit extracts. The study revealed that these underutilised tropical fruits have considerable free radical scavenging (antioxidant) activity and an array of phytochemicals necessary to significantly impact health of consumers.

Source: KNUST
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of “Limolanii” grass and perceptions of locals on its survival in the era of changing climate

The aromatic Spear grass Hyparrhena rufa (locally called “Limolanii”) found in the Saboba District of the Northern Region of Ghana is ingeniously used for dietary, medicinal, and other purposes. Focus group discussions were conducted in communities where “Limolanii” grows to assess the local perception of the importance of the grass and changing climate impacts on its continued existence. Findings indicated that the plant is of immense importance to the locals but has not been validated scientifically and reported for its current use. The communities are also hopeful of future socio-economic benefits of "Limolanii" but expressed concern about the lack of remediation practices to address issues of climate change, increased use of agrochemicals, urbanization, etc., which can lead to the extinction of the grass. “Limolanii” was therefore evaluated for its nutritional and antinutritional content by proximate analysis and ethanolic extract evaluated for some medicinal properties. The extract was assessed for its anti-inflammatory property using the carrageenan-induced oedema in chicks’ model while antioxidant property evaluated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity, Phosphomolybdenum (Total Antioxidant Capacity), Total Phenol (Folin-Ciocalteu), and Total Flavonoid Content (Aluminium-chloride colorimetric) assays. The plant showed good nutritional content, extract exhibited a dosedependent inhibition of oedema with maximal percentage inhibition of 41.05% at 300 mg/kg body weight and noticeable antioxidant activities. Flavonoids, coumarins, and other phytochemicals detected in the plant could be responsible for these activities, however, at certain levels, these phytochemicals could act as antinutrients. “Limolanii” exhibits medicinal properties backing its use traditionally as food supplements and herbs, hence the need to explore its possible commercial cultivation and embark on community sensitization to encourage people to protect and expand its production.

Source: KNUST
Antioxidant Micronutrients Intake in People Living with HIV: Implications on Serum Levels and Liver Function

The Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and antiretroviral (ARV) drugs are known to cause oxidative stress which has the tendency to cause damage to body organs such as the liver, affecting their functions. Antioxidants are important to prevent oxidative stress or mitigate it. Even though some of these antioxidants can be acquired from the diet, there is insufficient data about their intakes among PLWH in Ghana. This study therefore sought to assess the intakes of these antioxidant nutrients and the serum levels of two of them, vitamin E and zinc and their possible effect on liver function of people living with HIV (PLWH) attending Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) clinic at the Volta Regional Hospital in Ho. To achieve this, 103 HIV infected adults on antiretroviral therapy were randomly sampled from a list of possible participants. A 3- day 24hr recall and a food frequency questionnaire were employed to assess vitamins A, C, E and zinc as well as energy, carbohydrates, fats and proteins intakes. Serum levels of vitamin E and zinc as well as aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured. Weight and height were measured and BMI calculated. Pre HAART levels of AST and ALT as well as ARV drug intake history were also acquired from hospital records. The results showed that participants had lower median caloric (1680Kcal) and fat (54g) intakes. Median daily dietary intakes of vitamins C, D and E were 54mg, 2μg and 3mg respectively and were lower than recommended intake levels. Serum vitamin E deficiency was observed to be high among the participants (82.5%). The prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity in the study were 11.7%, 21.4% and 11.7% respectively. There was a significant rise in serum AST levels, from 22.0 IU/L pre HAART to 30.4 IU/L post HAART initiation. Serum levels of ALT significantly decreased from 17.0 IU/L pre- HAART to 13.0 IU/L post-HAART. There was no association between the serum levels of vitamin E and zinc and serum AST and ALT levels. The findings from this study suggest that, serum levels of antioxidant micronutrients, vitamin E and zinc, did not have any effect on liver function.

Source: KNUST
Antioxidant Properties and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Cucumeropsis Edulis (Seeds)

This study sought to explore the medicinal properties of extracts obtained from C. edulis seeds. The seeds were obtained from farms in the Upper East Region of Ghana, dried and milled into coarse powder. Petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol were used to extract the bioactive compounds present in the seeds by the cold maceration method. Antioxidant properties of the extracts were evaluated using the Phosphomolybdenum and DPPH free radical scavenging assays. The Folin-Ciocalteu assay was used to estimate the total phenol content and carrageenan-induced paw oedema model in chicks employed for the anti-inflammatory effects. The results showed that methanol extract had the highest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities while the petroleum ether extract showed the least activity. The antiinflammatory activity of the methanol extract (31.3% oedema inhibition at 300 mg/kg body weight) was however lower than diclofenac (54.04% oedema inhibition at 100 mg/kg body weight), the reference drug. Compounds such as tannins, alkaloids, and carotenoids detected during phytochemical screening may be responsible for the activities observed.

Source: KNUST
Antinutrient Contents of Ackee (Blighia Sapida) Arils as Influenced by some Processing Methods

Ackee (Blighia sapida) is a good source of food nutrients but the presence of anti-nutrients in it reduces its nutritional potential. To improve its nutritional potential the effects of moist heat treatments (boiling and steaming) at varying times (20 minutes, 30 minutes and 40 minutes) and soaking at varying times (1hr, 2hrs and 3hrs) on the levels of anti-nutrients (phytates, oxalates and tannins) were investigated. Standard methods were employed for the analysis of anti-nutrients. The phytate, oxalate and tannin content of raw ackee arils in this study were found to be 0.08175%, 0.3075% and 136.18 mg/100g, respectively. The processing methods employed; boiling, steaming and soaking had an effect on the anti-nutrients in the ackee arils. Boiling was the most effective method at reducing phytate content. It was able to reduce it by 80% after 40 minutes. Again, for oxalate boiling was able to reduce it by 67.07% in the ackee arils and was the most effective method amongst the selected methods; steaming and soaking. Tannin content was reduced by both boiling and steaming processes up to 68.71% and 67.08% after 40 minutes. Reduction of the anti-nutrients by the selected processing methods was time-dependent. Employing the use of these processing methods in the utilization of ackee arils will help improve their nutrients availability and make it more nutritious.

Source: KNUST
Antiplasmodial constituents in the leaves and stem barks of carapa procera dc (Meliaceae) and alstonia boonei de willd. (Apocynaceae).

Malaria remains the most devastating infectious parasitic disease, inflicting both death and economic losses on at least half the world’s population. Presently, the most effective way of dealing with malaria is the administration of chemotherapeutic agents. There is an urgent need for the development of effective anti-malarial drugs due to emergence of resistant strains of P. falciparum. The stem and leaf extracts of Alstonia boonei are used in various traditional medicines for the treatment of malaria. A decoction of the bark of Carapa procera is taken orally for fevers whereas oil obtained from the seeds is applied topically as a mosquito repellent and also for other skin infections. Petroleum ether and hydro-alcoholic extracts of these two plants were tested in vitro on choloroquine sensitive (3D7) strains of Plasmodium falciparum for their anti-malarial activity. Growth inhibition was determined in vitro by counting GIEMSA-stained parasites by light microscopy. The petroleum ether extract of the leaves (PSL) and stem bark (PS1) of A. boonei were both inactive (IC50˃100 µg/ml). Also their hot ethanolic extracts were inactive with IC50 ˃100 µg/ml. However, the cold ethanolic extract of the leaves showed weak activity (IC50 = 71.24 µg/ml) whereas that of the stem was 88.15 µg/ml. The petroleum ether extract of the stem bark of C. procera (PC1) inhibited the growth of the chloroquine sensitive (3D7) Plasmodium falciparum parasite with IC50 value of 19.52 µg/ml. The cold ethanolic extract of C. procera had moderate activity (IC50 = 33.35 µg/ml) whereas the hot ethanolic extract (H2) showed the highest antimalaria activity (IC50 = 11.41 µg/ml). Column chromatography of H2 on silica gel (70-230 mesh) yielded four bulked fraction designated as H2A, H2B, H2C and H2D which were tested in vitro for antiplasmodial activity. Fractions H2A, H2C and H2D showed the highest antimalaria activities (IC50˂10µg/ml) whereas H2B showed moderate antimalaria activity with (IC50˂50µg/ml). The activities of fractions H2A and H2C (IC50˂1µg/ml) were comparable to the standard antimalaria drug artesunate (IC50˂0.01µg/ml). TLC analysis of the fractions described in the present work revealed the presence of steroids and terpenoids (fraction H2A), flavonoids, catechins and proanthocyanidins (H2B, H2C and H2D). Thus cold ethanolic extract of the leaves and stem bark of A. boonei have weak antiplasmodial activity whereas the hot ethanolic extract of C. procera has very good antiplasmodial activity. Antiplasmodial activity of the stem bark of C. procera may be attributed to the presence of terpenoids, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins present in the stem bark of C. procera.

Source: KNUST
Antitrypanosomal and Anthelminthic Properties of Ethanol Extracts of Carica papaya Linn. and Ceiba pentandra (L) Gaertn

The most common diseases that affect low-income countries are helminthosis and trypanosomosis. In Ghana, and in many other African countries, herbal treatment of various diseases is still common. In the present study, we sought to determine the antitrypanosomal and anthelminthic activities of Carica papaya and Ceiba pentandra. The ethanol extracts of Carica papaya stem bark (PPSe) and leaves (PPLe) and ethanol extracts of Ceiba pentandra stem bark (CPSe) and leaves (CPLe) were screened against Trypanosoma brucei brucei and Pheretima posthuma worms in vitro. CPSe exhibited strong antitrypanosomal activity, while the other extracts exhibited moderate activity against T. b. brucei. All the extracts showed weak selective indices (SI) when tested on Jurkat cell lines, which is indicative of a potential toxic effect. When the extracts were screened against P. posthuma worms, only PPSe and CPSe were able to kill the worms after the exposure time at concentrations of 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/mL. PPSe was again the only extract that potentiated the anthelminthic activity of albendazole against P. posthuma worms. Preliminary phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of compounds with antitrypanosomal and anthelminthic properties. The results confirmed the potential of C. papaya and C. pentandra as remedies for trypanosomosis and helminthosis and also gives credence to their folkloric use.

Source: KNUST
Anxiolytic, Anticonvulsant and Antinociceptive Effects of the Hydroalcoholic Leaf Extract of Ficus Exasperata Vahl (Moraceae)

Ficus exasperata is a common plant in sub-Saharan Africa, widely used in the management of various disorders including neurological, inflammatory and infections. The hydroalcoholic leaf extract of F. exasperata (Family Moraceae) was evaluated for its anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and antinociceptive activity in animal models. F. exasperata (30-300 mg/kg) showed anxiolytic effect similar to diazepam (0.1-1.0 mg/kg), the reference anxiolytic agent, in the open field, elevated plus maze and the hole board tests for anxiety (P< 0.01). Caffeine (10-100 mg/kg) on the other hand was found to be anxiogenic which confirms what is known in literature (P< 0.01). F. exasperata (30-100 mg/kg) decreased spontaneous locomotor activity (P<0.01) which could be due to its possible muscle relaxation effect as exhibited on the rotarod (P< 0.001). F. exasperata (300 mg/kg) decreased sleeping time induced with pentobarbitone sodium indicating a possible non-sedating nature (P< 0.001). F. exasperata (30-300 mg/kg) protected mice against picrotoxin and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures. It considerably increased the latency and decreased the frequency and duration of picrotoxin induced seizure (P< 0.01). F. exasperata (1000 mg/kg) also decreased the duration of PTZ-induced seizure considerably (P<0.5). F. exasperata (30-300 mg/kg) and morphine (1-10 mg/kg), an opioid agonist dose- dependently showed anti-nociceptive activity in both phases of the formalin test. Diclofenac (10-100 mg/kg) on the other hand was not effective in the first phase but effective in the second phase (ED50 3.98±1.05). The nocifensive response for morphine was higher in the first phase (ED50 0.84±0.27) compared to the second phase (ED50 2.72±1.05) but F. exasperata was more potent in the second phase (ED50 34.08±6.50) than the first phase (ED50 187.00±49.75). Theophylline completely antagonized the anti-nociceptive effect of the F. exasperata while naloxone did not produce any significant inhibition. These results suggest F. exasperata has central and peripheral anti-nociceptive properties at the doses tested. The anti-nociceptive mechanism of F. exasperata might possibly be related to the adenosinergic system. F. exasperata did not have any significant effect on animal weight, liver microsomal enzymes, organ weight and the hematological indices investigated. F. exasperata was thus found to have anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and analgesic properties.

Source: KNUST
Antobam Dairy Complex - Onwi

The design proposals make provision for the continuous supply of milk, butter and cheese from the complex to the regional market. Having established the feasibility of having a dairy complex, special studies were made into the various requirements necessary for maintaining an optimum daily milk production level of 2,000 litres. These include studies into the production processes; structures for housing the basic facilities as well as supporting facilities; personnel establishment; distribution and future expansion. The recommendations made, culminate in architectural expressions which would serve as a model for subsequent similar projects.

Source: KNUST
The applicability of risks management practices in Bid Evaluation on Common Funded Projects. A case study of Ho Municipal Assembly

The effort of ensuring fairness in bid evaluation through effective risk management practices has the tendency of improving project implementation of infrastructure delivery. The process prior to actual construction of common funded projects for assemblies better improve when effective and efficient applicability of risk management within bid evaluation processes are enhanced in preventing the likelihood of potential risks occurrence that might impact on the overall common funded projects for the assemblies. This study assesses applicability of risks management practices in bid evaluation on common funded Projects. Ho Municipal Assembly was case of study for which sample format comprises of Entity Tender Committee Members; Municipal Project Engineers; Municipal Procurement officers; and selected D1K1D2K2 contractors from the assembly. Sample size of the study was sixty (60). The data collected formed the main analytical criteria based on questionnaires as instrument designed. Analytical framework for this study was both non-parametric group analysis and one sample t-test. This is descriptive statistics with purpose to obtain the mean and p-values and compared means. The analysis was done based on response rate of 90% using a five-point Likert-scale(s) designed and coded using SPSS. Results obtained were ranked accordingly for easy interpretation. From the study, it has been found that in most common funded projects implemented and or under construction, bid evaluation criteria often records contractors’ inability to provide adequate documentations; poor technical and financial capacity; interference with bidding process by political class; poor health & safety records; omissions of accurate figures among others. it was found that these has the likelihood of causing risk namely technical risk; financial risk; political risk; relational risks and work performance risk in the contract. Further recommendations including encouraging proper documentations; compliance with preliminaries regulatory clearance and registration; adopting effective risk management process prior, during and after contract will mitigates potential risks with bid evaluation process among others were suggested to be included as part of project management and the processes of bid evaluation for common funded project contracts.

Source: KNUST