Journal of Agricultural and Biomedical Sciences

Phytochemical composition and Di-phenyl picryl hydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging activities of some essential oils

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Essential oils, derived from aromatic plants are known for their antioxidant and bioactive properties. They have shown promise in inhibiting lipid oxidation and conferring functional properties to food products. This research was carried out at the Animal Products and Processing Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan; it was designed to examine the phytochemical composition and radical scavenging activities of selected essential oils as potential bioactive and antioxidant additives in edible products. Four different essential oils namely; Cinnamon bark essential oil (CEO), Oregano essential oil (OEO), Thyme essential oil (TEO) and Lemon essential oil (LEO) were selected for this study and obtained from a reputable processor. The selected oils were subjected to evaluation of phytochemical composition and Di-phenyl picryl hydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging activities using standard procedures. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponin, alkaloid, flavonoid, tannin and reducing sugar in the oils. Tannin and alkaloid were highest in Cinnamon oil and lowest in Thyme oil. While flavonoid was highest in Lemon oil and lowest in Cinnamon oil. Reducing sugar was highest (7.28) in Thyme oil and lowest in Oregano oil. DPPH was highest (75.07%) in Thyme essential oil and lowest in Cinnamon bark essential oil (70.31%) while values for oregano essential oils and lemon essential oils are (73.42% and 68.29%). Cinnamon essential oil had the highest tannin, alkaloid, and saponin content (which play key roles in antioxidation). DPPH analysis however showed that thyme essential oil as potentially stronger in inhibiting lipid oxidation, among the evaluated oils. Thus, it is concluded that thyme essential oil and cinnamon essential oil are more likely to reduce lipid oxidation and improve food functionality. Researchers in food processing could focus on the synergistic effects of thyme and cinnamon essential oil in reducing lipid oxidation and improving functional properties of food.

Water Characteristics, Pollution Status and Its Implication on Tropical Suburb River, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 12:18:44 +0000

Water is a vital resource essential for sustaining life and maintaining healthy ecosystems; however, it is increasingly threatened by pollution, which compromises water quality, disrupts aquatic environments, endangers aquatic organisms, and poses serious health risks to humans who rely on contaminated water sources. The study aimed to assess the physico-chemical parameters and heavy metal accumulation in the Ome River, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria considering the river socio-economic factors to Ago – Iwoye and its environs. Five locations were picked along the river course for water physico-chemical parameters (which were measured in-situ using digital water testing meter probe), and heavy metal content using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Results showed pH to be slightly alkaline, ranging from 7.71 - 7.96, while dissolved Oxygen, total dissolved solids, Oxygen reduction potential, electrical conductivity and temperature ranged from 12.87 - 18.00 mgl-1, 264.25 - 293.50 ppm, 243.00 - 317.67 mV, 459.50 - 501.75 µS/cm and 29.50°C - 29.75°C respectively. Heavy metals concentration showed iron ranges between 0.05 and 0.36 mgkg-1, lead ranges between 0.03 and 0.16 mgkg-1, copper ranges between 0.05 and 0.18 mgkg-1 and zinc ranges between 1.14 and 1.28 mgkg-1. The findings proved that most physico-chemical parameters of the river water are within acceptable limits, indicating good water quality. However, the presence of lead and other heavy metals, though at little concentration, raises concerns about potential environmental risks. Continuous monitoring is recommended to prevent rising contamination levels and to ensure the long-term health of the river's ecosystem.

The Potential of Capsicum annum Extracts to Prevent Lactococcosis in Tilapia

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 12:15:55 +0000

The capsaicin was extracted in-house from locally purchased chili pepper (Capsicum annum). Varying concentration of capsaicin was mixed with Lactococcus garvieae each and inoculated on mueller hinton agar to determine the minimum bactericidal concentration. Four groups of 100 fish each were injected with either 1) Capsaicin, 2) bacteria and capsaicin, 3) bacteria and 4) normal saline (negative control). The fish were observed for 7 days post treatment and experiment was repeated three times. Protection against infection was measured by the lack of clinical disease and survivability of the fish during period of experimentation. The minimum bactericidal concentration of capsaicin on growth of Lactococcus garvieae was 0.1967mg/ml. Significantly, more fish in the bacteria and capsaicin group survived (p<0.0001) compared to those injected with bacteria only. The findings suggest that chili pepper extract can protect tilapia against L. garvieae infection.

Gastro-intestinal parasites of Capra hircus slaughtered in parts of Ijebu Ogun State, Nigeria.

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 04:43:42 +0000

This study investigated the prevalence and species diversity of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in domestic goats (Capra hircus) slaughtered at two (2) major abattoirs in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria. Out of 104 faecal samples subjected to the sedimentation technique in the Zoology Laboratory, an overall GI parasite prevalence of 78.8% was detected. Ten parasite species were identified, namely Bunostoma spp., Capillaria spp., Coccidia spp., Fasciola hepatica, Haemochus contortus, Moneiza spp., Nematodirus, Taenia hydatigena, Trichuris ovis and Strongyloides spp. with Coccidia spp. and Trichuris ovis being the most common (10.2% each), followed by Fasciola hepatica (7.3%). The abattoir located at Imowo-Eleran had the most prevalence with 70.2%. The There was no significant relationship with p>0.05 between the parasites found in the faecal samples collected and demographic factors (age or sex). Mono-infections predominated (40.4%), but double and triple infections were also observed, indicating polyparasitism. The findings highlight significant health on goat productivity due to parasitism. Poor abattoir hygiene and management practices could likely contribute to the infection rates at the two abattoirs. This study underscores the need for improved parasite control strategies and better sanitary conditions in abattoirs to reduce GI parasite burdens in Nigerian domestic goats.

Seasonal Variations in Waterbird Diversity and Threats to the Barotse Floodplain

Clara Nanja, Moses Chibesa, Machaya Chomba — Sat, 27 Sep 2025 17:20:27 +0000

This study explored waterbird diversity and associated threats in the Barotse Floodplain, Zambia, a critical wetland in the Zambezi River Basin. Field surveys conducted along a 202 km transect during the cold-dry and hot-dry seasons revealed higher waterbird diversity in the hot-dry season, as indicated by the Shannon-Wiener Index. Chi-square analysis demonstrated significant variations in species distribution across habitat types and seasons. Human settlements and fishing were identified as the primary threats to waterbird populations, emphasising the need for targeted conservation interventions. Grasslands and inland wetlands were the most utilised habitats, underscoring their essential role in supporting waterbird communities. Additionally, the comparable reliance of migratory and non-migratory species on the floodplain suggests its importance for both groups. These findings highlight the ecological significance of the Barotse Floodplain and provide a foundation for developing conservation strategies to protect its avian biodiversity.