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Infectious diseases are important cause of morbidity and mortality due to continuous emergence of microbial resistance to conventional drugs. Acacia nilotica, Ziziphus jujube Linn and Lawsonia inermis are widely used for traditional medicine in Northern Nigeria. However, little is known about the biochemical and microbiological potentials of these indigenous plants. In this study, the plants leaves were screened for phytochemical and in vitro antimicrobial potentials using standard methods. Quantitative phytochemical analysis of crude methanolic leave extracts revealed high content of glycoside, tannins and phenols. High levels of saponins and flavonoids were also detected. The extracts exhibited antibacterial effects on Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas flourecense, Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus. At 50 mg/ml extract concentration, the zone of inhibition observed was greater than 6mm. This indicates high inhibitory potency of the plants leaves. In comparison to streptomycin sulphate, A. nilotica and L. inermis had statistically similar (P>0.05) effect on E. coli at 50 mg/ml. In general, the inhibitory effect of A. nilotica and L. inermis were higher than that of Z. jujube Linn in all concentrations, except on E. coli at 150 mg/ml. Both the extracts and control drug had minimum inhibitory concentration of 10 mg/ml for all the microbes tested except Streptococcus (20-25 mg/ml). Furthermore, the average Minimum Bactericidal Concentration was 15 mg/ml except for Streptococcus with 20-25 mg/ml. Methanol extracts of Acacia nilotica, Ziziphus jujube Linn, and Lawsonia inermis exhibit antibacterial effect, hence could be used as sources of potent agents against bacterial infection.

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Chrysophyllum albidum (African star apple) is a tropical plant commonly found in Nigeria. It has acquired a reputation in folklore as a formidable therapeutic agent against yellow fever, malaria, diarrhea, vaginal and dermatological infections. This study was carried out to investigate the in vitro antioxidant activity of three extracts [aqueous (AE), methanol (ME) and petroleum ether (PE)] of the plant fruit using two antioxidant tests. The ferric ion reductive power and % H2O2 inhibition of the fruit extracts at 1 mg/ml concentration were evaluated. The result followed the pattern AE > ME > PE showing the strongest to the least strong antioxidant activity. However, the % H2O2 inhibition between the aqueous and methanolic extracts has no significant (p > 0.05) difference. A Comparative study reveals that the reductive power of ascorbic acid (1 mg/ml) is significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of the fruit extracts except of aqueous extract. Though the % H2O2 inhibition of ascorbic acid was greater than all the extracts, a statistical difference (p < 0.05) was only observed in petroleum ether extracts of the fruit. This finding suggests that African star Apple has the potential to prevent lipid peroxidation and radical chain reactions. Hence, relishing the fruit as part of dietary intake and further exploitation as a therapeutic agent should be encouraged.

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Background: Illegal mining pitch and metal ores processing sites are frequently seen in many parts of Nigerian communities. Gold ore processing is widespread in communities of Zamfara State. These activities produce significant amount of dust that pollute the environment. Aim: The study was conducted to determine the extent of exposure to lead and mercury in artisanal gold miners in Bagega and Kawaye districts and Yargalma village of Anka and Bukkuyum Local Government Areas respectively. Methods:  Seventy gold ore miners were recruited from twelve different mining or processing sites of the affected villages. Serum lead determination was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS Perkin Elmer, 6300 model USA) and mercury was determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (Spectra-10 varian). Results: The blood lead and mercury levels of the exposed individuals ranged between 15 – 561.2 µg/dl and 0.21 – 196 µg/dl respectively. Majority (75.7%) had blood lead levels beyond 45 µg/dl with average mean of 368.62±15.20 and mean blood mercury levels of 168.86±8.92 µg/dl. The blood lead and mercury levels were significantly (p<0.05) high in 16-30 age bracket compared to 0-15 and 31-45 age groups. Similarly, Individuals from Bagega village had significantly (p<0.05) high blood lead and mercury levels compared to Kawaye and Yargalma villages. The high blood lead and mercury levels recorded in this study are far above OSHA permissible limit (40 µ/dl) and are therefore a call for concern. Conclusion: The results indicate the co-exposure to lead and mercury in the artisanal gold miners. The individuals in age bracket 16-30 years are at high risk of synergistic adverse health effects of lead and mercury toxicities. The exposed individuals require urgent medical attention for proper intervention and possible total withdrawal from the work.

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