Kola nut (Cola nitida) is chewed in many West African cultures and it is used ceremonially, industrially, medicinally and economically. The aim of this study was to assess the phytochemical properties and antibacterial activity of Cola nitida seeds. The seeds were purchased, dried and then powdered for phytochemical screening and extraction. Ethanol and aqueous (hot water) extracts were used for this study. The antibacterial activity of each extract at 30 mg/ml and 60 mg/ml was tested on four bacterial isolates; Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli using the disc diffusion method on Mueller Hinton agar. The results revealed the presence of various potent phytochemicals such as alkaloids, polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids and glycosides. The zones of inhibition ranged from 0.0 mm to 28.0 mm for both concentrations of the ethanol extract and from 0.0 mm to 31.0 mm for both concentrations of the aqueous extract. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) ranged from 7.5 mg/ml to 30.0 mg/ml for the ethanol extract and 3.75 mg/ml to 30.0 mg/ml for the aqueous extract. No minimum bactericidal concentration was recorded. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) performed on the data showed that there were significant differences in the zones of inhibition for each concentration of the extracts (P<0.05). The purified extract of Cola nitida seeds can be used to treat infections caused by these selected bacterial species.

This investigation was conducted to determine the in-vitro effect of aqueous, ethanol and methanol crude extracts of Euphorbia hirta at concentrations ranging from 10mg/ml-100mg/ml against three pathogenic bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus vulgaris) using cup plate method. The extracts showed appreciable inhibitory effect (6-11mm and 2-20mm) on Streptococcus pneumoniae and Proteus vulgaris when compared to the positive control (penicillin). Klebsiella pneumoniae was resistant to all the extracts. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was between 60mg/ml-80mg/ml on Streptococcus pneumoniae and 60mg/ml-100mg/ml on Proteus vulgaris. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was between 90-100mg/ml on Streptococcus pneumoniae and 100mg/ml on Proteus vulgaris. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides and volatile oils. The result from this preliminary study suggests that the plant contains active compounds that could be used for the development of drug for the treatment of ailments associated with the test organisms. More work needs to be done on the separation and purification of active compounds in the plant extract in order to determine the role of each compound in the crude extracts.

Aim: This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence and factors associated with the use of sexual stimulants (aphrodisiacs) among married women in Sokoto metropolis, Sokoto state, Nigeria. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 215 married women in Sokoto metropolis selected by multistage sampling technique. A set of pre-tested, semi-structured interviewer- administered questionnaire was used to collect data on the research variables. Data were analyzed using IBM® SPSS version 20 statistical package. Results: A total of 215 married women were interviewed, out of which 209 were aware of sexual stimulants. Of the 209 respondents who were aware of sexual stimulants, majority 183 (85.0%) reported using one form of sexual stimulants or the other and up to 135 (73.8%) of those who used sexual stimulants were from monogamous setting, their main source of information concerning sexual stimulants was from family relatives 101 (55.2%). A large proportion of the respondents 127 (69.4%) used it to satisfy their spouses while majority (84.3%) of them reported increased sexual pleasure/satisfaction by them and their husbands. Complications developed by the respondents while using sexual stimulants include: vaginal itching 8(30.8%), vaginal discharge 5(19.2%), dryness of the vagina and irregular menstrual period 2 (7.7%) each, vaginal bruises, lower abdominal pain and painful intercourse 3 (11.5%) each. Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of use of sexual stimulants among the respondents, with the substances being obtained from various sources and used for different reasons. A sizeable number of them opined that they used the substances to enhance their sexual satisfaction and that of their husbands. Since the pharmacological compositions of these substances have not been ascertained, there is need for community education on the health risks associated with the use of sexual stimulants as some of them may have adverse effects on the organs of the body.

No abstract

No abstract