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The ethanol extract of the leaf of Chromolaena odorata (Linn) was assessed for freeradical-scavenging and antioxidant potentials. Ability of the extract to scavenge reactive intermediates (superoxide ion O 2 ·-, hydrogen peroxide H 2 O 2, nitric oxide NO˙, hydroxyl radical OH˙) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, were used to assess its free radical scavenging potentials. Antioxidant potential was studied by assessing invitro inhibition of lipid peroxidation in both the brain (Neuro-protective potentials) and liver homogenates of Fenton-oxidant stressed rabbits. Inhibition of protein oxidation was assessed in-vitro by loss of protein thiol (P-SH), while assessment of the reducing power of the extract was further used to assess antioxidant capacity. Results obtained showed the ability of the extract to scavenge free radicals and reactive intermediates in a dose-response manner. The plant also had good antioxidant capacity. The secondary plant metabolites found earlier in the extract may explain reasons for the bio-efficacy of the plant. These findings are of great importance in view of the availability of the plant and its observed possible diverse applications in medicine and nutrition.

Dehydrogenase activity (DHA) in Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus isolated from degenerated wound, Gram-negative Salmonella typhi isolated from stool, and Gramnegative Escherichia coli from a high vaginal swab were assayed. Inhibition of dehydrogenase activity of the test organisms by ethanol extract of Euphorbia hyssopifolia, and Euphorbia hirta, were determined and compared to standard antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin and Gentamycin). The total dehydrogenase assay was done using 2, 3, 5triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) as the artificial electron acceptor which was reduced to the red-coloured triphenyl-formazan (TPF). Response of the bacterial isolates varied with extract concentration. Dehydrogenase activity was progressively inhibited in a logistic dose-response fashion in the test organism by the extracts and standard drugs. All extract and standards achieved at least 70% inhibition within the tested doses (0-2000µg/ml), except for Euphorbia hirta against Staphylococcus aureus. Threshold inhibitory concentrations (IC 50 ) for Euphorbia hyssopifolia against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli were 59.92µg/ml, 234.90µg/ml, and 492.46µg/ml respectively, while for Euphorbia hirta IC 50 against Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli was 99.67µg/ml,and 165.90µg/ml with no significant inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus. Inhibition of dehydrogenase activity in the test organism by the extract compared well with the standard antibiotics. Euphorbia hyssopifolia was effective against Grampositive Staphylococcus aureus implicated in delayed wound healing than Gram-negative Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli implicated in typhoid fever and urinary tract

Objective: Renal and hepato-protective effects of Irvingia gabonensis juice on sodium fluoride-induced toxicity was assessed in twenty-four male Wistar albino rats. Methodology:The rats were divided into 4 groups of 6 animals each. All except normal control (NC), were intoxicated with 20 mg.Kg -1 body weight of sodium fluoride (NaF) daily by gavage for 35 days. Sodium fluoride control group (NaFC) received only the toxicant. Test group (IG) received I. gabonensis juice concurrently with the toxicant, while the standard control (Q+Vit. E) received concurrently, 15 mg.Kg -1 body weight of Quercetin+100 mg.Kg -1 body weight of α-tocopherol throughout the 35 days. Normal control (NC) group received only standard pelletized diet and water. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, serum creatinine and electrolyte levels were assessed among test, standard and control animals.Result: Irvingia gabonensis significantly (p<0.05) reduced AST activity in the IG group (137.68 ± 12.66 U/L) compared to NaFC group (175.12 ± 10.63 U/L). This compares to the reduction in the AST activity in standard (Q +Vit. E) group (135.69 ± 10.66 U/L). ALT activity was also reduced in the IG group. Effects of I. gabonensis on albumin and cholesterol levels were similar to that of the standard group. Administration of I. gabonensis also significantly (p<0.002) reduced elevated creatinine and Clconcentrations, while significantly (p<0.05) elevating serum Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ ion levels.Conclusion: Irvingia gabonensis fruit juice has some renal and hepato-protective potential which may be due to the presence of secondary plant metabolites like flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids found in the plant. The fruit is also rich in Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ . Increased domestication is encouraged.

Background: Ovomucoid is a serine proteinase inhibitor in the egg whites of all avian species at a concentration of about 10 mg/ml. The involvement of proteinases in a multitude of control functions in an organism has created an interest in their physiological inhibitors. Regulation of proteolytic activity in tissues is a critical requirement in the maintenance of homeostasis. Egg white proteins possess ACE-inhibitory activity, & also high radical-scavenging activity. The combined antioxidant and ACE-inhibitory properties of egg white hydrolysates, or the corresponding peptides, would make a useful multifunctional preparation for the control of cardiovascular diseases. Proteases play key roles in several physiological processes, including intracellular protein degradation, bone remodeling, and antigen presentation, and their activities are increased in pathophysiological conditions such as cancer metastasis and inflammation. They are also required for invasion by microorganism. Four protease inhibitors have been identified in egg white: cystatin, ovomucoid, ovomacroglobulin (also known as ovostatin), and ovoinhibitor. Use of proteinase inhibitors in the treatment of certain diseases has renewed interest in their specificity and stability, both of which in turn depend on the tertiary structure of the inhibitor. Structural alteration to obtain molecules of desired properties requires knowledge of relationship between structure, function and stability. Aims: In view of its importance, in the present study duck ovomucoid was isolated and characterized for its physicochemical properties. Methodology: Duck ovomucoid was isolated and characterized for its physicochemical properties. Analytical gel filtration (Sephacryl S-100 HR column) was used for purification, determination of molecular weight (MW), carbohydrate content and Stokes radius.