Cola nitida (Vent).Schott & Endl, a tropical dicotyledonous tree (family-malvaceae and sub-family-stercullioideae), is a well known plant in the sub-Saharan Africa and renowned for its socioeconomic importance in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa. The plant was examined for the nut's starch composition and its physicochemical properties compared with corn starch. The starch was isolated using 1 % w/v sodium metabisulphite and the proximate analysis (in %) was found to be 4.60 protein, 0.54 crude fibre, 0.54 fat, 1.06 ash, 67.57 total starch and 10.42 moisture. The starch percentage solubility was 7.48 % with a swelling capacity of 8.85 % and an amylose/amylopectin content of 24:76. It has a pasting temperature of 74.5 ºC, gelatinization temperature of 74 ºC hydration capacity of 88.59 %, emulsion and foam capacities of 5.22 % and 1.87 % respectively. The Rapid Visco Analysis (RVA) of the cola starch has a peak viscosity of 314.42 RVU and the results of the Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) showed peak temperature of 321 ºC and onset temperature of 300.7 ºC. The photomicrograph indicates that the starch granule is oval in shape, generally small sized with occasional large ones, loose granules with no aggregation and had a mean particle size distribution of 15.33 % at 710 µm. The mineral content composition gave: iron 0.263mg/100g; phosphorus 67.43mg/100g; potassium 4.36mg/100g; calcium 9.40mg/100g; zinc 0.48mg/100g; magnesium 3.78mg/100g; copper (trace), and sodium 1.55mg/100g. Generally, the values obtained for the physicochemical and functional properties compared favorably with that of corn starch, and suggest that cola starch in the unmodified form can be used as a gelling agent, a fat replacer in the food industries where low fat is required and in the manufacture of noodles. It however cannot be used as an emulsifier as a result of its low emulsion and foam capacities.

A new group of alkaloids emerged in 1819 following the isolation of piperine from the fruits of Piper nigrum. Since then, a large number of these compounds now referred to as piperine-type alkaloids or alkamides or piperamides have been isolated commonly from species belonging to the genus piper (piperaceae) which have worldwide geographical distribution. As a result of the traditional uses of piper species as spices in foods and in phytomedicines globally a number of their extractives and indeed the constituent amides have been screened for pharmacological properties. The biogenesis of the amides has been investigated and a number of synthetic pathways have been developed to make them readily available for biological studies. It has now been established that piperine and its analogues are potential pesticides and possess a number of medicinal properties. They are regarded as universal enhancers in pesticide and drug formulations. This review enhances our knowledge of these amides and paves way for further work.

Starch is an important food product and a versatile biomaterial used worldwide for different purposes in many industrial sectors including foods, health, textile, chemical and engineering sector. Starch versatility in industrial applications is largely defined by its physicochemical properties and functionality. Starch in its native form has limited functionality and application. But advancements in biotechnology and chemical technological have led to wide-range modification of starch for different purposes. The objective of this chapter is to examine the different chemical reactions of starch and expose the food applications of the modification products. Several literatures on starch and reaction chemistry including online journals and books were analyzed, harmonized and rationalized. The reactions and mechanisms presented are explained based on the principles of reaction chemistry. Chemical modification of starch is based on the chemical reactivity of the constituent glucose monomers which are polyhydroxyl and can undergo several reactions. Starch can undergo reactions such as hydrolysis, esterification, etherification and oxidation. These reactions give modified starches which can be used in baked foods, confectionaries, soups and salad dressings. This chapter discusses the different chemical reactions of starch, the associated changes in functionality, as well as the applications of chemically modified starches in the food industry.

No abstract

Phytochemical, pharmarcognostic and microscopy analysis were carried out on the leaves of Clerodendrum polycephalum Baker in order to determine the secondary metabolites present in the plant and the pharmacognostic parameters and microscopic structures of the leaf of the plant. The phytochemical screening indicated the presence of carbohydrate, reducing sugar, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, resins, balsams, alkaloid and phlobatannins and the absence of monosaccharide, combined reducing sugar, pentose sugar, ketoses, cardiac glycosides, sterols, flavonoids aglycone and anthraquinone. The pharmacognostic analysis for moisture content and extractive values showed moisture content of 7.4%, and alcohol and water extractive value of 23.00% and 22.67% respectively. Microscopic studies revealed the presence of anomocytic Stomata on the lower surface and absence of it on the upper surface. The thin layer chromatographic study showed 5 spots for the hexane extract, 4 spots for ethyl acetate extract, while the methanol extract gave 3 spots. The information obtained would be useful for the authentication of the plant leaf samples, and in development of monograph for the plant.

A confounding factor for healthcare programmes in African countries is the inability of essential health tools to reach targeted locations and populations, due to poor Logistics Management Information System (LMIS). In a bid to contribute towards addressing these challenges, a pilot study was undertaken to evaluate the tracking ability, reliability and applicability of EASE App, a novel Smart Phone based Application. The App is designed to provide real-time tracking and tracing of commodities as well as curation of data in a cloud based database with restricted access which can be linked with other databases. In this study, NIPRIMAL was labelled with QR codes, and tracked within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria, using the smartphone based EASE App. Data collected showed that the “EASE App” tracking had accuracy of 100% for date and time of scan, operators’ codes and product identity; and 92.83±1.69% and 99.83±0.27% accuracy for GPS mapping label for the city and country, respectively. The GPS mapping label for specific streets, roads or districts, gave an accuracy of about 64.28±3.14%. The technology was able to provide real-time data on user unique identity, user location as well as date/time of use, and the feedback report indicated that it was readily deployable and easy to use. The results demonstrate that the “EASE App” is a promising technology that can support supply chain and related data management challenges in resource poor settings. The potential benefit of the EASE App in strengthening LMIS and distribution chain system in Africa as well as future optimization of the App are discussed.

Amidst growing concerns for environmental degradation by anthropologic activities and use of non-biodegradable materials for industrial and household purposes, a focus on natural polymeric materials offers the veritable prospects for future survival. Although some synthetic polymers are biodegradable, the process of production that is usually non-green adds to environmental pollution. Natural polymers are naturally occurring organic molecules such as cellulose, starch, glycoproteins and proteins. They are mostly obtained from plant sources, but are also produced in animal and microorganisms. One of the most abundant natural polymers of multidimensional and multifaceted application is starch. Starch is used across wide-range applications spanning engineering, food and beverages, textile, chemical, pharmaceuticals and health, etc. This is because it can readily be modified into products of desired physicochemical characteristics, thus making starch a potential tool for industrial and economic revolution. The global trade balance for starch and derived products is about $1.12 trillion, presenting a huge opportunity for more investment in starch production. Africa’s negative starch trade balance of about $1.27 trillion makes it a potential investment destination for starch production. This chapter discusses the use of starch in various industrial sectors, its potentials for sustainable economic development and as a veritable natural polymer for economic revolution.

Abstract:The global demand for phytopharmaceutical products is on the upward trend and will probably continue to rise in the next few decades. This demand is fuelled by the growing acceptability, availability and affordability and the growing scientific evidence of efficacy. However, while great progress is being made in research and development of these products in the developed world, very little progress has been made in research, development and documentation of possible leads/products in developing countries of Africa. The challenges range from dearth of capacity to develop implement appropriate research protocols and tools. This article is an attempt toward providing a guide to the chemical and biologiocal screening approaches in the research and development of phytopharmaceuticals. Approaches towards achieving quality products that meets basic regulatory requirements are discussed.