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The biological value of giant grasshopper protein (Zonocerus variegatus) was evaluated by comparing the weight gained, food efficiency ratio (FER), protein efficiency ratio (PER) of rats fed standard laboratory chow with that of rats fed giant grasshopper, Soyabean(Glycine max) and crayfish. The effect of high fibre content on utilization of nutrients has also been assessed in rats fed the supplements. Each diet produced a progressive gain in body weight ranging from 32.1 ± 2.0g in rats feeding on control diet to 56.0 ± 2.0g for rats feeding on giant grasshopper. FER ranges between 0.22 in rats fed on laboratory chow to 0.44 in giant grasshopper fed rats while PER ranges between 1.12 in laboratory chow fed rats to 1.90 in rats fed giant grasshopper. Despite the fact that food and protein intake of rats on control and experimental diets were identical, at the end of the 28 day feeding period, the growth rate, FER and PER of giant grasshopper fed rats were significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared with rats fed on Soyabean(Glycine max), laboratory chow and crayfish supplemented diets, thus suggesting that the giant grasshopper protein was superior in terms of quality and was better utilized. The fiber content in giant grasshopper was 15%, which was thrice the amount present in laboratory chow and one and half times the amount present in crayfish. Plasma levels of total protein, essential amino acids and minerals in rats on different diets were almost identical. This seems to suggest that the high fiber content in giant grasshopper did not seem to affect the bioavailability and levels of these parameters determined in the plasma especially the total protein and minerals. The significant increase in body weight, the high values of FER and PER together with ease of collection(possibility of cultivation) and economic aspect would make giant grasshopper a suitable alternative, digestible and highly nutritive protein and its inclusion in food supplementation would provide good quality protein especially in developing countries. Additionally, giant grasshopper protein may also be included in animal feed formulation.

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The activity of Vitex doniana on the uterine muscle response was investigated. The bark of Vitex doniana was extracted in boiled water at 100 degrees C, and the extracted solution filtered and centrifuged with refrigeration. The extract prepared from the dry powder extract was tested on uterine muscle strip preparations. The bark extract of Vitex doniana was analysed elementally and found to contain much more potassium and phosphate than calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron. The presence of potassium ions in excess may also be partly responsible for the effect of the crude extract on uterine muscle activity. In another study, Vitex doniana extract induced graded uterine muscle contractions and also potentiated the contractile effects of prostaglandins, ergometrine and oxytocin. However, the potentiating effect was not significant on the contractile responses to acetylcholine and potassium chloride. The investigation therefore suggests that the effect of the Vitex doniana bark extract may be not only voltage operated but may act via uterotonic receptors. Therefore, the use of Vitex doniana to control postpartum bleeding after child birth may be justified.