Background: Differentiation in oil quality and the volatile component of essential oils (EOs) is associated with climatic conditions, the geographical location of collection sites and other ecological and genetic factors defining its chemotypes. Objective: Hence this study was aimed at characterizing volatile constituents of Aframomum danielli seed collected in Choba, Port Harcourt in Rivers State, South-South region of Nigeria. Methods: Essential oils (EOs) were analyzed using gas chromatography–flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Results: A total of forty-two EO (99.96%) constituents were identified, monoterpenes were 32 (99.93%) and sesquiterpenes: 10 (0.03%) No oxygenated sesquiterpenes were detected. Oxygenated monoterpene was higher consisting of 18 EO compounds; 66.94% while monoterpene hydrocarbons comprised of 14 EO compounds; 32.99%. Chemical constituents in the EO include: 1,8- cineole (50.95%), β-pinene (11.79%) –terpineol (9.15%), γ –terpinene (7.45%), Sabinene (6.03%), - pinene (3.41%), α –terpinenly acetate (3.38%), terpinene-4-of(2.44%) and α-thujene (2.11%). Conclusion: Aframomum danielli from this geographical location could serve as a rich source of 1,8- cineole.

The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks chronic inflammatory diseases as the greatest threat to human health. The current study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia on Wistar rats. Twenty Wistar rats of both genders weighing between 110-178g were used for this study. Egg albumin was used for induction of inflammation. The rats were grouped into five groups of 4 per group. Groups 3, 4 and 5 received 400, 800mg/kg b.w of aqueous extract and reference drug respectively after induction. Groups 1 and 2 served as normal and negative controls. Rats were sacrificed and blood samples collected for hematological and biochemical analyses. Phytochemical screening of the plant revealed the presence of alkaloid, phenolic compounds, Tannins and Quinine.  Result showed significant in (p≤ 0.05) in paw size, rectal temperature and number of writhing in group 2 and non-significant reduction (p ≥ 0.05) in group 4 were seen when compared to group 1 and 2 respectively. Significant (p≤0.05) increase in C-reactive protein and nitric oxide concentrations were observed in groups 3 and 4 when contrasted to group 2 in the studies. Non-significant differences in all hematological parameters in all treated groups were observed when compared to group 2. Aqueous leaf extract of Alchornae cordifolia displayed anti-inflammatory effects at 800 mg/ kg b.w after 4 hours of treatment.

Background: Plant seeds are rich in nutrients and antinutrients which interfere with bioavailability of minerals. Objective: This research was aimed at evaluating the proximate, anti-nutrients and minerals compositions and estimation of relative mineral bioavailability of Aframomum danielli seed (Ataiko). Methods: Proximate composition was assessed by AOAC methods, minerals by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and anti-nutrients by titrimetric methods. Results: Proximate compositions in percentage revealed carbohydrate with (51.95±0.15), crude fibre (16.00±0.10) and fat (2.35±0.15) was least. Caloric value (kcal 100 g) was 286.55±2.75 Phytate (1.98±0.03%) was higher than oxalate (0.06±0.00%). Major mineral percentage included phosphorus (7401.43 ± 318.24) and sulphur (1926.58 ± 21.49), minor minerals were in trace amounts. Molar ratios of phytate: Fe, Zn and Ca and oxalate:Ca were above their critical values. Conclusion: A. daneilli seed is rich in nutrients, has high caloric value. High intake could lead to micronutrient malnutrition.

In Nigeria, plant-based herbal medicines are vital component of traditional medicine (TM) and their use for the maintenance of health and wellbeing has been a common practice. These TMs are freely used without mandatory safety or toxicological evaluation. Thus, it is necessary to identify plants with toxicity potentials among the plants used for therapeutic purposes in the country. This study investigated effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Macaranga spinosa Muell-Arg on selected biomarkers of toxicity in Wistar rats. Fifteen Wistar rats of both sexes weighing 96.8 -250 g were divided into three groups comprising of group 1 (control 0.5ml distilled water); group 2 (500 mg/kg b.w Macaranga spinosa Muell-Arg leaf extract) and group 3 (1000 mg/kg b.w Macaranga spinosa Muell-Arg leaf extract). At the end of one week oral administration, animals were sacrificed; blood and tissues samples were taken for biochemical and histopatological investigations respectively. Phytochemicals present were alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, triterpeneoid/steroids, carbohydrates, cardenolide, and saponins. Urea, sodium ion, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration were significantly elevated in group 3; non-significant increase in creatinine, potassium, bicarbonate, chloride ion and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentration in group 2 and 3 compared to group 1. Total protein and triglyceride were significantly decreased in group 3 compared to group 1. Albumin, total and conjugated bilirubin were non-significantly decreased in group 2 and 3 when compared to control group 1. Histological examination of kidney tissue showed no change in kidney histology; liver tissue indicated vacuolar and cytoplasm degeneration, and fatty change. Hart tissues showed normal cardiac myocytes. This study has established that ethanolic leaf extract of Macaranga spinosa Muell-Arg can cause hepatoxicity, mild nephrotoxicity and no significant alteration of lipid profile in Wistar rats. Therefore, users of this plant in TM should avoid excessive and prolong use, as it can be toxic to the liver.