Variations in fatty acid proportions during desiccation of Telfairia occidentalis seeds harvested at physiological and agronomic maturity

Nkang, A.; Omokaro, DN; Egbe, Andrew Enow; Amanke, G

doi:10.5897/ajb2003.000-1006

Cited by 35 publications

(24 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…44 Hence, the seed oil of T occidentalis can be said to be nutritionally adequate. It is, however, worthy of note that, in the present study and that by Nkang et al, 45 no trace of eleostearic acid was found, while Hilditch 46 reported 19% eleostearic acid content.…”

Section: Fatty Acid Composition Of the Seed Oilcontrasting

confidence: 53%

Dietary effects on growth, plasma lipid and tissues of rats fed with non‐conventional oil of Telfairia occidentalis

et al. 2004

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The nutritional value of Telfairia occidentalis seed and seed oil available in local market was studied in rats. The average values of the proximate analysis on dry matter basis were 203 g kg −1 crude protein, 536.3 g kg −1 fat, 39 g kg −1 ash, 95 g kg −1 crude fibre and 43.7 g kg −1 carbohydrate, while the moisture content was 75 g kg −1 . The mineral analyses showed that T occidentalis seeds contain potassium (3280 mg kg −1 ), sodium (1230 mg kg −1 ), magnesium (60.8 mg kg −1 ), calcium (60.8 mg kg −1 ) and iron (13.0 mg kg −1 ). The oil extracted from the seed sample showed physicochemical properties that suggest its suitability for edible and industrial uses. The oil contained high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, oleic and linoleic, which accounted for 63.22% of total fatty acids recovered, while palmitic acid (27.4% of the oil by weight) was the most prevalent saturated fatty acid in the oil. No trace of eleostearic acid was detected in the oil. The effect on physical appearance, weight gain, organ weight, tissue and plasma cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels was determined in rats fed a diet containing 5% T occidentalis oil. These were compared with those of rats fed a control diet (0% T occidentalis oil) over an 8 week study period. Weekly monitoring of the rats showed good physical appearance and steady weight increase. The test rats were not anaemic and no mortality was recorded. While there was a significantly higher (p < 0.05) level of cholesterol in the heart of test rats compared with the control, there was a significantly lower (p < 0.05) plasma cholesterol level, suggesting that T occidentalis seed oil can be used to lower plasma levels of cholesterol. Histological examination of the sections of the heart, liver, kidney and spleen of the test rats revealed varying degrees of pathology. These include artherosclerotic changes in the walls of vasa vasori and lymphatics in the heart and hyaline degeneration of myofibrils, fatty infiltration of hepatocytes, and glomerular and tubular degeneration in the kidneys. These lesions may have been due to the effect of fatty acids, especially erucic acid, in the seed oil, which at 1.24% (less that the 5% conventional allowable limit for edible oils) may be intolerable for rats and may be unsuitable for human consumption. The seed oil may be used for industrial purposes such as soap making, lubrication and cosmetics for which it is well suited.

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Section: Fatty Acid Composition Of the Seed Oilcontrasting

confidence: 53%

Dietary effects on growth, plasma lipid and tissues of rats fed with non‐conventional oil of Telfairia occidentalis

et al. 2004

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“…As antioxidants, the flavonoids and vitamins in T. occidentalis extract could maintain sperm morphology, sperm survival and sperm function (Nwanna & Oboh, 2007). The improvement in sperm count could be attributed to antioxidative properties of tannins and vitamin A presence in the leaves (Nkang et al, 2003). According to Sato et al (2004), vitamin A protects the testis against lipid peroxidation, hence, promotes spermatogenesis and improves structural differentiation of epithelial cells of the epididymis.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dietary Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) Improves Reproductive Indices in Male African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Broodstock

Dada¹,

Ejete-Iroh²

2015

JAS

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The effect of dietary aqueous extract of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) leaf powder on growth and reproductive indices of male catfish, Clarias gariepinus bloodstocks was investigated. Fish fed experimental diets showed significantly improved reproductive indices over the control fish. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) gonadosomatic index was recorded for the fish fed diets of aqueous extract of T. occidentalis leaf powder compared to fish fed on control diet. These results revealed that supplement diets with medicinal plant (T. occidentalis) improve gonadosomatic index, and reproductive indices of male C. gariepinus broodstocks and this plant has a potential pro-fertility property which can be exploited in fish fingerling production by hatchery operators.

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“…Fluted pumpkin ( Telfairia occidentalis ) belongs to Cucurbitaceae family; it is a creeping vine grown in the tropics for its edible leaves and seeds (Nkang, Omokaro, Egbe, & Amanke, ). During growth, it spreads on the ground with a very long twisting tendrils and lobed leaves (Okoli & Mgbeogba, ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fluted pumpkin ( Telfairia occidentalis ) seed modulates some markers of erectile function in isolated rat’s corpus cavernosum: Influence of polyphenol and amino acid constituents

et al. 2019

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Pumpkin seeds are often used in traditional medicine in the management of erectile dysfunction. However, there is insufficient information about the possible biochemical rationale behind this practice. Hence, this study investigated the influence of fluted pumpkin seed on critical enzymes involved in erectile function in isolated rats’ corpus cavernosum in vitro. The phenolics and amino acid contents of fluted pumpkin seed were determined using HPLC‐DAD and GC‐PFPD analyses respectively. The aqueous extract of the fluted pumpkin seed significantly (p < .05) scavenged free radicals and inhibited PDE‐5, arginase, AChE, and ACE in rats’ corpus cavernosum in a concentration‐dependent pattern. Quercitrin and luteolin were the most dominant phenolics, while arginine, aspartate, and cysteine were the most aboundant amino acid constituents. The positive modulatory effect of the fluted pumpkin seed on these critical markers of erectile function could be attributed to its polyphenolics and amino acid constituents. Practical applications This study brought to limelight the medicinal importance of fluted pumpkin seed in erectile functions. Therefore, this seed could be used as a functional food ingredient in the management of erectile dysfunctions and also in improving erectile functions in men. In addition, the dominant phenolics and amino acid constituents of this seed might be an effective nutraceutical in enhancing erections in men.

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Variations in fatty acid proportions during desiccation of Telfairia occidentalis seeds harvested at physiological and agronomic maturity

Cited by 35 publications

References 23 publications

Dietary effects on growth, plasma lipid and tissues of rats fed with non‐conventional oil of Telfairia occidentalis

Dietary effects on growth, plasma lipid and tissues of rats fed with non‐conventional oil of Telfairia occidentalis

Dietary Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) Improves Reproductive Indices in Male African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Broodstock

Fluted pumpkin ( Telfairia occidentalis ) seed modulates some markers of erectile function in isolated rat’s corpus cavernosum: Influence of polyphenol and amino acid constituents

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