Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.) is one of the most widely cultivated vegetable crops in Africa and all over the world. World tomato production in 2001 was about 103 million tons of fresh fruits on an estimated 3.9 million hectares of land. Hence, is ranked at the top of all fruits and vegetables as a source of vitamins and minerals in the U.S. It plays a major role in human nutrition, as an excellent source of phosphorus, iron, and vitamins A, B and C.
Alkaloids are a huge group of naturally occurring organic compounds which contain a nitrogen atom or atoms (amino or amido in some cases) in their structures. They show strong biological effects on animal and human organisms in very small doses, and are present not only in in food and drinks but also as drugs where they show anti-inflammatory, anticancer, analgesics, local anesthetic and pain relief, neuropharmacologic, antimicrobial, antifungal, and many other activities.
Flavonoids, a group of natural substances with variable phenolic structures, are found in fruits, vegetables, grains, bark, roots, stems, flowers, tea and wine. These natural products are well known for their beneficial effects on health and efforts are being made to isolate the ingredients so called flavonoids.
In investigating the nutraceutical properties of fishes in the month of March, we discovered a highly important group of fatty acids called the Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated fatty acids, and currently, the three most clinically relevant types are ?-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
The wake of COVID-19 has shown us that human and scientific efforts are required to combat diseases. However, the sudden outbreak of a pandemic like COVID-19 could also divert attention of researchers and scientists from focusing on existing and ongoing research to the new enemy of humanity. One area we hope will not be pushed aside is the role of probiotics and nutraceuticals in nutrition, health, and wellbeing and of course, cure for some for some diseases. This article focuses on probiotics and potentials for the treatment of ulcers.
A nutraceutical product may be defined as a substance, which has physiological benefit or provides protection against chronic diseases. Nutraceuticals may be used to improve health, delay the aging process, prevent chronic diseases, increase life expectancy, or support the structure or function of the body.
Although the exact ways of actions are not fully understood, the possible modes of probiotics action include the following: enhancement of epithelial barrier function; increased adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells; competitive exclusion of pathogenic microorganisms, and; production of antimicrobial peptides.
by Gbadamosi, A.E., Ajayi, A.T. and Osekita, O.S.
Yams (Dioscorea spp), are one of the most important staple crops in West Africa. They belong to the family Dioscoreaceae, which produce economically important tubers and bulbils. There are many cultivars of yam, though only six are important as staple foods in the tropics.
by Victor Olugbenga Olumekun, Abiola Toyin Ajayi and Oluwasegun Victor Ibidapo
In recent times, wheat has gained more acceptance and utilisation over the traditional staples such as tubers and other cereals in Africa as a consequence of increased demand for dietary enhancement due to urbanisation and increased population in regions where staple was predominantly known to come from maize.
by Abiola Toyin Ajayi
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is a crop of significant importance in Africa; it serves as a source of proteins in the tropical and subtropical countries, where Nigeria is ranked the highest in terms of production. It is a source of income for the people of Africa where it is widely cultivated for different purposes. Despite the good attributes of cowpea, one of the major constraints hampering its productivity in Nigeria is drought.
Lipases are a group of water-soluble enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis (and synthesis) of ester bonds in insoluble acylglycerols at lipid-water interfaces. Lipases hydrolyze triacylglycerides into diacylglycerides, monoacylglycerides, free fatty acids and glycerols. Lipase reaction occurs at the interface between the aqueous and the oil phases because of an opposite polarity between the enzyme (hydrophilic) and their substrates (lipophilic).
Microorganisms are preferred as enzyme sources because of their short life span, high productivity rate, cost-effectiveness, and are free of harmful chemicals that are found in enzymes from plant and animal sources
Gout is a multifactorial ailment with predisposing factors of high purine diet, usage of diuretics, kidney dysfunction and alcohol consumption. It is a chronic disease characterized by the deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystal in the joints and hyperuricemia,
Genetically modified crops (GMCs) are food crops whose genes have been altered in some ways in order to improve them. Alternatively called genetically modified foods (GMFs), these food plants have been tinkered with in ways which improve their yields,
Hypertension (HTN) is a persistently abnormal elevated blood pressure which in the long-term, results in end-organ damage and consequently, increases morbidity and mortality. Till date, the cause of hypertension is unknown, however, there are many possibilities and influences related to hypertension in patients.
Ataxia–telangiectasia (AT or A–T), also referred to as ataxia–telangiectasia syndrome or Louis–Bar syndrome is a rare, neurodegenerative, autosomal recessive disease causing severe disability. Ataxia refers to poor coordination and telangiectasia to small dilated blood vessels, both of which are hallmarks of the disease. A–T affects many parts of the body: It impairs certain areas of the brain including the cerebellum, causing difficulty with movement and coordination. It weakens the immune […]
Probiotics have been defined by a FAO/WHO Expert Consultation group in 2001 as “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.”
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness of 2-21 days duration that occurs in West Africa. The Lassa virus is transmitted to humans via contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or faeces
