Vegetables are very important sources of protein and minerals. Some of them even have medicinal properties recognized traditionally. Despite the large number of studies carried out on various vegetables and vegetable ...Vegetables are very important sources of protein and minerals. Some of them even have medicinal properties recognized traditionally. Despite the large number of studies carried out on various vegetables and vegetable crops, very few have scientifically explored the usefulness of S. macrocarpon. This study identified the main groups of chemicals and mineral elements to explain any medicinal or nutritional value. It has also identified some toxic elements contained in this vegetable. Phytochemical screening was carried out on the leaves and fruits of S. macrocarpon. Some mineral elements were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) while protein, phosphorous, iron, copper, zinc and toxic metals (lead, cadmium) were determined by Molecular Absorption Spectrophotometry. Fat, ash, moisture and vitamins were sought. The study showed that the leaves of S. macrocarpon were more nutritious than fruits (P macrocarpon require that the consumption of vegetables should be as varied as possible and that the fruit may be consumed with caution. In addition, constraints about vegetable cultivation in Cotonou could lead to research findings that could help provide techniques for producing healthy vegetables.Vitamins A and K1 were found in both parts of this vegetable very rich in water while vitamin E has not been detected. S. macrocarpon also contains lipids at various levels.展开更多
Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) AW Hill Apiaceae (Parsley) is a plant species commonly used for its culinary value, but little is known about its phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to ...Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) AW Hill Apiaceae (Parsley) is a plant species commonly used for its culinary value, but little is known about its phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to deepen knowledge of the Petroselinum crispum leaves (LPc) grown and consumed in Benin. The phytochemical screening of the LPc powder was done according to the method of Houghton and Raman at the Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Essential Oils of the Institute of Applied Biomedical Sciences in Benin. The antioxidant activity (IC<sub>50</sub>) was evaluated by the DPPH reduction test. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of chemical groups such as catechin tannins, gallic tannins, flavones, saponins, mucilages, coumarins, reducing agents and O-heterosides with reduced genins in the LPc powder. The aqueous extract of LPc showed antioxidant activity with an IC<sub>50</sub> = 63.66 μg/mL and was found to be less active than ascorbic acid (IC<sub>50</sub> = 0.111 μg/mL). No acute oral toxicity was observed and the LD<sub>50</sub> of the aqueous extract of LPc is estimated to be greater than 5000 mg/kg in the Wistar rat. The absence of toxicity, its antioxidant activity associated with its richness in active ingredients makes Petroselinum crispum a promising species suitable for safe long-term use as food.展开更多
To evaluate lead and cadmium contamination in Moringa oleifera leaves powders marketed in Cotonou and health risks associated with its consumption, cross-sectional and analytical study were done from October 23th, 201...To evaluate lead and cadmium contamination in Moringa oleifera leaves powders marketed in Cotonou and health risks associated with its consumption, cross-sectional and analytical study were done from October 23th, 2012 to June 20th, 2013. Samples of Moringa powders were purchased at different outlets (health centers, supermarkets, pharmacy, etc.). Assays were performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry after digestion according calcination method. Pb and Cd levels were compared with Codex Alimentarius standards, using the Student t test. Daily Exposure Doses (DDE) and Hazard Quotients (HQ) specific to each contaminant were calculated using a conventional method. Results revealed that the mean concentration of lead for all samples (1.526 mg/kg) exceeded of about 5.08 times the maximum allowable limit whereas cadmium levels (0.246 mg/kg) was not statistically higher than the standard. The highest concentrations of Pb and Cd are respectively 4.263 mg/kg and 0.354 mg/kg. Children are 2.3 to 3.8 times in greater danger than adults although all QD calculated are less than 1, reflecting that there is a low risk to consumers in general. For both metals, DJE specifically linked to the consumption of Moringa was less than 2% compared to other kinds of food intake. In conclusion, the current level of contamination (with lead and cadmium) of Moringa leaves powders marketed in Cotonou is not yet an alarming threat to consumers’ health. However, care must be taken to reduce chemical pollution especially soils where these plants grow.展开更多
Malaria is a parasitic disease caused by the bite of female Anopheles mosquito and particularly affects the tropical areas of the world. According to national statistics it is the leading cause of consultations and ho...Malaria is a parasitic disease caused by the bite of female Anopheles mosquito and particularly affects the tropical areas of the world. According to national statistics it is the leading cause of consultations and hospitalizations. Nowadays, despite the surveillance systems for efficient malaria control and access to generic drugs, Benin is witnessing an increased development of illicit drug markets with a large part of the population going towards such markets. However, this is not without adverse impact on the health of individuals, as well as, the economic status of the country. Therefore, the situation needs to be seriously considered by policy makers at various levels, health professionals but also the entire international community in order to thwart this scourge.Regarding the aforementioned situation, the current study was undertaken aiming to perform a quality control of selected antimalarial drugs of the illegal market in Porto-Novo city. Therefore, 40 antimalarial batches were randomly collected in the illicit drug market and submitted to analytical tests such as: macroscopic examination (a visual and critical examination);mass uniformity test;disintegration test;identification test and active ingredients’ content measurement. At the end of the study, the percentages of non-compliance is 97.5%, 5%, 15% and 27.5%, respectively for the content uniformity tests, disintegration, identification and assay. Over-all, 42.5% of noncompliance was recorded. The findings of this study prove that street vended drugs offer no guarantee of good quality and pose a threat to the health of populations. Also, the rate of non-compliance denotes a flaw in the security of the drug distribution system.展开更多
This study has determined the portage of bacteria responsible for foodborne illness in the school canteen staff. 336 samples taken on the nose, mouth and hands were collected. Microbiological analyses were realized an...This study has determined the portage of bacteria responsible for foodborne illness in the school canteen staff. 336 samples taken on the nose, mouth and hands were collected. Microbiological analyses were realized and several pathogenic bacterial strains were isolated from the vendors: Staphylococcus aureus (26/122), sulphite-reducing clostridia (14/122) and Escherichia coli (10/122). The food vendors in the school canteen may be the vectors of germs that cause food poisoning among young students.展开更多
文摘Vegetables are very important sources of protein and minerals. Some of them even have medicinal properties recognized traditionally. Despite the large number of studies carried out on various vegetables and vegetable crops, very few have scientifically explored the usefulness of S. macrocarpon. This study identified the main groups of chemicals and mineral elements to explain any medicinal or nutritional value. It has also identified some toxic elements contained in this vegetable. Phytochemical screening was carried out on the leaves and fruits of S. macrocarpon. Some mineral elements were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) while protein, phosphorous, iron, copper, zinc and toxic metals (lead, cadmium) were determined by Molecular Absorption Spectrophotometry. Fat, ash, moisture and vitamins were sought. The study showed that the leaves of S. macrocarpon were more nutritious than fruits (P macrocarpon require that the consumption of vegetables should be as varied as possible and that the fruit may be consumed with caution. In addition, constraints about vegetable cultivation in Cotonou could lead to research findings that could help provide techniques for producing healthy vegetables.Vitamins A and K1 were found in both parts of this vegetable very rich in water while vitamin E has not been detected. S. macrocarpon also contains lipids at various levels.
文摘Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) AW Hill Apiaceae (Parsley) is a plant species commonly used for its culinary value, but little is known about its phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to deepen knowledge of the Petroselinum crispum leaves (LPc) grown and consumed in Benin. The phytochemical screening of the LPc powder was done according to the method of Houghton and Raman at the Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Essential Oils of the Institute of Applied Biomedical Sciences in Benin. The antioxidant activity (IC<sub>50</sub>) was evaluated by the DPPH reduction test. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of chemical groups such as catechin tannins, gallic tannins, flavones, saponins, mucilages, coumarins, reducing agents and O-heterosides with reduced genins in the LPc powder. The aqueous extract of LPc showed antioxidant activity with an IC<sub>50</sub> = 63.66 μg/mL and was found to be less active than ascorbic acid (IC<sub>50</sub> = 0.111 μg/mL). No acute oral toxicity was observed and the LD<sub>50</sub> of the aqueous extract of LPc is estimated to be greater than 5000 mg/kg in the Wistar rat. The absence of toxicity, its antioxidant activity associated with its richness in active ingredients makes Petroselinum crispum a promising species suitable for safe long-term use as food.
文摘To evaluate lead and cadmium contamination in Moringa oleifera leaves powders marketed in Cotonou and health risks associated with its consumption, cross-sectional and analytical study were done from October 23th, 2012 to June 20th, 2013. Samples of Moringa powders were purchased at different outlets (health centers, supermarkets, pharmacy, etc.). Assays were performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry after digestion according calcination method. Pb and Cd levels were compared with Codex Alimentarius standards, using the Student t test. Daily Exposure Doses (DDE) and Hazard Quotients (HQ) specific to each contaminant were calculated using a conventional method. Results revealed that the mean concentration of lead for all samples (1.526 mg/kg) exceeded of about 5.08 times the maximum allowable limit whereas cadmium levels (0.246 mg/kg) was not statistically higher than the standard. The highest concentrations of Pb and Cd are respectively 4.263 mg/kg and 0.354 mg/kg. Children are 2.3 to 3.8 times in greater danger than adults although all QD calculated are less than 1, reflecting that there is a low risk to consumers in general. For both metals, DJE specifically linked to the consumption of Moringa was less than 2% compared to other kinds of food intake. In conclusion, the current level of contamination (with lead and cadmium) of Moringa leaves powders marketed in Cotonou is not yet an alarming threat to consumers’ health. However, care must be taken to reduce chemical pollution especially soils where these plants grow.
文摘Malaria is a parasitic disease caused by the bite of female Anopheles mosquito and particularly affects the tropical areas of the world. According to national statistics it is the leading cause of consultations and hospitalizations. Nowadays, despite the surveillance systems for efficient malaria control and access to generic drugs, Benin is witnessing an increased development of illicit drug markets with a large part of the population going towards such markets. However, this is not without adverse impact on the health of individuals, as well as, the economic status of the country. Therefore, the situation needs to be seriously considered by policy makers at various levels, health professionals but also the entire international community in order to thwart this scourge.Regarding the aforementioned situation, the current study was undertaken aiming to perform a quality control of selected antimalarial drugs of the illegal market in Porto-Novo city. Therefore, 40 antimalarial batches were randomly collected in the illicit drug market and submitted to analytical tests such as: macroscopic examination (a visual and critical examination);mass uniformity test;disintegration test;identification test and active ingredients’ content measurement. At the end of the study, the percentages of non-compliance is 97.5%, 5%, 15% and 27.5%, respectively for the content uniformity tests, disintegration, identification and assay. Over-all, 42.5% of noncompliance was recorded. The findings of this study prove that street vended drugs offer no guarantee of good quality and pose a threat to the health of populations. Also, the rate of non-compliance denotes a flaw in the security of the drug distribution system.
文摘This study has determined the portage of bacteria responsible for foodborne illness in the school canteen staff. 336 samples taken on the nose, mouth and hands were collected. Microbiological analyses were realized and several pathogenic bacterial strains were isolated from the vendors: Staphylococcus aureus (26/122), sulphite-reducing clostridia (14/122) and Escherichia coli (10/122). The food vendors in the school canteen may be the vectors of germs that cause food poisoning among young students.
