Journal of Chemical Society of Nigeria

BAOBAB (Adansonia digitata) SEED: NUTRITIVE EVALUATION AND FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE

2026-01-25T02:58:51+00:00

Adansonia digitata (Baobab) seeds are often employed in Nigerian traditional medicine as a thickener for local diets with robust analgesic and oxidant effects. Additionally, it might enhance local livelihoods and diets. The purpose of this research is to characterize the baobab seed's functional qualities and nutritional value to provide insight into possible uses outside of conventional medicine. The seeds were sun-dried and pulverized. The powdered seed sample was evaluated for the following nutritional compositions: fibre, carbohydrates, protein, moisture and fat content, ash, and mineral determination, based on standard methods. Results indicated that the seed had a moisture content of 2.9%, fat 16.1%, ash 4.17%, fibre 1.36%, protein 13.4%, carbohydrate 62.1%, and crude fibre 1.36%. The Adansonia digitata seed exhibits various functional properties, including a pH of 8.54, gelation temperature of 32 degrees, bulk density of 0.28, water absorption capacity of 123, oil absorption capacity of 86.40, foaming property of 51.50, emulsifying property of 73.60, and stability and swelling capacity of 78.40. The FTIR analysis revealed that the seed contains anhydride, halo compound, carbonyl compounds, amines, alkane, and alkene (both di and tri-substituted alkene) compounds.

COMPARATIVE DFT STUDY OF ANTIPYRINE AND ITS DERIVATIVES AS POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC AGENTS

2026-01-25T03:03:48+00:00

In this study, density functional theory (DFT) was utilized to explore the structural and electronic properties of antipyrine, and its derivatives (4-amino, 4-hydroxy, 4-nitroso, and 4-methylamino) as potential therapeutic agents by applying B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p).Information obtained from geometrical optimizations revealed substituent-dependent distortion, due to associated highest bond length from nitro group (C=O: 1.22 ? - 1.24 ?). The most reactive and strongly electrophilic in nature is the 4-amino analogous with the lowest HOMO-LUMO gap of 4.53 eV. Likewise, 4-nitroso antipyrine is also highly electrophilic, disproving a LUMO value of -2.34 eV, which was obtained in frontier molecular orbital analysis. Through analysis of molecular electrostatic potential maps, nucleophilic hotspots were identified around the amino and hydroxy groups and the nitro substituents had electrophilic behavior. The global reactivity descriptors revealed an electrophilicity index of 4- nitroantipyrine was high (? = 4.68 eV) and is related to the antimicrobial action of this compound. Conversely, the antioxidant properties of the 4-hydroxy derivative were improved by even distribution of charges. These computational findings are consistent with experimental data on bioactivity, and indicate structure-activity relationships in which electron-donating groups increaseanti-inflammatory activity, and electron-withdrawing groups stimulate antimicrobial activity. Theresearch presents a rational framework of design optimization of antipyrine-based medicationsproposing 4-amino-replacement of COX-2 inhibition and 4-nitro-replacement of antibioticdevelopment. The present DFT strategy shows that it can be used to expedite the drug discovery ofantipyrine pharmacophores.

ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIALS OF Canna indica, Pergularia daemia, AND Parquetina nigrescens LEAVES.

2026-01-25T03:08:50+00:00

This research examined on evaluating the antioxidant properties of methanol leaf extracts from Canna indica, Pergularia daemia, and Parquetina nigrescens, using total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The IC50 for the TAC assay was determined to be 0.064 mg/ml, while Canna indica, Pergularia daemia, Parquetina nigrescens, and the standard gave IC50 values were 0.62 mg/ml, 0.421 mg/ml, 0.119 mg/ml, and 1.61 mg/ml, respectively. In the FRAP assay, IC50 values were 0.64 mg/ml for Canna indica, 0.50 mg/mL for Pergularia daemia, 0.267 mg/ml for Parquetina nigrescens, and 0.166 mg/ml for the standard. Canna indica extracts indicated the highest reducing potential and percentage of radical inhibition. The presence of bioactive substances like phenolics and flavonoids found in the plant could be responsible for this effect. Thus, this indicate research suggest that Canna indica is a potent antioxidant agent.

EFFECTS OF METHANOL LEAVE EXTRACT OF Synsepalumdulcificumon HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN ALBINO RATS.

2026-01-25T03:13:52+00:00

Acute and sub-acute toxicity of methanol leaf extracts of Synsepalumdulcificum were carried out in albino rats. The result obtained showed that LD50of methanol leave extract of Synsepalumdulcificum following intraperitoneal administration of the extract was estimated to be 988mg/kg while the dose that causes 100% death was 1,600mg/kg. The oral administration of the extract for 21 days at various dosages ranging from 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg had beneficial effect on the haematological parameters which includes PCV, Hb, and RBC. There is increased lymphocytosis because of the ability of this extract to stimulate immune system, which may be primary responsible for increased WBC count. The LD50showed that the extract is not very toxic, though the prolong oral administration of the extracts under the condition of this study shows that the extracts may be toxic at higher doses. However, the extracts appears to be more beneficial at lower doses and significantly increased the concentration of RBC, Hb and PCV in the extracts treated groups of rats and this may be an indication that the plant leaf could be useful for the treatment of anaemia, hence the justification of its use by traditional medicine.

PHYTOCHEMICAL, PROXIMATE, VITAMIN AND MINERAL COMPOSITION OF CRUDE EXTRACT OF FICUS OTTONIFOLIA LEAF

2026-01-25T03:18:52+00:00

Ficus ottonifolia, a member of the Moraceae family, is a tropical plant widely utilized in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. Despite its use in treating infections, inflammation, gastrointestinal disorders, and wounds, scientific data on its phytochemical, proximate, vitamin, and mineral composition remains limited. This study aimed to analyze the crude extract of Ficus ottonifolia leaves to validate its traditional applications and explore its potential nutritional and medicinal benefits. Standard methods were employed. The phytochemical analysis revealed a rich presence of bioactive compounds, including phenols [857.06 ± 3.30mg/100g], flavonoids [763.87 ± 5.19mg/100g], alkaloids [517.79 ± 1.56mg/100g], tannins [743.60 ± 2.00mg/100g], and glycosides [332.37 ± 1.64mg/100g]. These compounds are known for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Proximate analysis showed significant amounts of carbohydrates [69.82mg/100g], protein [13.57mg/100g], and fiber [2.43mg/100g], indicating its nutritional value as a potential dietary supplement. The vitamin composition revealed the presence of Vitamin A [1.15mg/100g], Vitamin C [0.56mg/100g], and B-complex vitamins, including B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12, which are essential for energy metabolism, immune support, and overall health. Mineral analysis highlighted a rich composition of sodium [277.86mg/100g], potassium [164.67mg/100g], magnesium [212.54mg/100g], calcium [154.25mg/100g], and trace elements such as iron and zinc, reinforcing its potential in addressing micronutrient deficiencies. These findings validate the traditional use of Ficus ottonifolia and provide a scientific foundation for its applications in modern nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. Further studies are recommended to evaluate its pharmacological properties, safety, and efficacy in clinical settings.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PHYTOCHEMICALS IN AN AQUEOUS, ETHANOL AND ETHYL-ACETATE EXTRACT OF FICUS OTTONIFOLIA LEAF

2026-01-25T03:31:13+00:00

Phytochemicals are naturally occurring bioactive compounds in plants. Ficus ottonifolia is a tropical plant widely utilized in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties.
This study evaluated the phytochemical composition of Ficus ottonifolia leaf extracts using aqueous, ethanol, and ethyl-acetate solvents to determine their efficiency in extracting bioactive compounds. Standard methods were employed. Ethanol extract showed the highest concentrations of alkaloids [402.30 ± 2.13 mg/100g], flavonoids [774.76 ± 9.56 mg/100g], and tannins [716.03 ± 1.07 mg/100g], making it the most effective solvent for extracting a wide range of phytochemicals. The aqueous extract exhibited the highest concentration of phenols [817.41 ± 0.42 mg/100g], reflecting water's efficiency in extracting highly polar compounds. However, other phytochemicals, including alkaloids [319.40 ± 1.45 mg/100g], flavonoids [625.16 ± 2.36 mg/100g], and tannins [441.17 ± 2.89 mg/100g], were present in lower amounts compared to the ethanol extract. This indicates that water is more selective and less effective overall for a broad spectrum of bioactive compounds. Ethyl-acetate extract showed moderate concentrations of phytochemicals, with phenols [550.09 ± 1.05 mg/100g], flavonoids [528.37 ± 0.69 mg/100g], and tannins [477.43 ± 1.30 mg/100g] being the most abundant. However, its extraction efficiency was lower than that of ethanol, suggesting its limited capability to extract diverse phytochemicals. These findings demonstrate that ethanol is the most suitable solvent for comprehensive extraction of phytochemicals from Ficus ottonifolia leaves, while water is more effective for isolating polar compounds like phenols. Ethyl-acetate offers moderate extraction efficiency.

LIGNOCELLULOSIC BIOMASS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF BIOETHANOL

2026-01-25T03:35:51+00:00

This study investigated the utilization of lignocellulosic biomass such as fruit waste as a feedstock for the efficient and sustainable production of bioethanol, analyzed the following: characteristics of lignocellulose used in bioethanol production, characteristics of biomass before and after fermentation, proximate composition of biomass substrate used for ethanol production, and characteristics of bioethanol product. The effectiveness of different pretreatment strategies in terms of delignification, cellulose crystallinity reduction, and hemicellulose solubilization was assessed. Subsequently, enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated biomass was performed to convert cellulose and hemicellulose into fermentable sugars. The obtained sugars were subjected to fermentation using suitable microorganisms, such as yeast or Fungi, to convert them into bioethanol. Fermentation conditions, including temperature, pH, and fermentation time were optimized to achieve an average ethanol yield. Problems encountered during this study were the low sugar and carbohydrate content in the biomass which affected the fermentation process resulting in low ethanol yield. The final bioethanol product was analyzed for ethanol yield, boiling point, and specific gravity. The result showed a low ethanol yield of 15.43 % + 0.62. The boiling point of the produced ethanol was 78.66 C + 0.28 which is significantly within the standard boiling point for pure ethanol. At the same time, specific gravity was recorded to be 0.789 g/Cm3 + 0.001 which also falls within the standard density of pure ethanol. The findings of this study show that lignocellulosic biomass holds great promise as a sustainable feedstock for the production of bioethanol when the various pretreatment, hydrolysis, and fermentation processes are rightly utilized.

TOXICOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS OF LATEX FROM THE STEM OF FICUS CITRIFOLIA: DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER MODEL

2026-01-25T03:40:47+00:00

Latex, a white, yellow, orange or scarlet emulsion secreted by laticiferous plants shows a variety of biological activities such as anti-carcinogenic, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, insecticidal, etc. This work was aimed at testing the toxicity of Ficus citrifolia Latex (FCL) on Drosophila melanogaster (Fruit flies). A pilot study was conducted by exposing 7 groups of 20 flies, each, to FCL (5 mg, 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, a100 mg) per 5 g diet, as well as Diet only and ethylacetate only, for 7 days. The survival assay was conducted by exposing 50 flies, each, to tolerable concentrations of FCL (same dosages as above) for 28 days. The 7 days exposure of these tolerable concentrations was conducted for Biochemical analysis and Negative Geotaxis. From the pilot, LC50 was determined to be 12.6 g/5 g diet. The 28 days survival assay showed highest survival proportion in the control (diet only) compared to the treated flies. There was significant difference (p<0.05). The 7 days exposure showed no observable effect on the climbing activity of the treated flies compared to the control, there was no significant difference (p>0.05). There was reduction in the total thiol content and Glutathione-S-transferase activity of Drosophila melanogaster after 7 days exposure; there was a significant difference (p<0.05) between the controlled flies and treated flies. The Catalase activity was high at 5 mg and 10 mg only and was low above these concentrations but there was no significant different (p>0.05) compared with the controlled flies. In conclusion, Ficus citrifolia Latex may be toxic having LC50 as low as 12.6 mg/5 g diet and may have some toxins that affect the endogenous antioxidants of flies, therefore it may not be safe for drug formulation. If it is to be used for any formulation it has to be in micro or nano concentrations. However, the results imply that FCL can be used as a pesticide.

SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY STUDIES ON SIX AMINO ACID SCHIFF BASE LIGANDS AND THEIR COBALT (II) COMPLEXES.

2026-01-25T03:46:34+00:00

This study focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial evaluation of Schiff base ligands derived from tyrosine, glycine, alanine and benzaldehyde/4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, as well as their cobalt(II) metal complexes. The Schiff bases were synthesized via a condensation reaction and subsequently complexed with cobalt(II) chloride using a reflux method. The synthesized Schiff bases and their metal complexes were characterized using Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and solubility in selected solvents. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) was employed to assess the purity and confirm the formation of the complexes. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the disc diffusion method against bacterial strains including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The result demonstrated that the cobalt(II) complexes exhibited greater zones of inhibition compared to the Schiff base ligands, indicating enhanced antimicrobial efficacy upon metal coordination. The result suggests that Schiff base-metal complexes, particularly those derived from amino acids, hold promise as potent antimicrobial agents, especially in the context of rising multidrug-resistant pathogens.

PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ANTIMICROBIAL EVIDENCE FOR THE ETHNOMEDICINAL USE OF Indigofera nummulariifolia (Livera Ex. Alston) TO TREAT LIVER AILMENTS

2026-01-25T03:53:50+00:00

Indigofera nummulariifolia (whole plant) used to treat liver complaints and viral infections by some ethnic communities in Africa and Southern India was extracted in four solvents using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and subjected to phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial screening using standard methods. The extracts were found to contain alkaloids, glycosides, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids and triterpenes, depending on the solvent. Extracts of I. nummulariifolia were active against Salmonella. typhi, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans. Between 12.5 mg/mL and 100 mg/mL the antibacterial Zones of Inhibition (ZOI) ranged from 12 mm to 23 mm, the highest being against S. typhi (hexane). The lowest Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 12.5 mg/mL was obtained against S. typhi and E. coli (hexane extracts) with the lowest Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) at 50 mg/mL. The highest antifungal ZOI of 19 mm was observed against C. albicans (dichloromethane) and A. flavus (ethyl acetate) while their lowest MIC and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) were 25 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL respectively (many solvents). Analysis of both the phytochemical, antibacterial and antifungal results led to the justification of the ethnomedicinal use of crude extracts of to treat liver ailments.

DETOXIFICATION OF METAL-BEARING WASTEWATER USING Gmelina arborea BIOSORBENT

2026-01-25T04:00:06+00:00

Biosorption is an emerging adsorption method which involves the use of biological material for the removal of toxic metal ions from wastewater. This process has proven to be of economical alternate to conventional technologies. This study therefore characterized Gmelina arborea for the uptake of Pb(II) and As(III) from aqueous solution. Glutamic acid as the Gmelina arborea modifier. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) instrumentation analysis was carried out to characterize the prepared Gmelina arborea adsorbent while adsorption experiments were conducted to establish the ability of the Gmelina arborea adsorbent to adsorb Pb2+ and As2+heavy metals ions as pollutants. The Gmelina arborea adsorbent exhibited a higher bulk density at 6.67 g/cm2, high loss of ignition at 70.10%, surface area has a low value of 3.45 m2 /g and the pH of point of zero charge to be 6.99. The result from the x-ray diffraction analysis shows an amorphous structure which indicates that the Gmelina arborea is a good uptake of the heavy metals. The adsorption data of Pb2+ and As3+ onto the adsorbent Gmelina arborea were found not to rise as the pH of the solution was increased due to the surface charge repulsion in solution while there was a sudden increase as the pH 6.99 which is the point of zero charge. There was an increase in the adsorbent adsorption capacity at a higher dose of the adsorbent. The Gmelina arborea exhibited better potential for removal of metal ions molecules. Adsorbents could also remove cations and anions of pollutants since their surface charge could be positive or negative depending upon pH condition. The results showed that Gmelina arborea pericarp as biosorbent has good potential for the removal of metal ions from aqueous solution.

HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL POLLUTANTS IN IDU RIVER SURFACE WATERS

2026-01-25T04:06:53+00:00

This study assessed the surface waters of the Idu River in Rivers State, Nigeria, for physicochemical traits, heavy metal concentrations, and possible health hazards. Three sites were used to gather water samples, which were then examined for conductivity, pH, temperature, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), and a few chosen heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Zn, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Mn). The Chronic Daily Intake (CDI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), and Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) through ingestion and cutaneous pathways were estimated using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) model for health risk assessments. Turbidity (6.30–6.68 NTU) marginally surpassed the limit (5 NTU), whereas pH (5.10–5.57) fell short of the WHO-acceptable range (6.5–8.5). Moderate ionic strength was indicated by conductivity (120–124 µS/cm) and TDS (90.33–96.68 mg/L) that were within allowable limits. Pb > Ni > Cd > Cr > Cu > Fe > Zn > Mn was the order of heavy metal concentrations; Pb (0.12–0.17 mg/L), Cd (0.02–0.07 mg/L), Cr (0.02–0.07 mg/L), and Ni (0.10–0.13 mg/L) were all above WHO/USEPA guidelines, indicating anthropogenic inputs from home, industrial, and agricultural sources. Ingestion was the primary exposure pathway, according to the health risk assessment, with HQ and ILCR values for Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni beyond the acceptable criteria, indicating both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic concerns. The danger was somewhat reduced for dermal exposure. In conclusion, without sufficient treatment, the surface water of the Idu River is dangerous to drink directly. To reduce heavy metal contamination and safeguard the public's health, it is advised to implement community sensitisation campaigns, enforce effluent discharge laws, and conduct ongoing monitoring.

VALORIZATION OF JATROPHA CURCAS SEED OIL THROUGH GREEN SYNTHESIS OF MULTIPURPOSE SOAP: A SUSTAINABLE CHEMICAL APPROACH

2026-01-25T04:17:20+00:00

The increasing demand for sustainable raw materials and environmentally friendly products has intensified research in plant-based oils as renewable feedstocks. Jatropha curcas, a non-edible and widely available seed crop, offers significant potential for eco-friendly soap production, reducing reliance on edible oils and promoting waste utilization. This study explores the valorization of J. curcas seed oil for the green synthesis of multipurpose soap, emphasizing its potential as a non-edible, high-yield, and eco-sustainable oil source. The oil was extracted from pulverized J. curcas seeds using the Soxhlet solvent extraction method and subsequently subjected to saponification with sodium hydroxide and natural additives under controlled conditions. The extracted oil exhibited physicochemical properties such as pH (6.80), temperature (21?C), electrical conductivity (1.98 S/m), specific gravity (0.534), refractive index (1.445), solubility in ethanol (7.0 g/100 mL), density (1.70 g/100 mL), acid value (0.81 ppm), and saponification value (84.13 mg/L). The resulting soap was analyzed for parameters including pH (6.50), electrical conductivity (3.50 S/m), relative density (1.30 mg/L), solubility in water (2.00 cm³/10 mL), solubility in ethanol (7.0 g/100 mL), foaming ability, and cleansing efficiency. The results confirmed that the J. curcas-based soap met basic quality requirements for both domestic and industrial applications, showing effective cleansing action and skin-compatible pH. This research demonstrates that J. curcas seed oil serves as a viable renewable feedstock for eco-friendly soap production, supporting waste reduction and contributing to sustainable chemical processes.

EXPOSITION OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL AND CORROSION INHIBITION PROPERTIES OF Urena lobata LEAVES EXTRACT ON COPPER IN 1M HCL

2026-01-25T04:24:00+00:00

The electrochemical and corrosion inhibitive effect of Urena lobata leaves extract on copper in 1M HCl solution was investigated using Gravimetric, Electrochemical, and Surface analyses. Adsorption isotherms were investigated using the Langmuir and Freundlich plots. The phytochemical contents of the extract were determined using the Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometric (GC-MS) technique. The effects of the leaf extract through immersion time, temperature, and concentration on the corrosion inhibition were investigated. The results obtained showed that the extracts from the leaves inhibited corrosion. The inhibition efficiency increased as the concentration of the extract solution increased. The corrosion rate of the metal increased with temperature, so the protection was more at lower temperatures. This is attributed to a reduction in the adsorption of the extract on the metal as temperature increased, thereby indicating physisorption. Maximum inhibition efficiency of 94.8% was obtained at 2.5g/L extract concentration. The Langmuir isotherms gave the best fit indicating chemisorption. Physical adsorption was confirmed for the leaves extract from observations of inhibition efficiency with temperature, activation energy, and enthalpy of adsorption values, indicating that the extract has mixed properties. The inhibition efficiencies (% IE) were attributed to the phytochemical components (alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, cyanogenic glycosides) present in the extract. This was confirmed by the results of the surface morphology examination of the metal surface, the electrochemical impedance, and potentiodynamic polarization spectroscopic analysis (EIS and PDP which showed protection of the metal coupons in the solutions with the plant extract. There is a need to isolate the pure phytochemicals that gave protection from the crude extract.