Studies on some edible wild mushrooms from Nigeria: 1. Nutritional,teratogenic and toxic considerations

The biological value of 5 mushroomsChlorophyllum molybditis, Psathyrella atroumbonata, Termitomyces robustus, Termitomyces striatus andVolvariella esculenta from our collection of wild edible mushrooms were determined using weanling rats.C. molybditis supported rapid growth with PER (2.63) higher than the casein control (2.50).P. atroumbonata was average in biological performance (PER 1.50) whileT. robustus andV. esculenta did not support growth at all. Rats onT. striatus dried at 60°C for 48 h lost weight rapidly and showed pathological signs of toxicity by the second day. All rats on this died died by the fourth day of the experiment. When the diet ofT. striatus dried at 90°C for about 8 h was fed, the rats gained weight marginally but all survived. Prolonged storage ofT. striatus at 60°C for 5–8 weeks also seemed to detoxify the poisonous component such thatPER andNPR values were 0.8 and 2.0 respectively. 2 pairs each of adult rats fedC. molybditis andTricholoma lobayensis diets for 10 days were mated. Rats ofC. molybditis diet gave 5 and 6 litters each and only one of these litters seemed to have retarded growth. Rats onT. lobayensis diet did not produce any litters for 14 weeks but the female produced off-spring when mated with control male rats.     

Chemical composition of kernels from some species ofCucurbitaceae grown in Nigeria

The seeds of lesser-known species —Cucumeropsis mannii, Lagenaria sicceraria varities 1 and 2 andTelfairia occidentalis, ofCucurbitaceae family were studied. The protein content ofC. mannii was 36.1% and the varieties 1 and 2 ofL. sicceraria had 32.1% and 33.3% respectively.Telfairia occidentalis had protein content of 33.2%. The fat contents ofC. mannii, L. Sicceraria var. 1 and 2 andT. occidentalis were 44.4%, 44.6%, 46.9% and 42.3% respectively. The crude fibre content for each of the two varieties ofL. sicceraria was 3.6% andT. occidentalis had 5.5%.Cucumeropsis mannii had the lowest (2.4%) fibre content. The carbohydrate contents forL. Sicceraria var. 2,C. mannii, andT. occidentalis were 12.6%, 13.2% and 14.4% respectively.Lagenaria sicceraria var. 1 had the highest value of carbohydrate (15.8%). The species were relatively rich in potassium and magnesium with range of values of 0.56% to 0.68% and 434 ppm to 444 ppm respectively.Cucumeropsis mannii andLagenaria sicceraria var. 2 had relatively high contents of calcium (117 ppm) and iron (109 ppm) respectively. The kernels of these species exhibited lipase activity.Telfairia occidentalis showed the highest degree of lipase activity.     

Nutritional and chemical evaluation of raw seeds ofCanavalia gladiata (Jacq) DC. and C.ensiformis DC: The under utilized food and fodder crops in India

In India, the seeds ofCanavalia gladiata andC. ensiformis have traditionally been eaten by the aborigines, but they are less popular among the civilized people. The data on the chemical composition and nutritional quality of these seeds are not readily available. The proximate composition, mineral composition, the contents of total (true) proteins, seed protein fractions, profile of seed protein amino acids and certain antinutritional factors were analysed and reported in the present study. The seeds ofC. ensiformis contain more crude protein, crude lipid and minerals like Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, Fe and Mn than doesC. gladiata. Both albumins and globulins together constitute the major bulk of seed proteins. In both the species ofCanavalia investigated, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, isoleucine+leucine, tyrosine+phenylalanine and lysine are the major amino acids of seed proteins. The presence of certain antinutritional factors (total free phenols, tannins, lectins, L-DOPA, trypsin inhibitor activity) is also reported for both species ofCanavalia.     

In vitro bioavailability of iron from spinach (Spinacea oleracea) cultivated in soil fortified with graded levels of iron and zinc

A pot-culture experiment was conducted to assess the bioavailability of iron from spinach cultivated in soil fortified with graded levels of iron and zinc (FeSO₄ . 7H₂0 and ZnSO₄ . 7H₂0, respectively). Applications of varying levels of iron to soil increased the total iron and phosphorus contents and decreased the zinc content (P<0.05). The effect of applying varying levels of zinc was the opposite of on the minerals in spinach. The ascorbic acid content was remarkably reduced with varying levels of iron and zinc. Higher levels of zinc and lower levels of iron in the soil increased the bioavailability of iron from spinach (P<0.05). In conclusion, the interactions of 15 ppm zinc with 30 ppm iron significantly enhanced the bioavailability of iron, total iron and zinc contents.     

Nutritional value of some non-conventional plant foods of India

Thirteen non-conventional foods including fruits, leaves and grains consumed in various parts of the Indian subcontinent were analysed for their nutritional value. Khejri beans (Prsopsis cineria), Pinju (Capparis decidua) and Kachri (Cucumis species) contained considerable amounts of protein (15–18%). Kachri was rich in fat (13%). Bhakri (Tribulus terristris), Gullar (Ficus glomerata) and Peehl (Salvadora oleoides) were found to be rich sources of calcium; Gullar contained about 15 times the amount of calcium present in wheat. Phosphorus content of Santhi (Boernavia diffusa), Khejri beans, Bhakri, Pinju and Lehsora (Cordia dichotoma) were noticeable. Zinc was present in high amounts in Peepalbanti (Ficus religiosa) and Gullar; as was iron in Santhi and Bhakri and manganese in Santhi. Besides iron, zinc and calcium, Pinju contained appreciable amounts of -carotene and vitamin C. However, Santhi contained high amounts of oxalic acid.     

Diplazium sammatii: Athyraceae (`Nyama Idim'): Age-related nutritional and antinutritional analysis

Tender and mature leaflets and leaves of Diplazium sammatii (`Nyama idim'), were separately investigated for their nutritional and antinutritional properties. Results showed little difference in proximate nutritional contents between tender and mature leaves, except for crude fat, which was present in levels 1.5 times higher in younger than in older leaves. Crude fiber levels were low. Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) were higher in younger leaves (6.8 and 3.5 mg/100 g dry matter, respectively, compared to 4.5 and 2.5 mg/100 g dry matter, respectively in older leaves). Older leaves contained higher levels of iron (Fe): 6.7 mg/100 g dry matter, in comparison to 4.3mg/100 g dry matter, in young leaves. Oxalate levels were slightly higher in younger than older leaves. However, the reverse was true for tannin content. Both antinutritional compounds were present in levels which shouldbe safe.     

Vitamin values ofPleurotus mushrooms

Ascorbic acid, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and folic acid contents were determined in four different species ofPleurotus mushroom grown on wet chopped unfermented rice straw. The estimated values for the respective vitamins ranged from 92–144, 1.36–2.23, 60.6–73.3, 6.66–8.97, 21.1–33.3 mg and 1222–1412 µg per 100g mushrooms on dry weight basis. These vitamin values were comparable with those ofAgaricus bisporus, but were higher than those ofAuricularia, Lentinus andVolvariella.     

Evaluation of mineral elements and ascorbic acid contents in fruits of some wild plants

The fruits of some wild plants were examined for their contents of mineral elements and ascorbic acid.High levels of ascorbic acid were found in fruits ofSclerocarya birrea (403.3 mg/100 g) andAdansonia digitata (337 mg/100 g). In nine of the fruits examined, the mineral contents (Ca, P) were comparable with average values found in common fruits. The iron contents were however 2–5 times higher than the values for common fruits.     

Determination of iron absorption by rat bioassay. Evaluation of methods of dosing59Fe on radioiron absorption from plant diets

We studied the potential of an animal model to predict nonheme iron absorption in humans and tested a feasible and easy technique of dosing⁵⁹Fe to evaluate bioavailability of dietary nonheme iron. Plant diets containing about 20 ppm or 75 ppm iron were the nonheme iron sources with ferrous sulfate (75 ppm) as a reference. Radioiron was administered by (a) gavaging in water, 1 h after a meal; (b) mixing with the meal; and (c) making a slurry with the meal and gavaging. No significant differences were found (P0.05) in⁵⁹Fe absorption among the three methods of administering radioiron. Absorption of⁵⁹Fe was similar to apparent iron absorption for all diets tested, whether the animals consumed the same diet as that of the test meal or a different diet. A high correlation (r=0.88) obtained between the apparent iron absorption and⁵⁹Fe iron absorption for different dosing techniques, indicates that extrinsic iron tag administered by any of these methods is valid to measure nonheme iron absorption. Apparent iron absorption values determined by rats fed 20 ppm or 75 ppm dietary iron from plant sources were similar to reported values for humans. It is concluded that the normal adult rat is an appropriate model to study iron bioavailability of human foods when iron status, maturity, iron intake relative to requirement, and method of measurement are similar to the human situation.     

Nutritional value and content of antinutritional compounds and toxics in ten wild legumes of Yucatan Peninsula

The chemical and toxicological composition of ten wild legumes collected in Yucatan, Mexico was determined. For each species the whole fruit, (seed and pod), were studied as well as the seed and pod separately. A higher protein content was found in the seeds ofA. lebbeck andP. saman (37.07 and 37.60% respectively). In the seeds ofL. longystilus, C. yucatanensis andP. keyense a high concentration of fat was found, especially in the first with 31.34%. A high quantity of fiber was found in the pods. In general, the samples were rich in lysine (especially seeds) and scant in sulfur amino acids and tryptophan. All the samples showed high concentration of potassium and calcium. Some of them exhibited significant concentrations of iron. The pods ofP. saman and P. keyense showed a high content of lectins. In the seeds ofC. yucatanensis and in the pod ofP. keyense high concentrations of trypsin inhibitors were found 60 and 406.7 TUI/mg sample respectively. The presence of saponins, was detected in seven samples, of which the seed ofP. keyense had the highest concentration. Alkaloids were found only in the whole fruit and pod ofP. saman and cyanogenic glucosides were present inA. pennatula. In general terms, the whole legume showed better digestibility than the pods alone.     

Trace elements in spinach (Spinacia oleracea) cultivated in soil fortified with graded levels of iron

Trace elements in two varieties of spinach cultivated in soil with different levels of added iron were determined. Addition of iron to soil decreased potassium, sodium and magnesium contents in spinach markedly (p<0.05), while the contents of zinc, manganese and copper in spinach were not significantly altered (p>0.05). Differential behaviour of spinach varieties was found in the zinc, manganese and sodium contents.     

Chemical analysis and nutritional assessment of the less known pulses,Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal andVigna vexillata (L.) A. Rich.

The seeds ofVigna aconitifolia andVigna vexillata were analysed for proximate composition, minerals, seed protein fractions, amino acids, fatty acids, and antinutritional factors. Both the pulses were found to be rich sources of proteins and minerals like Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, and Mn.Vigna aconitifolia seeds exhibited fairly high levels of crude lipid. The most limiting essential amino acids in both the pulses were the sulphur-amino acids, cystine, and methionine. Threonine inV. aconitifolia and phenylalanine and tyrosine inV. vexillata occurred in higher quantities when compared with WHO/FAO requirement pattern. Oleic acid and palmitic acid inV. aconitifolia and linoleic acid and palmitic acid inV. vexillata lipids were found to be the predominant fatty acids. The tannin content of both the pulses was negligible compared with the domesticated legumes. The other antinutritional factors like total free phenols, L-DOPA and haemagglutinating activity were also analysed/assayed.     

Proximate composition,energy content and physiochemical properties ofAfzelia africana andBrachystegia eurycoma seeds

The proximate composition, energy content and physiochemical properties ofAfzelia africana andBrachystegia eurycoma seeds were determined. The bulk density, reconstituability, foam properties and emulsification properties of flour samples in water, 1% saline and 1% alkali were studied. There were no significant differences (p0.05) in the proximate composition of seeds from different agroclimatic zones. The energy content of seeds were comparable to that of other legume seeds (5.7 kcal/g forA. africana and 4.5 kcal/g forB. eurycoma seeds). Foam properties ofB. eurycoma seeds were found to be better than that ofA. africana seeds in terms of foam volume and stability. Emulsification properties ofB. eurycoma seeds were also found to be better thanA. africana seeds suggesting thatB. eurycoma seeds would be more efficient in food systems requiring the formation of stable foams and emulsions. Protein solubility in alkali was found to be better than in water and in 1% saline. The bulk densities and reconstitution indices of flour samples from the two seeds were found to be similar.     

Contents of minerals in green leafy vegetables cultivated in soil fortified with different chemical fertilizers

Content of selected minerals in spinach (Spinacea oleracea) andambat chuka (Rumex vesicarius) cultivated in soil fortified withdifferent chemical fertilizers was determined in a pot experiment.Addition of NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) fertilizer alongwith micronutrients, iron and zinc, enhanced the concentration of zinc,iron and magnesium in selected green leafy vegetables markedly (p<0.05),while the concentration of copper was not altered significantly(p>>0.05). Potassium content in the green leafy vegetables was notaffected (p>0.05) by the addition of chemical fertilizers to soil.Spinach and ambat chuka differed remarkably in their mineral contents.Contents of potassium, zinc and copper were significantly high in spinach,while the contents of magnesium and iron were markedly high in ambatchuka (p<0.05).     

Characterization of oils and chemical analyses of the seeds of wild plants

The Chemical compositions of the seeds of some wild plants have been investigated. The seeds ofHematostaphis berteri, Balanites aegytiaca andXimenia americana contain high levels of oils with values in the range, 38.2–54.5% (w/w). The iodine values of the oils were determined and, forXimenia americana, the value was high, i.e., 149.8 mg/100 g. The storage properties of the oil ofHematostaphis berteri were examined over a period of fifty six days by exposure to light at ambient temperature. The peroxide value of the oil over the period increased by 12-fold of its initial value of 27.5 mEq/kg, suggesting light susceptibility to photo-oxidative degradation. The proximate protein contents were low but the concentrations of mineral elements in the seeds examined were generally high, exceeding the values for the corresponding mesocarps by several orders of magnitude.Abbreviations IV iodine values - PV peroxide values - SV saponification values     

Studies on the seed oils ofParkia biglobosa andParkia bicolor

The seed oils ofParkia biglobosa andParkia bicolor (Mimosaceae) have been analysed for their possible edible utility and to provide some physical data on both oils. The fatty acid composition of the oils was identified. Six major fatty acids were identified in the oil ofP. bicolor while five were identified in that ofP. biglobosa by Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas Chromatography — Mass Spectroscopy (GC — MS). The two oils contained five similar fatty acids in almost the same ratios. Arachidic acid was the most abundant fatty acids (greater than forty per cent) in both oils. Other fatty acids in the oils were behenic, stearic, palmitic and linoleic acids. The sixth fatty acid inP. bicolor was an odd number of carbon atom and un unsaturated fatty acid (C₂₀H₃₇COOH) named bicolargic acid. The oils were also found to be non toxic.     

Mineral Profile and Variability in Vegetable Amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor)

Populations in North India depend on a number of vegetable crops of which Amaranthus spp. is the most important since it is the only crop available in the hot summer months when no other foliage crop grows in the field. However, reports on mineral composition of leaves are rare with absolutely no information on the qualitative improvement of foliage yield with special reference to minerals. Studies on correlation among the minerals as well as with yield and leaf attributes are also lacking. Hence, we report the proximate mineral composition in 30 strains of A. tricolor along with some suggestions for qualitative improvement of the foliage yield with reference to minerals. Our study showed that vegetable amaranth is a rich source of minerals like calcium (1.7±0.04 g/100 g), iron (1233.8±50.02 mg/kg), and zinc (791.7±28.98 mg/kg). The heritability estimates were high for most of the traits, with potassium and calcium showing high values, while comparatively lower values were recorded for magnesium and nickel. Nickel was the only mineral that showed positive correlation with all the minerals, as well as with leaf size and foliage yield. Zinc showed strong positive relationship with iron (0.66^**) and manganese (0.74^**), and was the only mineral exhibiting significant positive association with foliage yield. This study would be of use in enhancement of selected minerals in different regions according to local preferences and nutrient deficiency prevalent among the populations.     

Antifungal textile dyeing with<Emphasis Type="Italic">Mahonia napaulensis D.C.</Emphasis> leaves extract based on its antifungal activity

The antifungal activity of the methanolic extract ofMahonia napaulensis D.C. or Taming (local name) leaves was evaluated with four species of common pathogenic fungi e.g.Colletotrichum capsici (MTCC No. 2071),Leptosphaerulin trifoli (MTCC No. 2328),Alternaria brassicicola (MTCC No. 2102) andHelminthosporium solani (MTCC No. 2075). The present investigation also aims at developing an eco friendly natural antifungal finish from plant extract ofMahonia for textile application. The antifungal textile dyeing was also carried out with aqueous extract of stem and leaves ofMahonia and the dyed fabric was tested against fungal speciesTrichoderma for its antifungal activity in vitro.Mahonia extract showed substantial antifungal activity of 83.33% forLeptosphaerulin trifoli andAlternaria brassicicola by 80 ppm dose in 24 hours and 46% antifungal activity inMahonia dyed pieces in broth againstTrichoderma.     

Antimicrobial activities of Allium sativum,Allium cepa,Raphanus sativus,Capsicum frutescens,Eruca sativa,Allium kurrat on bacteria

The antimicrobial activities of the crude juices ofAllium sativum, Allium cepa, Raphanus sativus have been found to be strongly active onEscherichia coli, Pseudomonas pyocyaneus, Salmonella typhi andBacillus subtilis, while the crude juices ofCapsicum frutenscens andEruca sativa were active only onEscherichia coli, Salmonella typhi andBacillus subtilis. The crude juice ofAllium kurrat was active onEscherichia coli andBacillus subtilis. The active antibacterial substances were easily isolated by different organic solvents.

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Zusammenfassung Die antimikrobiellen Aktivitäten der rohen Säfte vonAllium sativum undAllium cepa wurden als stark befunden gegenEscherichia coli, Pseudomonas pyocyaneus, Salmonella typhi undBacillus subtilis, während die rohen Säfte vonCapsicum frutescens undEruca sativa nur gegenEscherichia coli undBacillus subtilis aktiv waren. Der rohe Saft vonAllium kurrat erwies sich als aktiv gegenEscherichia coli undBacillus subtilis. Die aktiven antimikrobiellen Substanzen waren durch verschiedene organische Lösungsmittel leicht zu isolieren.

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Résumé Les activités antimicrobiennes des jus crusd'Allium sativum, Allium cepa, Raphanus sativus ont été trouvées actives en affectantEscherichia coli, Pseudomonas pyocyaneus, Salmonella typhi etBacillus subtilis, mais les jus crus deCapsicum frutescens etEruca sativa affectent seulementEscherichia coli, Salmonella typhi etBacillus subtilis. Le jus crud'Allium kurrat affecteEscherichia coli etBacillus subtilis. L'active substance antibactérienne est isolée facilement par dissolvants organiques différents.

     

Double fortification of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) and finger millet (Eleucine coracana L. Gaertn) flours with iron and zinc

Finger millet and sorghum flours were used as vehicles for double fortification with ferrous fumarate, zinc stearate and EDTA. The iron and zinc salts were added at levels that provided 60 mg iron and 50 mg zinc per kg of flour. EDTA was added at levels equimolar to the added iron. The double-fortified finger millet and sorghum flours contained bioaccessible zinc contents of 0.83 and 1.63 mg/100 g, respectively, while the respective bioaccessible iron contents were 2.39 and 2.63 mg/100 g. The exogenous iron and zinc did not mutually interfere with their bioaccessibility. The shelf-life of the fortified flours was also satisfactory up to a period of 60 days, as indicated by the moisture and free fatty acid contents in the fortified flours. Double fortification of the millet flours did not negatively alter the sensory quality of the products prepared from them. The RDA for iron and zinc of Indian children, women and men can be sufficiently met with approximately 4 dumplings or 9 rotis. The use of such qualitatively and quantitatively rich flours can be promoted through welfare programs to reduce and subsequently eradicate iron and zinc deficiency.