Traditional herbal methods of birth control have been used by many traditions for hundreds of years because they offer several benefits over modern methods like synthetic hormones, intrauterine devices (IUD), and surgery. This literature review set out to determine which African medicinal plants are used as contraceptives, with the most emphasis on Nigeria and some of the phytochemical constituents that are implicated in the anti-fertility. In this research, we used an e-library search and pertinent books to filter the published literature on the topic of plants with antifertility and contraceptive effects. More than 70 plants were shown to have a wide range of anti-pregnancy effects, including acting as abortifacients, inhibiting sperm motility, and even imitating or interfering with female reproductive hormones. Based on this review, over 15 substances have been identified as potentially having contraceptive effects, including ferutinin, quinovic acid glycosides, nimbolide, resveratrol, gossypol, etc. The lack of rigorous scientific studies and clinical trials that authenticate the efficacy and safety of natural contraceptives has led to persistently low rates of adoption despite the many benefits and various initiatives by government and developmental entities to increase their adoption in Nigeria. In conclusion, increased advocacy is required for scientists to intensify efforts in natural-based contraceptive research for proper validation and complementary effort with current conventional contraceptives.

The modern method of controlling insect pests, using synthetic insecticides has caused serious problems to human health and the environment. Hence, the need for alternative, cheap, readily available and acceptable insect pest control methods, among which are the use of plant leaf extracts. The aim of this study was to determine the bioinsecticidal efficacy of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Hyptis suaveolens against cowpea weevils (Callosobruchus maculatus). The bioassay of the powdered methanol extracts of leaves of E. camaldulensis and H. suaveolens was carried varying quantities (3 g, 6 g, 9 g and 12 g) of powdered extracts of the respective plant samples were mixed separately with 50 g of cowpea. Synthetic insecticide, Al2(PO4)3 was used as positive control while the negative control contained no treatment. Proximate compositions of the treated and untreated cowpeas were done using standard procedures while the extracts were characterized using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopic. Although mortality rates of the C. maculatus in presence of the extracts did not follow any dose-dependant trend, the respective dosages used for treatments inhibited the growth and activities of Callosobruchus maculatus. A high rate of seed damage was observed in the untreated cowpea seeds. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy of the extracts identified the presence of seven potential insecticidal compounds (Bargamotene, Globulol, Humulene, Linolein, Prasterone, Terpinen-4-ol and Traumatic acid) in Hyptis suaveolen. In the Eucalyptus camaldulensis extract, 13 potential insecticidal compounds (Barosma camphor, Carvacrol, Carbazon, Irone, Isoborneol, 5-methyl, 1,4-Naphthoquinone, Oleic Acid, Phytol, Piperitone, Pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid, Terpinen-4-ol, Viridiflorol) were identified. The bioinsecticidal activities of these plant extracts could be attributed to the presence of phytochemicals and isolated insecticidal compounds.

Drug development begins with medicinal plants as valuable materials. Euphorbia hirta (EH) andNauclea latifolia (NL) are important medicinal plants having applications in the management ofinfectious diseases. This research aimed at evaluating EH and NL leaves for their anthelminticproperty and establishment of probable dauer diapause effect induced via interaction with daf-12nuclear receptor in worms using standard procedures. Powdered plant samples were extractedusing cold maceration for 72h. Qualitative, quantitative phytochemicals and antioxidants weredetermined using standard procedures. Metal concentrations were determined using AtomicAbsorption Spectrophotometer. Anthelmintic assay was done by observing paralysis and deathtimes of worms. Molecular docking of compounds isolated from plants was done using PyRxVirtual Screening Tool workspace. SwissADME of the most promising compound was done withonline tool. Molecular Dynamics simulation done using UCSF Chimera and graphic processorunit (GPU) version of the PMEMD.CUDA having AMBER package. Different concentrations(10, 30, and 50 mg/mL) of methanol and hexane leaf extracts of EH and NL displayed appreciableanthelmintic activity against Pheritima pasthuma, Taenia solium and Fasciola gigantica in thefollowing order, P. pasthuma >F. gigantica >T. solium. The antagonist effect of Beta amyrin andBenzene-1,2,4-trimethyl on the key Amino acid residues in the binding site of Daf-12 nuclearreceptor confer a pronounced dauer diapause effect in EH and NL. In silico assay showed Betaamyrin having promising activity and appreciable stability in the binding site of the target and lowbioavailability. This study justifies the reasons behind EH and NL usage as anthelmintic drugslocallyKeywords: Anthelmintic, daf-12 receptor, Dauer diapause, Euphorbia hirta, Nauclea latifoliaquadrifida

One of the biological compounds limiting soil water retention capacity is oil when present due to its hydro-nature. However, some microorganisms exhibit the capacity to degrade oil as a source of carbon, whereby the soil quality is retained and enhanced. Hence, the gravimetric profile of hydrocarbon degrading bacteria and fungi isolated from oil contaminated soil samples was investigated. Soil samples were collected from surface and 10m depth from six different mechanic workshops and generator sites. The pour plate technique was used to isolate the microorganisms. All pure isolates were sub-cultured using Bushnell Haas agar and the isolated bacteria were identified by their morphological and biochemical characteristics. The soil samples pH range was 4.3 - 6.4. Bacteria isolated included Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus spp., Microccocus spp., Acinetobacter spp., and Bacillus spp. The fungi isolated included Aspergillus spp., Rhizopus spp., Candida spp., Trichoderma spp. and Penicillium spp. Degradation of kerosene, diesel, crude oil, engine oil, and spent engine oil was allowed using Acinetobacter baumanni, P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis, and S. aureus. Gravimetric analyses were used to determine the percentage of petroleum hydrocarbon degraded by bacterial isolates. The highest percentage of degradation was between P. aeruginosa and B. subtilis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa degraded 97.4% diesel, 88.2% kerosene, 71.3% crude oil, 80.7% engine oil and 78.2% spent engine oil; while Bacillus subtilis degraded 71% diesel, 97% kerosene, 89.6% crude oil, 87% engine oil and 72.6% spent engine oil. This study revealed that bacterial and fungal isolates from oil contaminated soils exhibited the potentials to degrade oil and bioremediation using these microorganisms was possible.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines traditional medicine as the sum total of the knowledge, skills, and practices based on the theories, beliefs and experiences indigenous to different cultures, whether explicable or not, used in the maintenance of health as well as in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and mental illness. Plants are traditionally used for treatment of bacterial infections. The aim of this study was to investigate chemical composition, nutritional evaluation and antibacterial activities of watermelon seeds. The qualitative phytochemical analysis of watermelon indicated that alkaloids were moderately present, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, and phenols were all present. The quantitative analysis of watermelon indicated 3.080 mg/g for alkaloids, 0.304mg/g for phenols, 0.117 mg/g for tannins, 0.200mg/g for saponins and 2.675 mg/g for flavonoids. The vitamin composition of watermelon seeds indicated 0.03 mg/100 g for vitaminB1, 0.01 vitaminB2, 0.64 mg/100g for vitaminB3, 0.24 mg /100 g vitaminB6 and 0.01 for vitaminB12.The bioactivities of extract were tested, against Proteus mirabilis, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Necropsobacter rosorum, Tsukamurella hongkongensis, Lactobacillus sp, Staphylococcus petrasii, Neisseria sicca, Dietzi amaris, Pseudomonas oryzyhabitans, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Advenella incenata, Neiserria subflava and Serriatia marcescens. Researchers are advised to turn their attention towards plants products, which is most promising area in search of new biologically activity compounds with better activity against multi drug resistant strains and reduced antibiotic related side effects.

From decades, the effective treatment of diseases with folklore is basically with plants of medicinal values. Methanol leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum was analysed for phytochemical constituents, nutritive value and chemical composition for possible antibacterial activity in comparison commercial antibiotics. The study confirms the presence of valuable plant chemicals for antimicrobial potency. Quantitatively, methanol extract of the vegetal showed high concentrations of 741.5, 346.95 and 137.5 mg/100g in saponin, flavonoids and alkaloids respectively. Nutritionally, it contained high percentage of 55.76, 18.18, 11.53 and 8.70 in carbohydrate, protein, moisture and crude fibre respectively. Highest inhibition recorded with the methanol leaf extract was 31 mm against Corynebacterium accolens while least inhibition of 14 mm was recorded against Salmonella typhi. The GC-MS composition of the essential oil extract showed the presence of Benzeaceticacid,.alpha.-[(diphenylmethylene)] (24.52%). The essential oil most inhibited Gram positive bacteria with highest zone of 33.20 mm and least inhibition of 24.00 mm while highest inhibition on Gram negative bacteria was 31.18 mm and least inhibition of 23.01 mm.

Reason: Andrographis paniculata and Aframomum melegueta are plants commonly used traditionally for the management of skin diseases.The scientific basis for the use of these plants' extracts for wound healing and skin diseases remains poorly understood.Methods: Powdered dry samples (50 g) of Andrographis paniculata leaves and Aframomum melegueta seeds were both extracted in ethanol and n-hexane separately.Bacteria isolates were obtained from the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, while organisms were sub-cultured on nutrient agar slants at 37°C for 24 hours before using for this investigation.Main Findings: The results showed that both ethanol and hexane extracts of A. melegueta and A. paniculata inhibited the growth of all the bacteria tested.At concentrations of 150 and 200 mg/ml, the A. paniculata hexane extract was more potent than the ethanol extract and highly effective against the Corynebacterium accolens with zones of inhibition of 8.5 mm, 10 mm and 12 mm while A. melegueta ethanol extract was observed to be more potent than the hexane extract at the same concentrations.Aframomum melegueta and effective against Klebsiella pneumoniae with the highest zones of inhibition of 10.5mm and 12mm.Conclusion: Both plants can be concluded to have broad spectrum antibacterial activity confirming them as effective antimicrobial plants useful in the management of skin diseases.

Aims: Rhizome of turmeric is known to possess therapeutic activities and has been used in medical practice as an antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, anti-diarrheal, and anti-asthma agent. This study was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of Curcuma longa. Methodology and results: Rhizomes of Curcuma longa (Turmeric) purchased from markets in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, were analysed for anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, as well as phytochemical constituents. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of the C. longa methanol extract (CLME) were evaluated by albumin denaturation, proteinase inhibitory activity, membrane stabilization, and anti-lipoxygenase activity, at different concentrations using Aspirin, Diclofenac sodium and Indomethacin as standard drugs. The in vitro antimicrobial activities of CLME were carried out on five pathogenic microbes namely Escherichia coli ATCC 29929, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29293, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 4252 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231, using both agar well diffusion and broth dilution techniques. A S. typhimurium infected rat model was used for in vivo antimicrobial studies. Phytochemical analyses showed that C. longa rhizomes contain high concentrations of alkaloids, flavonoid and saponins, with moderate levels of phenols, tannin and ferric reducing antioxidant power. CLME was found to be rich in alkaloids, tannins, phenols, steroids, saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids and reducing sugars. CLME showed potent anti-inflammatory activities, and the results compared favourably with the standard anti-inflammatory drugs used. C. longa methanol extract significantly inhibited albumin denaturation and proteinase activity, stabilized membrane of red blood cell from haemolysis in heat and hypotonic conditions, as well inhibited lipoxygenase activity; all of which are associated with inflammatory processes. CLME was found to possess high in vitro antimicrobial activities against the five microorganisms tested. Rats orally infected with S. typhimurium, demonstrated bacteraemia five days post infection, with a total clearance of bacteraemia within 3-5 days following oral administration of CLME. The infected rats treated with CLME equally showed significant improvement in some haematological indices compared to infected rats that were not treated with CLME. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: The results also showed that methanol extract of C. longa rhizome effectively cured with S. typhimurium infected rats. The overall results suggest that Curcuma longa is a potential source of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents.

This research was carried out to determine the nutritional values and antimicrobial activities of a mixed fruit juice from Coconut (Cocos nucifera) and Pineapple (Ananas comosus) which was pasteurized at 80°C for 10 minutes. The Phytochemical components of the fruit juices were analysed whereby the amount of alkaloids was higher than the amount of flavonoids. The physical properties studied included pH, titratable acidity and total solids. Nutritional, chemical compositions and antimicrobial activities of individual fruit juice and their blend were also carried out using standard methods. Sensory evaluation result showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in their colour, flavour, taste and overall acceptability of the juice blend. Their pH and titratable acidity values that were in reversed manner confer on them longer storage period. The samples had good antimicrobial activities.

Phytochemicals—God's Endowment of Curative Power in Plants tried to review the link between the knowledge of God's pronouncement on plants as man's source of food and drugs in the Holy Bible to the scientific proofs of the availability of phytochemicals in different species of plants. The abundance of plants in the world as vegetables, spices, fruits, etc. of which more than 80% of their chemical compositions have not been discovered emphasizes the reasons for the search of these phytochemicals as alternative drug sources which are safer and relatively cheaper. Literature is reviewed on different phytochemicals such as alkaloids, saponins, tannins, anthraquinones, and glycosides in the form of cardiac and cyanogenetic glycosides, flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenols considering their chemical properties and their usefulness to man. This review confirmed the outburst that said "the world is too much with us; late and soon, getting and spending, we lay waste our powers: Little we see in nature that is ours." Therefore, there is an urgent need to search for these various phytochemicals in plants so that we can utilize the potentials in these free gifts from God and not lay waste the curative power endowed on them purposely for man's health benefits.

Fungi were isolated from five different rhizosphere of some plants obtained from Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti farm and Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) incubated at 27ºC. The isolates were Trichoderma viride, Aspergillus fischeria, A. terreus, A. fumigatus, A. clavatus, Articulospora inflata, Penicillium italicum and Mucor mucedo. The interaction that existed between the fungal isolates was determined and it was observed that T. viride suppressed the growth of other fungal isolates. Effects of a fungicide; Ridomil gold at four different concentrations on the rate of growth of the isolates were determined. Trichoderma viride, P. italicum and A. fischeria were able to grow on different concentrations of Ridomil gold. Effect of heavy metals; zinc and lead at different concentration on the growth rate of isolates was determined. This study showed that Trichoderma viride was mostly resistant to the heavy metals and the lower the concentration, the higher the rate of growth of the fungi.

This study was carried out to investigate the antimicrobial activities of bacterial isolates of maize against plant pathogens as well as their growth responses to some environmental parameters. Twenty four bacterial isolates were obtained from maize plants collected from the Department of Biological Sciences, AfeBabalola University, Ado-Ekiti. The isolates were characterized by their biochemical and physiological characteristics and were identified as Kurthiazopfu, Morganellamorganic, Rhodococcusequi, Bacillus subtilis, Catabaterhongkongensis, Brevibacteriumotitidis, Lactobacillus coleohominis, Staphylococcus aureus, Propionibacterium acnes among others. Their responses to different NaCl concentrations, sugars, temperature as well as antibiotics were determined. Most of the isolates were able to withstand various environmental parameters in which they were subjected to. Also, eight isolates were able to ferment sucrose. The bacterial isolates showed a degree of resistance to the antibiotics tested. There was a high prevalence of multidrug resistant bacteria showing resistance to 3 - 8 drugs. The antagonistic effect of the bacterial isolates against selected fungi was determined. None of the isolates showed antagonistic potential against the fungal pathogens. However, the supposed antagonistic bacterial species can be genetically modified to produce secondary metabolites that will result in biocontrol.

Bacteria were isolated from decayed food samples (tomatoes, cooked beans and rice) collected from Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) cafeteria and characterized.Some of these isolated microorganisms could pose serious harm to humans including animals and they are normally treated with commercial antibiotics.However, the majority of bacteria are resistant to many antibiotics therefore, the use of plant extracts with therapeutic potential against resistant bacteria is necessary.In this investigation, eight bacteria were isolated from decayed food samples.The bacterial isolates were identified as Bacillus cereus and B. siamensis from rice sample; Klebsiella oxytoxa, Salimicrobium halophilium and Norcardia brasiliensis from beans sample; Bacillus subtilis, Enterobacter taylore, and Brevibacillus agri from tomatoes.The leaf samples of Tectona grandis were screened qualitatively and quantitatively for the phytochemicals while the crude methanol and chloroform extracts were used as antimicrobial agents against the isolated microorganisms.Alkaloids, carotenoids and tannins were present in large amount.The bacterial isolates were more susceptible to commercial antibiotics than that of methanol extracts of T. grandis.The methanol extracts of T. grandis have a higher antimicrobial activity than the chloroform extracts.

This study evaluated the toxic changes that may accompany treatment of diabetes with Phragmanthera incana, a mistletoe species growing on two plant hosts [Cola nitida (Kolanut; PICN) and Theobroma cacao (Cocoa; PITC)]. The toxic potential of this treatment regimen was evaluated using the effect of the extracts PICN and PITC on the haematology and serum chemistry of the diabetic rats. Alloxan-induced diabetic rats were treated with the extracts at doses of 200, 400 or 800 mg/kg or glibenclamide for 14 days. Blood samples were collected on day 15 for haematology and serum biochemistry. Haematological parameters analyzed were packed cell volume, haemoglobin, red blood cells, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), white blood cell count, platelet count, lymphocytes, neutrophil, monocytes and eosinophil. Serum biochemical parameters analyzed were total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin-globulin ratio, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alanine phosphatase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, cholesterol, bilirubin and glucose. The results showed that P. incana extracts, regardless of the host plant decreased blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Although it depressed packed cell volume (PCV), it also alleviated other complications of diabetes such as liver and kidney injury, and may possess hepatoprotective effect. Key words: Phragmanthera incana, Cola nitida, Theobroma cacao, diabetes, haematology, serum biochemistry.

OBJECTIVES: The work described plants collection, preparation and administration for diabetes cure in Ado Ekiti in Nigeria.METHODS: Twenty three plant samples were identifi ed for the use in the treatment of diabetes by the herbalists.The plants that are common among the healers are Anthocleista djalonensis, Vernonia amygdalina, Ocimum gratissimum, Momordica charantia.RESULTS: The most preferred method of preparation by the healers is concoction and decoction of fresh leaves, stem bark and roots.However, for emergency sake, some healers dried these plant parts, ground to smooth powder and packaged in brown bottles or in nylon which are either sold or given to people, but must be soaked in cold or warm water before use.CONCLUSION: The use of medicinal plants in healing diabetes is a common practice by traditional healers in Ado Ekiti and never treat their patients in conjunction with modern medicines (Ref.4).

Evidence in both experimental and clinical studies has shown the participation of oxidative stress in the development and progression of diabetes mellitus. This study therefore, sought to investigate the inhibitory effect of methanolic extract of Phragmanthera incana leaves, a mistletoe species harvested from Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) and Kolanut (Cola nitida) on FeSO4 induced lipid peroxidation in rat pancreas, liver, kidney, heart and brain in vitro. The methanolic extract was prepared with 90% methanol (v/v); subsequently, the antioxidant properties and inhibitory effect of the extract on Fe2+ induced lipid peroxidation in some rat tissues were determined in vitro. Incubation of the different rat tissues homogenate in the presence of Fe caused a significant increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents of the tissues. However, the methanolic extracts of Phragmanthera incana leaves harvested from both Cocoa and Kolanut trees caused a significant decrease in the MDA contents of all the tissues tested in a dose-dependent manner. However, the extract of Phragmanthera incana leaves harvested from kolanut trees had a better inhibitory effect on Fe2+- induced lipid peroxidation in the rat tissues homogenates than that of Phragmanthera incana leaves harvested from cocoa trees. This higher inhibitory effect could be attributed to its significantly higher antioxidant properties as typified by their phenolic content, DPPH radical scavenging ability and reducing power. Therefore, oxidative stress associated with diabetes and its other complications could be potentially managed/prevented by harnessing Phragmanthera incana leaves as cheap nutraceuticals. However, Phragmanthera incana leaves harvested from kolanut trees exhibited better antioxidant properties.

Survey on the ethnomedicinal uses of mistletoe in Southwestern Nigeria was carried out in various major market centers identified in the major capital towns of four different States in the Southwest Nigeria including Oyo, Ondo, Ogun and Ekiti States. A combination of social surveys and direct field observations comprising literatures, through friends, internet and consultation of local herb vendors were used in this study. A total number of 50 respondents comprising both male and female of various levels of educational status were interviewed. The major occupation of the people is farming, trading and herbal practice and the African mistletoe is widely used in the Southwestern Nigeria folk medicine to treat diabetes mellitus and hypertension. . Only aged ones above 40 years (86%) compared to the least represented youths (4%) could only give details of the information about mistletoes. However, the problem of identification and authentication still remained. There is need for further scientific research to explore the pharmacological importance of mistletoes as the result shows that it possesses a lot of ethnomedicinal assets. Original research Article Ogunmefun et al.; EJMP, 8(4): 224-230, 2015; Article no.EJMP.2015.107 225