Big Things, Small Packages: An Update on Microalgae as Sustainable Sources of Nutraceutical Peptides for Promoting Cardiovascular Health.

In 2017, a review of microalgae protein-derived bioactive peptides relevant in cardiovascular disease (CVD) management was published. Given the rapid evolution of the field, an update is needed to illumininate recent developments and proffer future suggestions. In this review, the scientific literature (2018-2022) is mined for that purpose and the relevant properties of the identified peptides related to CVD are discussed. The challenges and prospects for microalgae peptides are similarly discussed. Since 2018, several publications have independently confirmed the potential to produce microalgae protein-derived nutraceutical peptides. Peptides that reduce hypertension (by inhibiting angiotensin converting enzyme and endothelial nitric oxide synthase), modulate dyslipidemia and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have been reported, and characterized. Taken together, future research and development investments in nutraceutical peptides from microalgae proteins need to focus on the challenges of large-scale biomass production, improvement in techniques for protein extraction, peptide release and processing, and the need for clinical trials to validate the claimed health benefits as well as formulation of various consumer products with the novel bioactive ingredients.

Phytochemicals from medicinal plants from African forests with potentials in rheumatoid arthritis management.

OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, pain, and cartilage and bone damage. There is currently no cure for RA. It is however managed using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, often with severe side effects. Hidden within Africa's lush vegetation are plants with diverse medicinal properties including anti-RA potentials. This paper reviews the scientific literature for medicinal plants, growing in Africa, with reported anti-RA activities and identifies the most abundant phytochemicals deserving research attention. A search of relevant published scientific literature, using the major search engines, such as Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, etc. was conducted to identify medicinal plants, growing in Africa, with anti-RA potentials. KEY FINDINGS: Twenty plants belonging to 17 families were identified. The plants are rich in phytochemicals, predominantly quercetin, rutin, catechin, kaempferol, etc., known to affect some pathways relevant in RA initiation and progression, and therefore useful in its management. SUMMARY: Targeted research is needed to unlock the potentials of medicinal plants by developing easy-to-use technologies for preparing medicines from them. Research attention should focus on how best to exploit the major phytochemicals identified in this review for the development of anti-RA 'green pharmaceuticals'.

Anti-COVID-19 potential of Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaf extract.

COVID-19 is caused by infection with the "severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2″ (i.e., SARS-CoV-2). This is an enveloped virus having a positive sense, single-stranded RNA genome; like the two earlier viruses SARS-CoV and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) virus. COVID-19 is unique in that, in the severe case, it has the propensity to affect multiple organs, leading to multiple organ distress syndrome (MODS), and causing high morbidity and mortality in the extreme case. In addition, comorbidities like age, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and its complications, obesity, are risk factors for severe COVID-19. It turns out that a most plausible, simple, single explanation for this propensity for MODS is the pivotal involvement of the vascular endothelium (VE). This is a consequence of the fact that the VE seamlessly connects all the entire vascular bed in the body, thus linking all the target organs (heart, lungs, kidney, liver, brain) and systems. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 leads to hyper-inflammation yielding uncontrolled production of a mixture of cytokines, chemokines, reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, oxidative stress, acute phase proteins (e.g., C-reactive protein), and other pro-inflammatory substances. In the extreme case, a cytokine storm is created. Displacement of the virus bound to the VE, and/or inhibition of binding of the virus, would constitute an effective strategy for preventing COVID-19. In this regard, the acetone-water extract of the leaf of the Neem (Azadirachta indica) plant has been known to prevent the adherence of malaria parasitized red blood cells (pRBCs) to VE; prevent cytoadherence of cancer cells in metastasis; and prevent HIV from invading target T lymphocytes. We therefore hypothesize that this Neem leaf acetone-water extract will prevent the binding of SARS-CoV-2 to the VE, and therefore be an effective therapeutic formulation against COVID-19. It is therefore advocated herein that this extract be investigated through rigorous clinical trials for this purpose. It has the advantages of being (i) readily available, and renewable in favor of the populations positioned to benefit from it; (ii) simple to prepare; and (iii) devoid of any detectable toxicity.

Mutual Pan-African support paradigm to produce scientific evidence of traditional medical practices for use against COVID-19 and emerging pandemics.

Africa is endowed with a profoundly rich and diverse system of plants and other bio-resources out of which, by traditional medicine practice, the people have satisfied their healthcare needs right from antiquity. In contemporary times, it has become necessary to modernize this traditional medical care system via scientific studies. Validation of the efficacy of health-enhancement products and drugs from plants and other bio-resources is predicated on diligent and intensive research accompanied by rigorous and conclusive clinical trials. Africa has eminently qualified human resources but due to the finance-intensive nature of medical research, individual African states on their own cannot fund the level of research desired for dealing with such serious issues as the COVID-19 pandemic. A collaboration among African states guided by a Mutual Pan-African support paradigm (MPASP) is a unique strategy for achieving success in any such a high-impact global project as the use of traditional medicine against COVID-19 and emerging pandemics; and this is hereby advocated.

Selenium nanoparticles and metformin ameliorate streptozotocin-instigated brain oxidative-inflammatory stress and neurobehavioral alterations in rats.

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are well reported to exhibit pharmacological activities both in vitro and in vivo. However, literature is devoid of studies on the impact of SeNPs and/or metformin (M) against streptozotocin (STZ)-mediated oxidative brain injury and behavioral impairment. Consequently, to fill this gap, diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by feeding with 10% fructose solution for 2 weeks, followed by a single dose intraperitoneal injection of STZ (40 mg/kg body weight [bwt]). After rats were confirmed diabetic, they were treated orally with 0.1 mg/kg bwt of SeNPs ± M (50 mg/kg bwt), and normal control (NC) received citrate buffer (2 mg/mL) for 5 weeks. In comparison with the diabetic control (DC), SeNPs, and/or M significantly (p < 0.05) lowered blood glucose levels, but increased insulin secretion and pancreatic ß-cell function. An increase in locomotor and motor activities evidenced by improved spontaneous alternation, locomotor frequency, hinding, and increased mobility time were observed in treated groups. In addition, there was enhanced brain antioxidant status with a lower acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and oxidative-inflammatory stress biomarkers. A significant downregulation of caspase 3 and upregulation of parvalbumin and Nrf2 protein expressions was observed in treated groups. In some of the studied parameters, treated groups were statistically (p < 0.05) insignificant compared with the normal control (NC) group. Overall, co-treatment elicited more efficacy than that of the individual regimen.

Enzymatic release of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (gliptins) from pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) nutrient reservoir proteins: In silico and in vitro assessments.

In silico and in vitro parameters were used to assess the potential of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) nutrient reservoir proteins as sources of dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitors. In silico, 40 pigeon pea proteins evaluated had 46% of amino acids associated with DPP-4 inhibition. After virtual hydrolysis, pepsin had the highest frequency of release and bioactivity of released DPP-4 inhibiting peptides, compared to papain and thermolysin. In vitro, thermolysin released the most active DPP-4 inhibitors. The protein hydrolysates contained similar amino acids but different particle sizes. Thus, the bioactivity patterns are attributable to the different nature and behavior of proteins/peptides under actual and virtual conditions. Using eight physicochemical variables, a random forest model with moderate prediction accuracy was developed for predicting DPP-4 inhibitory activity of papain hydrolysates. The findings demonstrate that proteins from pigeon pea are precursors of DPP-4 inhibitors, with potential use in formulating functional food for managing type 2 diabetes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The emerging use of in silico simulations to predict bioactivity of peptides can provide a framework to direct further wet lab assessments. This pattern can enhance focusing on factors relevant to the bioactive properties of interest. However, there is still limited evidence to confirm the reliability and accuracy of this tool. This study therefore provides insight into the practical use of in silico simulations to predict bioactivity of food peptides by assessing the factors relevant to the enzymatic release of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors from pigeon pea seed storage proteins and validating the findings with wet lab assessment. This work also provides important information that can enhance the utilization of pigeon pea, which is an orphan crop, in developing functional food products for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus in developing countries.

Alteration in sperm characteristics, endocrine balance and redox status in rats rendered diabetic by streptozotocin treatment: attenuating role of Loranthus micranthus.

OBJECTIVES: Loranthus micranthus is widely used in Nigerian folklore treatment of male infertility and diabetes complications. We investigated this claim in rats rendered diabetic by streptozotocin (STZ). METHODS: Induction of diabetes mellitus in adult male Wistar rats was by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60  mg/kg). The diabetic rats were thereafter treated orally once/day with 5 mg/kg Gilbenclamide or L. micranthus (100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg) and monitored for 14 days. Clinical observations, hormonal profile, oxidative stress parameters, glucose metabolism enzymes, histopathological examination, apoptotic marker immunoreactivity and western blotting in testes and sperm parameters were evaluated to examine effects of L. micranthus on STZ-diabetic rats. RESULTS: L. micranthus treatment significantly reduced the blood glucose level (45.9% and 84.7% on the 7th and 14th post-treatment days, respectively); increased antioxidant status, improved microarchitecture of testes, reduced lipid peroxidation and increased BCl-2 protein expression in diabetic rats relative to control. Furthermore, treatment with L. micranthus increased steroidogenic enzymes activities, levels of steroid hormones and improved sperm quality, relative to control. CONCLUSION: The anti-diabetic and aphrodisiac properties exhibited by L. micranthus could be contingent on its ability to restore a balance to the compromised redox status that characterizes male reproductive dysfunction in diabetes.

Milling the Mistletoe: Nanotechnological Conversion of African Mistletoe (Loranthus micranthus) Intoantimicrobial Materials.

Nanosizing represents a straight forward technique to unlock the biological activity of complex plant materials. The aim of this study was to develop herbal nanoparticles with medicinal value from dried leaves and stems of Loranthus micranthus with the aid of ball-milling, high speed stirring, and high-pressure homogenization techniques. The milled nanoparticles were characterized using laser diffraction analysis, photon correlation spectroscopy analysis, and light microscopy. The average size of leaf nanoparticles was around 245 nm and that of stem nanoparticles was around 180 nm. The nanoparticles were tested for their antimicrobial and nematicidal properties against a Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli, a Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus carnosus, fungi Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and a nematode Steinernemafeltiae. The results show significant activities for both leaf and (particularly) stem nanoparticles of Loranthus micranthus on all organisms tested, even at a particle concentration as low as 0.01% (w/w). The results observed indicate that nanoparticles (especially of the stem) of Loranthus micranthus could serve as novel antimicrobial agents with wide-ranging biomedical applications.

Flush with a flash: natural three-component antimicrobial combinations based on S-nitrosothiols, controlled superoxide formation and "domino" reactions leading to peroxynitrite.

S-Nitrosothiols are ˙NO releasing agents renowned for vasodilatory and antioxidant properties. O2˙- promotes their decomposition, forming highly aggressive peroxynitrite ions (ONOO-). Since the production of O2˙- can be controlled by enzymes or by visible light, such otherwise harmless components can be turned into effective antimicrobial and nematicidal combinations with numerous potential applications in medicine.

Health Implications of Occupational Exposure of Butchers to Emissions from Burning Tyres.

BACKGROUND: Flames from burning scrap tyres are used in de-furring animals for human consumption in most parts of Nigeria. Emissions from tyres are known to contain a myriad of toxic mixtures especially particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds, hazardous air pollutants, and inspirable metals, some of which are known human carcinogens. This cross-sectional study investigated the deleterious health effects of these emissions in occupationally-exposed workers at the Dei-Dei Abattoir, Abuja, Nigeria. METHODS: A total of 156 respondents were divided into two groups. Group 1 (124 butchers) and group 2 [32 administrative staff (AS)]. Data from digital spirometry were used to determine the association between chronic exposure to tyre emissions and lung function. Urinary 1-Hydroxypyrene concentration, phenolic compounds levels and heavy metal concentrations were determined. Also ambient PM and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentrations at 3 delineated points in the abattoir were measured. FINDINGS: Spirometry results showed significant deterioration of lung function in the butchers. The concentration of 1-Hydroxypyrene (µg/molCret) in the post-shift urine samples of the butchers was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in butchers relative to the AS (0.52 ± 0.13 Vs 0.20 ± 0.07, respectively). Similarly the concentrations of zinc and nickel (mg/l) were significantly higher in the butchers compared to the AS (zinc: 0.91 ± 0.19 Vs 0.31 ± 0.28, respectively; nickel: 0.11 ± 0.06 Vs 0.06 ± 0.02, respectively). Anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo-a- pyrene, and PM concentrations were significantly higher at the de-furring point when compared to the wash bay and the administrative building, especially between 8.00 and 8.30 am. CONCLUSION: Occupational exposure to scrap tyre emissions resulted in significant adverse health effects. The existing laws banning the use of burning tyres in meat processing should be enforced while the use of personal protective equipment should be encouraged in abattoirs.

Not a 'Straitjacket Affair': Anthropometrically Derived Obesity Index Correlates of Elevated Blood Pressure among University Undergraduates.

Obesity is known to correlate with measures of blood pressure (BP). The nature of the correlations has, however, remained a subject of scientific enquiry, especially when BP phenotypes are disaggregated and obesity is determined by a variety of methods. This study examined the relationship between obesity and BP in young-adult Nigerians. A total of 1610 subjects (53.9% females) were recruited from five universities in the Igbo-speaking part of Nigeria. Relevant BP and anthropometric data were obtained following standard protocols. Appropriate statistical tools were used for data analyses. The results show that 42.2% (49.5% males, 36.1% females) and 13.3% (15.2% males, 11.6% females) of the population had point prehypertension and hypertension, respectively. By body mass index (BMI) standards, 20.6% (12.4% males, 27.5% females) of the population were overweight/obese. Despite the weak positive and significant correlations between BP and the measures of obesity in both males and females in the general population (r = +0.110 to +0.261; p < 0.05), the correlations were found to exist essentially in normotensives, taper in the prehypertensives, and disappear (or became negative) among hypertensives. When analysed along weight status lines, a discordant relationship was found between the sexes. Overall, the relationship between blood pressure and measures of obesity is not linear throughout the BP spectrum. Clearly the said relationship is not a 'straitjacket affair'.

Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L.) "milk" as a potent "nutri-drink" for the prevention of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in a murine model.

AIM/BACKGROUND: Given the prevalence of toxicants in foods, beauty products, etc., and the increasing demand for "green" products, there is a need for the development of "nutri-drinks" with hepatoprotective properties. The usefulness of tigernut milk (TNM) in preventing acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury was, therefore, investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 25 rats were randomized into five equal groups. Four groups were treated with 0, 500, 1000, and 2000 kg/mg body weight (bw) TNM, respectively, per os for 2 weeks before they were challenged with 2500 mg/kg bw APAP. Biochemical markers of hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress were determined in the sera of the rats at the end of the study. RESULTS: Serum alanine aminotransferase concentrations decreased significantly (P < 0.001) and dose-dependently from 334.3 ± 16.1 in the negative control group to 65.4 ± 8.3 in the 2000 mg/kg bw TNM group. Other studied liver enzymes were similarly dose-dependently reduced. These data are corroborated by histological findings. Superoxide dismutase activity (U/mg protein) was increased significantly (P < 0.001) from 108.0 ± 7.4 in the negative control group to 291.0 ± 11.3 in the 2000 mg/kg bw TNM group, and indeed all the test groups. The malondialdehyde concentrations in the test rats were slightly lower than that of the negative control group. CONCLUSION: TNM at the tested concentrations significantly prevented liver injury. Phytochemicals in TNM, working directly as antioxidants or indirectly by inducing the synthesis of glutathione, may be responsible for the observed effect.

Concentrations of some heavy metals in underground water samples from a Nigerian crude oil producing community.

Pollution due to oil exploration activities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria and government under-investments in potable water infrastructure has led to the dependence of the population on personal boreholes. Yet, there are little quality or surveillance reports on such waters. The concentrations of heavy metals in underground water samples from an oil producing area, Umuebulu, in the Niger Delta were therefore investigated. Water samples were collected from three test points, each approximately 300 m from (1) wellhead area (WHA), (2) flare area (FA) and (3) effluent discharge area (EDA), and one control point located 10 km away from any oil-related activity. The concentrations of lead, arsenic and cadmium were determined in the samples using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. All three heavy metals were present in the test, and control water samples at concentrations significantly (P < 0.05) exceeding the maximum contaminant levels recommended by the World Health Organization. The total hazard index of the water samples showed that their consumption constituted significant health risks in the order EDA > FA > WHA > Control. Appropriate water treatment and surveillance is warranted and therefore recommended for underground water resources of the studied community.

Prevalence of Hypertension in Nigerian Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Trend Analysis of Data from the Past Four Decades.

Despite four decades of research, there is no systematic review and trend analysis on paediatric (pre)hypertension in Nigeria. This article reviewed data from cross-sectional studies on the subject. From the initial 9334 articles identified, 30 studies that met the inclusion criteria were systematically reviewed. Data from studies that defined hypertension as blood pressure (BP) greater than the 95th percentile for age, height and sex gave a prevalence of 8.2% [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.6-28.2%] for prehypertension and 5.1% (95% CI: 2.9-8.6%) for hypertension. For studies that defined hypertension as BP greater than 2 SD points from the mean of the population, the prevalence of hypertension was found to be 4.0% (95% CI: 2.8-5.7%). A significant negative trend (Z = -0.89; α < 0.01) with small magnitude (Q = -0.019; 95% CI: -0.070 to 0.028) was found for hypertension in the reviewed population. The prevalence of (pre)hypertension in Nigerian children and adolescents is moderate but has slightly declined over time.

Preclinical Evidence on the Anticancer Properties of Food Peptides.

Natural, synthetic and analogues of peptides have shown prospects for application in cancer chemotherapy. Notably, some food protein-derived peptides are known to possess anticancer activities in cultured cancer cells, and also in animal cancer models via different mechanisms including induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, cellular membrane disruption, inhibition of intracellular signalling, topoisomerases and proteases, and antiangiogenic activity. Although the mechanism of several anticancer food peptides is yet to be clearly elucidated, there is potential for practical applications of the peptides as functional food and nutraceutical ingredients, especially in adjuvant cancer therapy. This review describes the aetiological mechanisms of cancers and the production, structures, mechanisms of action, availability, and cellular and physiological anticancer activities of the food peptides.

Malnutrition Affects the Urban-Poor Disproportionately: A Study of Nigerian Urban Children of Different Socio-Economic Statuses.

Income inequality within the same place of residence may impact the nutritional status of children. This study therefore investigated the impact of income inequality on the nutritional status of children living in the same place of residence, using anthropometric tools. Children in four schools (Schools 1-4) within the vicinity of a housing estate in Umuahia, Nigeria, that charge fees making them 'very affordable', 'affordable', 'expensive' and 'very expensive', respectively, were recruited for the study. Thinness, overweight and obesity were defined using the Cole et al. reference standards. Thinness was present in 10.4% (13.0% of boys, 7.6% of girls); 20.4% (15.6% of boys, 27.3% of girls; and 0.7% (1.4% of boys, 0.0% of girls) of children in Schools 1-3, respectively; but absent in school 4. Only 3.7% (1.4% of boys, 6.1% of girls) and 5.6% (6.3% of boys, 4.5% of girls) of children in Schools 1 and 2, respectively, were overweight/obese. Conversely, 25.8% (18.9% of boys, 32.5% of girls) and 41.6% (38.8% of boys, 45.3% of girls) of children in Schools 3 and 4, respectively, were overweight/obese. The urban-poor (School 2) are clearly affected by malnutrition disproportionately.

Aqueous and methanol extracts of Vernonia amygdalina leaves exert their anti-obesity effects through the modulation of appetite-regulatory hormones.

CONTEXT: Aqueous and methanol extracts of Vernonia amygdalina Del. (Asteraceae) (AEVA and MEVA, respectively) leaves are reported to possess anti-obesity properties, exerted through unknown mechanisms. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of AEVA and MEVA on relevant hormones and enzymes in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two Wistar rats were placed into seven groups. The test groups received 100 mg/kg.bw AEVA (AEVA100), 500 mg/kg.bw AEVA (AEVA500), 50 mg/kg.bw MEVA (MEVA50) and 200 mg/kg.bw MEVA (MEVA200), respectively. The positive control (PC) group received 20 mg/kg.bw Orlistat, while the negative control (NeC) and normal control (NoC) groups received distilled water. The extracts were given orally daily for 12 weeks. Thereafter, the concentrations/activities of relevant hormones/enzymes in their sera were determined. RESULTS: Insulin concentrations (ng/ml) in the test groups ranged from 1.08 ± 0.01 (AEVA100) to 1.09 ± 0.01 (AEVA500). They were all similar (p > .05) to the NoC and PC controls. Leptin concentrations (pg/ml) in the test rats ranged from 0.02 ± 0.01 (AEVA500) to 0.03 ± 0.00 (MEVA50), and were all similar to the NoC group. The ghrelin concentrations of only the AEVA500 and MEVA200 groups were similar to those of the PC group (0.10 ± 0.01 pg/ml). AEVA100 and MEVA200 resulted in adiponectin concentrations (ng/ml) of the rats (0.27 ± 0.04 and 0.28 ± 0.04 respectively) that were similar to the PC group. The activities of lipoprotein lipase and the concentrations of intestinal amylase in the test rats were similar to values obtained for the control groups. CONCLUSION: Appetite regulation may be the mechanism through which the weight-loss properties of AEVA and MEVA are expressed.

Body shape dissatisfaction is a 'normative discontent' in a young-adult Nigerian population: A study of prevalence and effects on health-related quality of life.

This study investigates the prevalence of weight misperception, weight preference, and body shape dissatisfaction (BSD) among young-adult Nigerians and assesses the impact of these factors on population quality-of-life (QOL). Relevant anthropometric data were collected according to internationally accepted protocols. Weight perception, weight preference, and BSD were measured using Stunkard silhouettes, while QOL was determined by subjective self-reporting. The results show that 26.7% of the population (18.8% for males and 34.5% for females) misperceived their weight. Among overweight participants, 56.6% (males) and 38.3% (females) thought they were thinner, while 11.5% (males) and 43.3% (females) thought they were heavier. Thin and obese males misperceived their weights more than their female counterparts. BSD was found in 62% of the population (52% for males and 71% for females) and was highest among obese participants (91.9%) and lowest among normal-weight participants (58.2%), irrespective of sex. In participants with BSD, QOL was worse in thin and normal-weight respondents who preferred to be heavier and in overweight respondents who preferred to be thinner. The high prevalence of weight misperception may lead to inappropriate weight loss habits, while BSD, a normative discontent in this population, negatively impacts subject QOL.

Synergistic postprandial blood glucose modulatory properties of Vernonia amygdalina (Del.), Gongronema latifolium (Benth.) and Occimum gratissimum (Linn.) aqueous decoctions.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Traditional healers in Nigeria use a combination of decoctions from green leafy vegetables in their blood glucose (BG) lowering recipes. Three plants Vernonia amygdalina (Del.) (VA), Gongronema latifolium (Benth.) (GL) and Occimum gratissimum (Linn.) (OG) are found consistently in such recipes. Whereas the anti-diabetic properties of extracts of these plants have been reported in animal models, little is known about the effects of their aqueous decoctions (singly or in combinations) on oral glucose tolerance (OGT) in humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty seven subjects were recruited and (on separate days) were given 150 mL of water, VA, GL and OG decoctions or blends of the decoctions to drink 45 min before a 2-h OGTT. Their OGTT curves were plotted and areas under the curves (AUCs) calculated. RESULTS: The results show that each of the three decoctions neither altered the peak time of the OGTT nor significantly (P>0.05) reduced the BG concentrations (BGCs) at any time point on the test curves relative to the baseline. VA, OG and GL gave 0.4, 0.2 and 2.8% reductions in the AUCs, respectively, relative to the baseline. Blending GL and VA did not improve the results. However, a decoction containing the three vegetables in equal proportions significantly reduced the BGCs at 90 (96.8 ± 9.5 vs. 107.1 ± 10.2mg/dL; P=0.041) and 120 (92.8 ± 14.3 vs. 102.5 ± 12.1mg/dL; P=0.037) minutes relative to the baseline, and gave better reductions in the AUCs (4.1%). CONCLUSION: The decoction containing the three vegetables was found to be superior in activity to any 1, or blends of only 2, of the 3 decoctions. This is a case of positive synergism, and justifies the use of these plants in ethnopharmacological BG lowering recipes.

Blood pressure-to-height ratio simplifies the diagnosis of hypertension in Nigerian children.

The diagnostic accuracy of blood-pressure-to-height-ratios (BPHRs) in 716 Nigerian children was studied, using standard protocols. Systolic BPHR (SBPHR) and diastolic BPHR (DBPHR) had diagnostic accuracies ranging from 0.934 to 1.000, irrespective of sex and age. Optimal thresholds of SBPHR/DBPHR are provided, and their sensitivities and specificities all exceeded 80%. BPHR is a simple, sensitive and specific tool for the diagnosis of hypertension in this population.