RESUMO
The extract of Jatropha Gossypifolia stem was obtained by cutting the stem with a sharp knife and the fluid expressed out. The suitability of the stem latex extract as a precipitant for biochemical analysis was determined. The precipitating efficacy of the extract for creatinine and protein estimation was found to be optimum at 1/4 and 1/5 dilutions respectively aqueous solution. Plasma protein was precipitated with stem extract of J. Gossypifolia at the stated dilution. The mean plasma creatinine values obtained from 0.5 % sodium tungstate as a protein precipitant were compared with the values of plasma creatinine obtained when » dilution of stem extract of J. Gossypifolia was used as protein precipitant. Similarly mean cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and urinary protein values obtained from 3 % Tricholoro-acetic acid as protein precipitant were compared with values obtained from 1/5 dilution of stem extract of J. Gossypifolia as protein precipitant. The values obtained from the stem latex extract at the stated dilutions were comparable with values obtained from the conventional protein precipitants (p < 0.05). The stem latex extract of J. Gossypifolia is suitable as a protein precipitant for creatinine, CSF and urinary protein estimations. However further work need to be done to purify the extract and determine the exact concentration at the stated dilutions as well as the active ingredient in stem latex.
RESUMO
Soft drink is a carbonated water; flavoured and sweetened with either sugar or sweetener. The resulting glucose solution in the human body is the key source of energy. Positive associations between soft drinks consumption and incidence of diabetes have been postulated. Thus; it is the aim of this study to show the effects of casual soft drinks consumption on glucose level of healthy Nigerian individuals in fasting and 2 hours post-prandial. A total of 350 apparently healthy individuals were recruited for this study. 115 subjects (Group A) were given a bottle of Coca-Cola (Coke) each; another 115 (Group B) subjects were given a bottle of Bitter Lemon (Krest) each while the remaining 120 subjects (Group C) were given 75g of D-glucose in 300mL of distilled water. Glucose tolerance test (GTT) was performed on all the subjects and the curve of glucose concentration plotted against time of sample collection. GTT graph of group A and B shows a flat curve of enhanced GTT while group C shows a normal GTT response graph. The result however; indicates that casual consumption of soft drinks did not predispose to development of diabetes as it has no significant effect on plasma glucose and renal threshold concentration of apparently healthy individuals