Computational Investigation of the Therapeutic Potential of Detarium senegalense in the Management of Erectile Dysfunction Jerius Nkwuda Ejeje, Emmanuel Ayodeji Agbebi, Makhosazana Siduduzile Mathenjwa-Goqo, Obinna Aru Oje, Precious Eseose Agboinghale, et al. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024 Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a multifactorial social problem affecting men worldwide. While phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5) like sildenafil are commonly used, they often present side effects, underscoring the need for alternative therapies. Therefore, this study investigated the potential of phytochemicals from Detarium senegalense in the management of ED. A library of phytochemicals from Detarium senegalense was generated, prepared, and interacted with six key enzymes implicated in ED, including PDE5, using the Schrödinger Maestro suite. The results identified catechin, epicatechin, and gallic acid as the leading compounds with significant binding affinities for the targeted enzymes. Catechin and epicatechin (−9.877 and −11.408 kcal/mol, respectively) exhibited comparable binding affinities to sildenafil (−11.926 kcal/mol) on PDE5. The MD simulation results also revealed superior stability and ability to maintain interaction with key amino acids at the active site of PDE5 over the entire simulation period for these compounds. These compounds also demonstrated favorable ADMET profiles over sildenafil, including high gastrointestinal absorption and no violation of Lipinski’s rule, indicating good bioavailability and drug likeness. These findings suggest that flavonoids from Detarium senegalense, especially catechin and epicatechin, have potential in the management of ED by interacting with multiple targets involved in its pathogenesis.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using leaf extract of Euphorbia sanguine: an in vitro study of its photocatalytic and melanogenesis inhibition activity Anthony C. Ekennia, Dickson N. Uduagwu, Njemuwa N. Nwaji, Olawale J. Olowu, Obianuju L. Nwanji, et al. Inorganic and Nano Metal Chemistry, 2022 We report on biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extract of Euphorbia sanguinea and its photocatalytic degradation of Congo red dye and melanogenesis inhibition activity of mushroom tyrosine enzyme. Surface Plasmon resonance bands obtained from UV-Vis spectra were within the range 430–436 nm. FT-IR studies reveal the presence of functional groups of the plant metabolites used as stabilizing agents of nanoparticles. The shape of silver nanoparticles is spherical with size ranges about 20–28.8 nm as confirmed by SEM. XRD patterns displayed well-defined crystalline peaks corresponding to the face-centred cubic structures of metallic silver nanoparticles. The results of photocatalysis showed high photocatalytic efficiency of 86% and 90% within 5 min and 60 min, respectively at a rate of solar radiation of in the degradation of Congo red dye. The AgNPs gave dose dependent melanogenesis inhibition activity with IC50 of 71.96 µg/ml, showing non competitive mode of inhibition. Highlights Rapid formation of silver nanoparticles using 0.5 mL extract of Euphorbia sanguinea. AgNPs are spherical, monodispersed and with sizes in the range of 20–29 nm. High photocatalytic efficiency of 86% was obtained within 5 min of solar radiation of AgNPs in the degradation experiment of Congo red dye. First order kinetics with a correlation coefficient of 0.9472 and a rate of 0.0063 min−1 was established for the photocatalytic process. AgNPs showed dose dependent melanogenesis inhibition activity of IC50 71.96 µg/ml .
Assessment of heavy metals around Abakaliki metropolis and potential bioaccumulation and biochemical effects on the liver, kidney, and erythrocyte of rats Azubuike Peter Ebokaiwe, Omaka Ndukaku Omaka, Uchechukwu Okorie, Obinna Oje, Chima Egedeigwe, et al. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment, 2018 This study investigated changes in kidney, liver and erythrocyte of male rats after exposure to ground water samples collected in the studied areas and treated water sample. Results reveal high levels of heavy metals in water from studied areas and a concomitant accumulation of metals in liver, kidney and blood of rats. Heavy metal contaminated underground water (HMCUW) caused a significant increase in levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), including glutathione (GSH) levels. Principal component analysis implicated geogenic and anthropogenic factors for underground water contamination by heavy metals in the areas. However, activities of gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT), 51 nucleotidase (51NT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) significantly increased in kidney, liver and erythrocytes of rats compared with control group (p < 0.001). We observed significant (p < 0.001) increase in serum electrolytes, urea and creatinine levels compared to control. Heavy metals in HMCUW are above ambient levels and possess significant decrease in triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels. Histology revealed alterations in architecture of the kidney and liver. Prolonged exposure to HMCUW could induce oxidative damage in kidney, liver and erythrocyte which could elicit liver and kidney dysfunctions.
Effect of acid and alkaline pretreatment on the production of biosurfactant from rice husk using mucor indicus Obinna A. Oje, Victor E. Okpashi, Jane C. Uzor, Ugochukwu O. Uma, Anthony O. Irogbolu, et al. Research Journal of Environmental Toxicology, 2016 This study was designed to determine the effect of acid and alkaline pretreatment of rice husk on the production of biosurfactant using Mucor indicus. Rice husk was pretreated at 120°C in a mineral nutrient medium at variable pH of 2, 7 and 12. The media were adjusted to pH7 after pretreatment to provide suitable environmental pH for microbial growth. Mucor indicus isolated from the rice husk dump site was used to inoculate the pretreated rice rusk media and the set-up was allowed to stand for 28 days with intermittent shaking. At the expiration of 28 days, the broth was filtered and centrifuged to remove all suspended cells. The cell free broth was collected for the extraction of biosurfactant using a mixture of chloroform/methanol at ratio 2:1 (mixture/broth). The results revealed that the biosurfactants yield were 0.59±0.078, 0.40±0.042 and 0.78±0.050 g in 100 mL of broth for pH 2, 7 and 12 pretreated rice husk, respectively. The biosurfactants produced showed highest emulsification index for automotive gas oil and lowest for premium motor spirit. The results also suggested that the biosurfactants produced have glycolipids properties. Therefore, it will be correct to suggest that for the conversion of rice husk into useful material such as biosurfactant, the heat pretreatment should be carried out at an alkaline pH.
Effect of varying soil minerals and phytochemical parameters on antibacterial susceptibility of Mitracarpus villosus ethanol extracts; using samples from south east and south-southern regions of Nigeria Electronic Journal of Environmental Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2012
Determination of optimal temperatures suitable for storage of some fruits for maximum retention of sugar and ascorbic acid contents Electronic Journal of Environmental Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2011
