Microbiology, Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Genetics
5
Scopus Publications
333
Scholar Citations
8
Scholar h-index
8
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Probiotic Significance of Some West African Fermented Foods A. A. Badmos, K. D. Adeyemi, H. E. Amali-Jimoh, B. K. Saliu, P. O. Ben-Uwabor, et al. Ceylon Journal of Science, 2026 Fermentation is one of the oldest food-processing practices, yet the probiotic and health-promoting properties of fermented foods have only recently received focused scientific attention. In West Africa, many staple foods are traditionally processed through the activities of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts, which convert carbohydrates such as glucose, sucrose, and lactose into lactic acid, alcohol, and carbon dioxide. The resulting acidic environment suppresses spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms, making fermentation an essential preservation method in settings with limited refrigeration. These fermented foods often retain live microorganisms with probiotic potential and contain bioactive metabolites, including peptides, that support immune function and contribute to disease prevention. Common West African fermented staples such as gari, fufu, kunu, masa, ogi, iru, and palm wine highlight the cultural, nutritional, and functional significance of these processes. This review aims to (i) examine the microbiological basis of traditional fermentation in West African foods, (ii) evaluate the probiotic and health-related benefits associated with these fermented products, and (iii) assess their role in food preservation, safety, sensory enhancement, and nutritional improvement. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify peer-reviewed articles, books, and technical reports published between 1980 and 2024. Search terms included “West African fermented foods,” “lactic acid bacteria,” “yeasts,” “food fermentation,” “probiotics,” and “traditional food processing.” Reference lists of key articles were screened to identify additional studies. Inclusion criteria required that sources describe microbial composition, fermentation pathways, biochemical changes, health benefits, or preservation mechanisms related to major West African fermented foods. Extracted information was qualitatively synthesized to summarize microbial roles, functional properties, and documented health impacts. The review highlights the importance of fermentation as a natural and accessible technology that enhances food safety, nutritional value, sensory quality, and probiotic potential in West African diets.
Antimicrobial activities and bacteriocins of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Nigeria indigenous fermented cowmilk “nunu” B. K. Saliu, H. Abdulkadir, V. O. Dadzie, A. A. Alabi, R. I. Salami, et al. Ceylon Journal of Science, 2024 Nunu is a nutritious fermented yoghurt-like milk beverage that can serve as a source of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with antimicrobial and bacteriocin potentials. Nunu samples were screened for LAB with antimicrobial activity against test organisms. Three LAB, namely Lactobacillus parafarraginis OCLP1, L. fermentum CSL58 and L. buchneri MZE12 out of a total of 14 isolates produced antimicrobial activity against Bacillus anthracis CHF-2011-32b, B. cereus DHM5-1, Providencia vermicola KSVDL-09-71600, P. rettgeri SIRT3, P. stuartti SILT11 and other test organisms. Antimicrobial factors were assayed in LAB cell-free extracts (CFE), neutralized CFE, and ammonium sulphate precipitants of the CFE, and Lactobacillus parafarraginis OCLP1 demonstrated highest activity with zone of inhibition = 20.33±3.51 mm, 13.33±1.09 mm and 25.33±2.52 mm respectively. The CFE of the LAB especially L. parafarraginis OCLP1 demonstrated wide activity spectra by inhibiting both the gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria tested. Result of plasmid curing of the LAB indicate that the bacteriocins of L. parafarraginis OCLP1 was plasmid-encoded while the others have their gene clusters on the chromosome. This study concluded that bacteriocin-producing LAB can be found in “nunu” and recommend the use of the isolated LAB as starter in fermented food production after ensuring their safety through toxicological studies.
Bioethanol potentials of corn cob hydrolysed using cellulases of Aspergillus niger and Penicillium decumbens Excli Journal, 2012
Chemical constituents and anti-inflammatory activity of leaf essential oil of Nigerian grown Chenopodium album L Excli Journal, 2010
Amylase activity of a yellow pigmented bacterium isolated from cassava waste African Journal of Biotechnology, 2009
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Probiotic significance of some West African fermented foods AA Badmos, KD Adeyemi, HE Amali-Jimoh, BK Saliu, PO Ben-Uwabor, ... Ceylon Journal of Science 55 (1) , 2026 2026
Production of acidified cow- and soy-milk with antibacterial properties using lactic acid bacteria from indigenous fermented foods BK Saliu, RI Salami, AA Alabi, VO Dadzie, ... Cameroon Journal of Biological and Biochemical Sciences 33, 1-13 , 2025 2025
Antibacterial activity of the GC-MS characterized essential oil from the leaves of Crassocephalum crepidiodes RO Ismaeel, BK Saliu, LA Usman, F Hassan, OM Adedeji, ED Akpan, ... Journal of Essential Oil & Plant Composition 3 (1), 19 - 25 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Antimicrobial activities and bacteriocins of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Nigeria indigenous fermented cowmilk “nunu” BK Saliu, H Abdulkadir, VO Dadzie, AA Alabi, RI Salami, AE Ajewole Ceylon Journal of Science 53 (4) , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Probiotic potentials of lactic acid bacteria from some Nigerian indigenous fermented foods BK Saliu, AA Alabi, Z RF, VO Dadzie, RI Salami, AAE Badmos AA Universal Journal of Life and Environmental Sciences 6, 1 - 23 , 2024 2024
Lemongrass‐Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles as Preservatives of Fermented Locust Beans BK Saliu, TO Agbabiaka, JO Akolade Indonesian Food and Nutrition Progress 21 (2), 61-71 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Assessment of the potentials of Azotobacter spp. as bioinoculants on the growth of potted maize plants IO Sule, TO Agbabiaka, BK Saliu, KA Ajijolakewu, RF Zakariyah Science World Journal 18 (2), 276-282 , 2023 2023 Citations: 3
Optımızatıon of Condıtıons for the Productıon of Indole Acetıc Acıd by Azotobacter spp. IO Sule, TO Agbabiaka, BK Saliu, KA Ajijolakewu, RF Zakariyah UMYU Journal of Microbiology Research (UJMR) 8 (1), 46-53 , 2023 2023
Effect of Substrate Combination on the Yields of Fermentable Sugars from Lignocellulosic Biomass Hydrolyzed by Fungal Isolates. BK Saliu, FO Aleru, AA Idris, AO Mustapha, M Iormanger Published by Department of Science Education, Federal University of … , 2022 2022
Optimisation of Lactic Acid Fermentation from Cassava Peel by Lactobacillus casei (ATCC334) RF Zakariyah, MO Ojo, KA Ajijolakewu, KB Saliu, RN Ahmed, ... Microbiology Research Journal International 31 (6), 29-42 , 2021 2021 Citations: 14
Production of fermented soymilk and its preservation using leaf essential oil of Hoslundia opposita BK Saliu, SE Etim, HAA Yusuf, RF Zakariyah, IO Sule, TO Agbabiaka Sri Lankan Journal of Biology 6 (1) , 2021 2021 Citations: 2
Algerian Journal of Natural Products BK SALIU, AE OLAOYE, RF ZAKARIYAH 2021
Antibacterial Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Herbal Sticks on Oral Isolates. BK Saliu, AE Olaoye, RF Zakariyah Algerian Journal of Natural Products 9 (1) , 2021 2021
Production of Sour-milk Using Mono-and Multi-cultures of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Nunu BK Saliu, AO Mustapha, FO Aleru, AA Idris, M Iormanger Ilorin Journal of Science 7 (1), 40-52 , 2020 2020
SAFETY EVALUATION OF SOME READY-TO-USE HERBAL CONCOCTIONS SOLD WITHIN ILORIN METROPOLIS RF Zakariyah, MB Odebisi-Omokanye, BK Saliu, LB Abdulrauf, FA Jimoh, ... NSUK Journal of Science & Technology, , 2020 2020
SAFETY EVALUATION OF SOME READY-TO-USE HERBAL CONCOCTIONS SOLD WITHIN ILORIN METROPOLIS MB Odebisi-Omokanye, BK Saliu, LB Abdulrauf, FA Jimoh, OA Adebiyi, ... Nassarawa State University, Keffi , 2020 2020
Production of Collagenases by Aspergillus terreus and Aspergillus flavus Isolates Using Scales of Tilapia and Croaker Fishes. PF OMOJASOLA, F ADENIRAN, BK Saliu, MO KAZEEM Cameroon Bioscience Society. , 2020 2020 Citations: 1
Antibacterial activity of essential oil of Syzygium cumini leaf against pathogenic and spoilage bacteria isolated from cheese. BO Yusuf, AT Ajao, BK Saliu 2020 Citations: 2
Microbiological Analysis of Poultry Feeds and Drinking Water Source of Poultry Pens TO Agbabiaka, BK Saliu, DO Udenze, T Agbabiaka CPJ 2019023, 25211 , 2019 2019
Efficacy of Some Chemical Preservatives in Prolonging the Shelf Life of Fermented Locust Beans ‘iru’ BK Saliu, IO Sule, TO Agbabiaka, RF Zakariyah UMYU Journal of Microbiology Research 4 (1), 62-71 , 2019 2019 Citations: 2
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Chemical constituents and anti-inflammatory activity of leaf essential oil of Nigerian grown Chenopodium album L LA Usman, AA Hamid, NO Muhammad, NO Olawore, TI Edewor, BK Saliu EXCLI journal 9, 181 , 2010 2010 Citations: 80
Bioethanol potentials of corn cob hydrolysed using cellulases of Aspergillus niger and Penicillium decumbens BK Saliu, A Sani Excli Journal 11, 468 , 2012 2012 Citations: 66
Chemical composition and antibacterial (oral isolates) activity of leaf essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum L. grown in North central Nigeria BK Saliu, LA Usman, A Sani, NO Muhammad, JO Akolade International Journal of Current Research 33 (3), 022-028 , 2011 2011 Citations: 41
Bacteriological and physicochemical analysis of waste water from fish ponds. IO Sule, TO Agbabiaka, RN Ahmed, BK Saliu, KJ Olayinka Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies & Management 9 (2) , 2016 2016 Citations: 21
Microbial Deterioration of Tomato Fruit (Lycopersicon esculentum) Sold in Three Popular Markets in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. TO Agbabiaka, BK Saliu, IO Sule, GP Oyeyiola, O G.F. Fountain Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences 4 (1), 10–18 , 2015 2015 Citations: 20
Comparative studies of constituents and antibacterial activities of leaf and fruit essential oils of Ocimium basilicum grown in north central Nigeria LA Usman, RO Ismaeel, MF Zubair, BK Saliu, NO Olawore, N Elelu Int. J. Chem. Biol. Sci 3, 47-52 , 2013 2013 Citations: 15
Optimisation of Lactic Acid Fermentation from Cassava Peel by Lactobacillus casei (ATCC334) RF Zakariyah, MO Ojo, KA Ajijolakewu, KB Saliu, RN Ahmed, ... Microbiology Research Journal International 31 (6), 29-42 , 2021 2021 Citations: 14
Production of ethanol from some cellulosic waste biomass hydrolyzed using fungal cellulases BK SALIU University of Ilorin , 2012 2012 Citations: 12
Comparative Study of Bacteria in the Digestive Tracts of Chickens Reared as Free Rangers and Those Reared in Poultry. BK Saliu, IO Sule, TO Agbabiaka Biological and Environmental Sciences Journal for the Tropics. 9 (3), 26 - 29 , 2012 2012 Citations: 7
Physicochemical and bacteriological assessment of some swimming pools within Ilorin metropolis, Kwara, Nigeria. IO Sule, TO Agbabiaka, BK Saliu, EO Oyerinde Biological and Environmental Sciences Journal for the Tropics. 7 (4), 108 – 112, , 2010 2010 Citations: 7
Assessment of local methods of processing for the preservation of the physico-chemical properties and microbiological quality of two local cheeses in Ilorin, Nigeria BK Saliu, TO Agbabiaka, IO Sule, RO Gambari-Ambali Journal of microbiology, biotechnology and food sciences 3 (4), 337-342 , 2014 2014 Citations: 6
Amylase activity of a yellow pigmented bacterium isolated from cassava waste BK Saliu African Journal of Biotechnology 8 (20) , 2009 2009 Citations: 6
Analysis of indoor air microflora of some daycare centres in Ilorin South Local Government Area, Nigeria IO Sule, TO Agbabiaka, BK Saliu, MB Odebisi-Omokanye, RF Zakariyah, ... Al-Hikman Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences 4, 31-35 , 2017 2017 Citations: 5
Comparative bacteriological assessment of input and output water from tanker trucks. IO Sule, TO Agbabiaka, BK Saliu, MO Arekemase, OB Adeoye Ilorin Journal of Science 1 (1), 171-178 , 2014 2014 Citations: 5
Effect of collection time on Chemical composition and Antibacterial activity of Flower Essential oil of Ocimum canum (sims) grown in Nigeria. LA Usman, AO Yussuf, BK Saliu, BE Olanipekun, N Elelu Journal of the Turkish Chemical Society Section A: Chemistry 4 (1), 149-164 , 2017 2017 Citations: 4
Bacteriological and physicochemical assessment of selected brands of bottled water in Ilorin, Nigeria IO Sule, TO Agbabiaka, BK Saliu, AB Bello, AB Adeboye Al-Hikmah Journal of Pure & Applied Sciences 4, 15-22 , 2017 2017 Citations: 4
Assessment of the potentials of Azotobacter spp. as bioinoculants on the growth of potted maize plants IO Sule, TO Agbabiaka, BK Saliu, KA Ajijolakewu, RF Zakariyah Science World Journal 18 (2), 276-282 , 2023 2023 Citations: 3
Bacteriological and Physicochemical Analysis of Sachet Water Sold in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria. IO Sule, TO Agbabiaka, BK Saliu, OS Adewumi, AB Bello Nigeria Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences. 30 (1), 2978-2987 , 2017 2017 Citations: 3
Production of fermented soymilk and its preservation using leaf essential oil of Hoslundia opposita BK Saliu, SE Etim, HAA Yusuf, RF Zakariyah, IO Sule, TO Agbabiaka Sri Lankan Journal of Biology 6 (1) , 2021 2021 Citations: 2
Antibacterial activity of essential oil of Syzygium cumini leaf against pathogenic and spoilage bacteria isolated from cheese. BO Yusuf, AT Ajao, BK Saliu 2020 Citations: 2
