Mr. ONYEUKWU ONYEKA BENJAMIN
Publication Title EFFECT OF FERMENTATION ON SENSORY, NUTRITIONAL AND ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF MIXTURES OF AQUEOUS EXTRACTS OF HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA (ZOBO) AND RAPHIA HOOKERI (RAFFIA) WINE
Publication Type journal
Publisher Nigerian Journal of Science and Environment
Publication Authors Eferhire Aganbi, Onyeka, B. Onyeukwu , Oghenetega, J. Avwioroko and Nyerhovwo, J. Tonukari
Year Published 2017-06-26
Abstract This study investigated the effect of fermentation on the nutritional, antioxidant and sensory properties of
aqueous extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa (popularly called Zobo in Nigeria) and Raphia hookeri (raffia) wine
mixed in various proportions: P100 - Z0, P80 -Z20, P60 -Z40, P40 -Z60, P20 -Z80 and P0 -Z100. Glucose, soluble
protein, vitamin C content, antioxidant activity and sensory properties (colour and taste) were evaluated in
fresh mixture preparations, and in formulations fermented at room temperature for 72 h (day 3). Glucose was
depleted significantly (p < 0>
P80 -Z20 (95.90%) > P60 - Z40 (95.17%) > P0 - Z100 (90.94%) >P20 -Z80 (71.30%) > P40 -Z60 (66.42%). Soluble
protein concentration also decreased with fermentation, the highest and lowest % decrease was observed for
the P100 - Z0 (25.97%) and P60 - Z40 (5.35%) respectively. The highest DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl)
radical scavenging activity was detected in the P80 - Z20 (72.20%) mix. Sensory evaluations confirmed the best
combination was the P80-Z20 raffia wine/zobo extract mixture, this maintained an appealing red colour,
sweetness of palm wine and the contributory antioxidant properties from zobo extracts optimized.
Publication Title Effect of MethanolicExtract of Justicia flava Leaves on Biochemical Markers in Male Wistar Rats Fed Crude Oil Contaminated Feed
Publication Type journal
Publisher Journal of Applied Science and Environmental Management
Publication Authors ONAKURHEFE, P; ONYEUKWU, OB; OHWOKEVWO, OA; ACHUBA, FI
Year Published 2022-10-31
Abstract The medicinal potentials of plants have been documented. This study evaluated the capacity of the
leaf of Justicia flava methanolic extract (JFME) to alter the biochemical distortions initiated by feeding on diet
containing crude oil. Male Wistar albino rats, thirty six, were constituted into nine groups. Each group had six rats.
Group 1 had untreated feed. Groups 2 to 4 had untreated feed but were given 100 mg, 200 mg and 300 mg/ kg b.wt of
JFME, respectively. Group 5 had untreated feed and given 200 mg/kg b.wt of ascorbic acid as standard. Group 6 was
fed with diet containing crude oil (4ml/100g v/w). Groups 7 to 9 were given contaminated feed and 100 mg, 200 mg
and 300 mg/ kg b.wt of JFME, respectively. The rats were maintained on these treatments for thirty days and had water
ad libitum. Thereafter exposure period, lipid profile, hematological and inflammatory markers in the blood were
analyzed using standard methods. Petroleum in feed altered the lipid profile, hematological and inflammatory markers
compared to values in positive control rats. However, treatment of the rats with JFME had a positive reversal of these
markers close to values in control rats; which compared favorably with ascorbic acid, used as standard. This
investigation discovered JFME as a candidate for managing crude oil- imposed health issues.
Publication Title Effect of Maize Husk Treatment of Crude Oil Contaminated Soil on Morphological and Biochemical Indices of Cowpea Seedlings
Publication Type journal
Publisher Journal of Applied Science and Environmental Management
Publication Authors ARUOREN, O; ONAKURHEFE, P; ONYEUKWU, OB; OHWOKEVWO, OA; ACHUBA, FI
Year Published 2022-11-30
Abstract The ameliorative potential of maize husk on crude oil impacted soil had been documented. The
aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of maize husk treatment of crude oil contaminated soil on morphological
and biochemical indices of cowpea seedlings. Treatment of soil with maize husk significantly (p< 0.05) increased
the morphological and biochemical indices comparable to control seedlings. On the other hand, exposure of cowpea
seedlings to crude oil-contaminated soil caused significant (p< 0.05) decreases in both morphological and
biochemical indices compare to values in control seedlings. However, these values were restored close to control
values by treatment of crude oil-contaminated with maize husk. The treatment of soil with maize husk caused
improvement of morphological parameters and alteration of biochemical indices of cowpea seedlings grown in
uncontaminated and crude oil-contaminated soils. This has affirmed the use of maize husk as possible soil
conditioner.
Publication Title Hibiscus sabdariffa - uses, nutritional and therapeutic benefits - A review
Publication Type journal
Publisher Journal of Bioscience and Biotechnology Discovery
Paper Link https://doi.org/10.31248/JBBD2023.178
Publication Authors Onyeka Benjamin Onyeukwu , Dumebi Chidinma Dibie and Ogochukwu Tracy Njideaka
Year Published 2023-04-28
Abstract Hibiscus sabdariffa is a shrub that belongs to the family Malvacea. Over 200 different species of Hibiscus
exist worldwide. Hisbiscus sabdariffa has been noted to have a high nutritional potential, particularly in the leaves, calyces,
and seeds. The Roselle calyx, which is used to make a variety of beverages, has been said to contain a significant amount
of vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, protein, lipids, carbs, and other nutrients. There are reports on the plants' antioxidant,
antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, nutritive, and antihyperlipemic qualities. Reviewing the uses, the nutritional worth and
therapeutic benefits of Hibiscus sabdariffa is the goal of this paper.
Publication Title Effect of Honey on some Biochemical Parameters in the Brain Tissues of Wistar Rats Exposed to Cadmium
Publication Type journal
Publisher Uniport Journal of Engineering and Scientific Research (UJESR)
Publication Authors Diakparomre O., Onyeukwu, O.B. and Asagba, S.O.
Year Published 2023-10-16
Abstract Cadmium (Cd) toxicity has led to the search for possible ameliorators, which is an interesting area of
research currently being explored worldwide. This research investigated the effect of honey on some
biochemical parameters in the brain tissues of rats following acute and sub-chronic Cd exposures. Thirty
adult Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups (A-F): control, sub-chronic Cd exposure, sub-chronic Cd
exposure plus honey, acute Cd exposure, acute Cd exposure plus honey and honey only, respectively.
Cadmium chloride (CdCl2) was administered at a dosage of 2 mg/kg body weight by intraperitoneal
injection (IP), every two days interval, for a period of 4 weeks (for the sub-chronic study) and a dosage of
4 mg/kg body weight by IP, 12 hours before sacrifice (for the acute study). Honey was administered at a
dose of 1 ml/kg body weight orally, once daily for 4 weeks. The study revealed that groups B and D
showed significantly higher lipid peroxidation and acid phosphatase (ACP) activity in the brain tissues
than that of group A; as well as significantly lower catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), alanine
aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities.
However, administration of honey to Cd-exposed rats ameliorated the Cd-induced changes by causing a
reduction in lipid peroxidation and maintaining the activities of these enzymes in the brain tissues within
levels significantly similar to that of the control group. This suggests that honey produces an ameliorative
effect on Cd-induced injuries in the brain tissues at acute and sub-chronic levels.
Publication Title Amelioration of Cadmium-Induced Biochemical Alterations in Heart Tissues of Wistar Rats Using Bee Honey
Publication Type journal
Publisher Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research. Official Journal of Natural Product Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
Publication Authors Ovovwe Diakparomre, Onyeka B. Onyeukwu, Samuel O. Asagba
Year Published 2024-07-31
Abstract The hunt for potential remedies for cadmium (Cd) toxicity is an exciting topic of research that is
now being investigated globally. This study investigated amelioration of cadmium-induced
biochemical alterations in heart tissues of Wistar rats using bee honey. Six groups (1–6) of thirty
adult Wistar rats were used for the study: control, sub-chronic Cd exposure, sub-chronic Cd
exposure plus honey, acute Cd exposure, acute Cd exposure plus honey, and honey only. For the
sub-chronic investigation, Cd chloride (CdCl2) was injected intraperitoneally (IP) at a dose of 2
mg/kg body weight every two days for a period of four weeks, and for the acute trial, a dose of 4
mg/kg body weight was injected IP 12 hours prior to sacrifice. 1 ml/kg of body weight of honey
was given orally once every day for four weeks. According to the study, groups 2 and 4 had
substantially greater levels of lipid peroxidation and acid phosphatase (ACP) activity in the heart
tissues compared to group 1. Catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), alanine
aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
enzyme activity were also significantly decreased. This study shows that honey treatment
significantly ameliorates Cd-induced toxicities in heart tissues by suppressing lipid peroxidation
and normalizing antioxidant enzyme activity. Further work should be done to identify specific
phytochemical antioxidants and its mode of action in ameliorating Cd-induced toxicities in heart
tissues.
Publication Title The effect of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) fermentation on amino acid composition of hot water extract of Ficus capensis leaf
Publication Type journal
Publisher African Journal of Tropical Medicine and Biomedical Research
Publication Authors Dennis-Eboh U, Onyeukwu OB, Ajoh AI, Ohwokevwo OA, Apiamu A, Egbune EO, Achuba FI, George BO
Year Published 2024-03-29
Abstract Introduction: In this study, the amino acid composition of cold and hot water extracts of Ficus capensis
leaf was examined, along with the impact of yeast fermentation on the amino acid composition of the hot
water extract. Although the hot water extract of Ficus capensis is commonly consumed as a beverage locally,
there is currently a lack of documented literature regarding the amino acid composition of the wine
produced from this extract.
Materials and Methods: Cold and hot water extracts of Ficus capensis leaf was extracted using
homogenization and decoction method respectively. Ficus capensis wine was produced from hot water
o
must prepared using 0.8 g/l yeast, 22 brix, at pH 4.5 and fermented for 9 days. The amino acid
composition of the cold water, hot water and wine extracts of Ficus capensis leaf were assessed using High
Performance Liquid Chromatography.
Results: The result shows the presence of amino acids in the cold water, hot water and wine extract of
Ficus capensis. However the wine contained more amino acids with methionine an essential amino acid
having the highest concentration.
Conclusion: Fermentation of the hot water extract should be encouraged since it improved the amino
acid content of the wine produced and would serve as an additional raw material for wine industry.
Moderate consumption of Ficus capensis wine could potentially be beneficial to health and as well as
combat the problem of malnutrition.
Publication Title EVALUATION OF AMINO ACIDS COMPOSITION OF AQUEOUS AND ETHANOL EXTRACT OF PHYLLANTHUS NIRURI STEM FROM AGBOR, NIGERIA
Publication Type journal
Publisher FUDMA Journal of Sciences (FJS)
Publication Authors Onyeukwu, O. B., Ugbebor, G. C. and Iyeh, U. P.
Year Published 2024-08-31
Abstract Global belief in the use of plants as an alternative form of medicine and food has grown as a result of research
on the benefits of plants in treating a variety of diseases and as an inexpensive source of nutrients for both
healthy and malnourished people. This study therefore evaluated the amino acid compositions of aqueous and
ethanol extract of Phyllanthus niruri stem. Homogenization at a 25% w/v concentration was used to extract
the Phyllanthus niruri stem's aqueous and ethanol extract. The qualitative and amino acid compositions were
determined using Agilent 1260 High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The result revealed that
amino acids were present in both the aqueous and ethanol extracts of the Phyllanthus niruri stem. However,
the aqueous extract which had 14 amino acids with total amino acids of 16245.41445 Pmol/?l (79%) contained
a higher concentration of amino acids than the ethanol extract which had 13 amino acids with total amino acids
of 4334.39057 Pmol/?l (21%) with tyrosine having the highest concentration of 13717.18855 Pmol/?l and
3047.75364 Pmol/?l in the aqueous and ethanol extracts respectively. The aqueous extract of Phyllanthus
niruri stem contained 58% more amino acids than the ethanol extract. Therefore, P. niruri stems may be used
as a medicinal substitute or as a source of nutrients to improve human health and fight malnutrition.
Publication Title Palm Wine: A Review on Its Composition, Preservation, Health Benefits, and Market Value
Publication Type journal
Publisher International Journal of Basic Science and Technology . A publication of Federal University Otueke.
Publication Authors Onyeukwu, O. B., Diakparomre, O., Njideaka, O. T., Dibie, D. C. and Nwaiku, F.
Year Published 2024-04-30
Abstract Numerous people in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, India, and Mexico enjoy palm wine,
a traditional alcoholic beverage made from the sap of various palm plants. Its
colouring is pale, and its flavours run the gamut from sweet to sour and vinegary.
For people who live in cities and villages, tapping the palm tree to get the beverage
is an important source of income. Although the alcohol concentration of fresh palm
wine is low and it is sweet, it gradually rises through fermentation. It is used for
numerous purposes, most notably for medicine, weddings, and traditional naming
rituals. They are suitable for improving vision since they contain vital microbes like
yeast as well as nutritionally significant ingredients like amino acids, proteins,
vitamins, minerals, sugars, alcohols, and water. Jaundice, smallpox, chicken pox,
measles, and malaria have all reportedly been treated with palm wine. Additionally,
palm wine assists nursing mothers produce more milk in addition to its reputed
antioxidant qualities. The purpose of this study is to review palm sap/wine, its
preservation, applications, biochemical components, odorants, microbiota, nutrient
content, and health effects. It also conducts an economic analysis of the palm wine
market and traditional fermentation and distillation of raphia palm sap for ethanol
production