Browsing by Author "Badu Mercy"

Now showing 1 - 17 of 17
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    Antimicrobial properties of metal piperidine dithiocarbamate complexes against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans
    (ELSEVIER, 2021) Boadi Owusu Nathaniel; Degbevi Mawuli; Badu Mercy; Saah Ama Selina; Kortei Korley Nii; 0000-0001-8038-1453
    In this study, a series of metal piperidine dithiocarbamate complexes (M = Zn, Cu, Co, Fe, Ni, Bi and Ag) were synthesized and characterized using microelemental, 1 HNMR, mass spectrometry and FT-IR analyses. Antimicrobial properties of the complexes were tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans in a 96-well plate, using the broth dilution assay. The antimicrobial activity of the complexes was in the order Zn > Co > Cu > Ag = Bi = Ni > Fe against Staphylococcus aureus and Co > Zn > Fe > Ag = Bi = Cu = Ni against Candida albicans. The results indicate that the complexes were effective against the microorganisms at high concentrations.
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    ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF METHANOL AND ETHANOL/WATER EXTRACTS OF TETRAPLEURA TETRAPTERA AND PARKIA BIGLOBOSA
    (International Journal Of Pharma and Bio Sciences, 2012) MENSAH K. John; BOADI O. NATHANIEL; Badu Mercy
    Antioxidants present in natural sources help to scavenge free radicals and thus provide health benefits. This study reports in vitro radical scavenging and antioxidant capacity of crude methanol and ethanol-water extracts of the fruits of Tetrapleura tetraptera and Parkia biglobosa. Total phenolic contents in Tetrapleura tetraptera were 147.82±1.36 and 130.33±1.04 mg GAE/g dry weight while that of Parkia biglobosa were 128.32± 0.49 and 127.23±0.11 mg GAE/g dry weight respectively. The total antioxidant capacity of the extracts ranges from175.52±4.66 (methanol) to 172.87±2.15 mg/g (ethanol/water) for Tetrapleura tetraptera and from 160.44±2.26 (methanol) to 157.31±1.90 mg/g (ethanol/water) for Parkia biglobosa. The antioxidant activities of both fruits determined by the 2,2’-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and the reducing power (RPA) assays produced concentration-dependent values comparable to that of ascorbic acid control. The results of the study showed that fruits of Tetrapleura tetraptera and Parkia biglobosa have strong radical scavenging and reducing capacities.
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    Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of “Limolanii” grass and perceptions of locals on its survival in the era of changing climate
    (Heliyon, 2022) Limantol M. Andrew; Agbemade Blessed; Badu Mercy; Mohammed B. Rahmatu...et al
    The aromatic Spear grass Hyparrhena rufa (locally called “Limolanii”) found in the Saboba District of the Northern Region of Ghana is ingeniously used for dietary, medicinal, and other purposes. Focus group discussions were conducted in communities where “Limolanii” grows to assess the local perception of the importance of the grass and changing climate impacts on its continued existence. Findings indicated that the plant is of immense importance to the locals but has not been validated scientifically and reported for its current use. The communities are also hopeful of future socio-economic benefits of "Limolanii" but expressed concern about the lack of remediation practices to address issues of climate change, increased use of agrochemicals, urbanization, etc., which can lead to the extinction of the grass. “Limolanii” was therefore evaluated for its nutritional and antinutritional content by proximate analysis and ethanolic extract evaluated for some medicinal properties. The extract was assessed for its anti-inflammatory property using the carrageenan-induced oedema in chicks’ model while antioxidant property evaluated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity, Phosphomolybdenum (Total Antioxidant Capacity), Total Phenol (Folin-Ciocalteu), and Total Flavonoid Content (Aluminium-chloride colorimetric) assays. The plant showed good nutritional content, extract exhibited a dosedependent inhibition of oedema with maximal percentage inhibition of 41.05% at 300 mg/kg body weight and noticeable antioxidant activities. Flavonoids, coumarins, and other phytochemicals detected in the plant could be responsible for these activities, however, at certain levels, these phytochemicals could act as antinutrients. “Limolanii” exhibits medicinal properties backing its use traditionally as food supplements and herbs, hence the need to explore its possible commercial cultivation and embark on community sensitization to encourage people to protect and expand its production.
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    Antioxidant Properties and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Cucumeropsis Edulis (Seeds)
    (Research Square, 2021) Agbemade Blessed; Boateng Ransford; Badu Mercy; Amponsah Isaac; Boamah Vivian
    This study sought to explore the medicinal properties of extracts obtained from C. edulis seeds. The seeds were obtained from farms in the Upper East Region of Ghana, dried and milled into coarse powder. Petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol were used to extract the bioactive compounds present in the seeds by the cold maceration method. Antioxidant properties of the extracts were evaluated using the Phosphomolybdenum and DPPH free radical scavenging assays. The Folin-Ciocalteu assay was used to estimate the total phenol content and carrageenan-induced paw oedema model in chicks employed for the anti-inflammatory effects. The results showed that methanol extract had the highest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities while the petroleum ether extract showed the least activity. The antiinflammatory activity of the methanol extract (31.3% oedema inhibition at 300 mg/kg body weight) was however lower than diclofenac (54.04% oedema inhibition at 100 mg/kg body weight), the reference drug. Compounds such as tannins, alkaloids, and carotenoids detected during phytochemical screening may be responsible for the activities observed.
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    Assessment of the Nutrient Load and Selected Heavy Metals in the Owabi Reservoir and its Feeder Waters
    (American Journal Of Scientific and Industrial Research, 2013) Wemegah D.D.; Boadi N.O.; Brown A.F.; Badu Mercy
    The effects of anthropogenic activities on the water quality of the Owabi reservoir, a dam which provides drinking water to most parts of the Ashanti region of Ghana was assessed by monitoring physicochemical parameters, trace metals and nutrient levels of five feeder water sources. Trace metal levels (mg/L) were in the range of 0.67-3.20, 0.001-0.1, 0.001-0.06, 0.02 0.2, 0.05-0.15 and 0.002-0.019 for Iron, Zinc, Copper, Aluminum, Chromium, and Manganese respectively. Chromium and Iron exceeded USEPA maximum acceptable levels for drinking water. The nutrients content (mg/L) ranged from 5.00-28.00, 0.08-0.53, 0.82-4.20 and 0.03-0.53 for Sulphate, Nitrate, Phosphate and Ammonia respectively.
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    Characterization of latex from trees in the Bobiri forest of Ghana
    (Resaerch Gate, 2019) Saah Ama Selina; Badu Mercy; Boadi Nathaniel; Mensah Baah Michael
    In this study, ten latex samples collected from different trees in the Bobiri forest in the Ashanti region of Ghana, were characterized based on FT-IR, viscosity, protein content, ash content, crosslink density, surface tension and rubber content. The results were compared to that of Hevea brasiliensis, which was used as reference. FT-IR analyses showed peaks at 1637.06 and 2963.61 cm‐1 (C-H bond) and 1450.06 and 1470.00 cm‐1 (C=C bond). These peaks are common with isoprene units (C5H8). Of all the samples, Hevea brasiliensis had the highest rubber contents of 56.18%, and lowest total solids and crosslink density of 14.98 and 0.08 respectively. Pycnanthus angolensis was the most viscous. With respect to total solids and coagulum content, Landolphia hirsuta had the highest percentages of 88.4 and 13% respectively. Based on their properties, these latexes could be used as alternatives to Hevea brasiliensis.
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    Comparative Total Phenolics and Antioxidant Activities of Xanthosoma colocasia, Solanum torvum and Allium ascalonicum L.
    (International Journal Of Chemical and Biomolecular Science, 2016) Acheampong Akwasi; Badu Mercy; Agyemang Yirenkyi Andrew
    Fruits and vegetables are known to have free radical scavenging abilities due to the antioxidants in them and this gives them the ability to prevent diseases and sicknesses. This study was carried out to investigate the total phenolic content and free radical scavenging abilities of some selected vegetables and to determine their minimum inhibitory concentration (IC50). These vegetables include Solanum torvum, Xanthosoma colocasia, and Allium ascalonicum Linn. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total phenol content (TPC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and the DPPH scavenging assays of the methanolic extracts of samples were determined. The results for the total antioxidant capacity of the measured concentration (0.1-0.3 mg/mL) were 0.146 ± 0.00004, 0.102 ± 0.00006, and 0.085±0.00003 mg AAE/g respectively for Solanum torvum, Allium ascalonicum Linn and Xanthosoma colocasia. Total phenolic content values were 0.180±0.00015, 0.124±0.00008, and 0.102±0.00003 mg TAE/g for Solanum torvum, Allium ascalonicum Linn and Xanthosoma colocasia respectively. There was a perfect correlation between total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total phenolic content (TPC) of the extracts with r2 =1 and p<0.001. Solanum torvum exhibited the highest ferric reducing antioxidant power with values ranging from 0.013919 to 0.1464 mg GAE/DW for the concentration range of 0.1–3 mg/mL. Solanum torvum, Allium ascalonicum and Xanthosoma colocasia had IC50 values of 1.0676, 1.5978, and 1.6753 mg GAE/DW respectively. Percentage scavenging ability were 78.60, 63.41 and 58.95 respectively for Solanum torvum, Allium ascalonicum L., and Xanthosoma colocasia at 3 mg/mL concentration. The results indicate that all the vegetables exhibit antioxidant capacities and Solanum torvum is a significant source of antioxidants.
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    Determination of the triacylglycerol content for the identification and assessment of purity of shea butter fat, peanut oil, and palm kernel oil using maldi-tof/tof mass spectroscopic technique
    (International Journal of Food Properties, 2016) Awudza Johannes M. A.; Badu Mercy
    This article reports the rapid screening and identification of the triacylglycerol content of shea butter fat, palm kernel oil, and peanut oil sold in the local Ghanaian market for their characterization and identification. Samples were dissolved in chloroform with 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid as the matrix. After subjecting the samples to matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time- offlight/ mass spectrometry, the spectra obtained showed the characteristic triacylglycerols as sodium adducts. Seven major triacylglycerol species were identified as dipalmitoyl olein, palmitoyl diolein, palmitoyl stearoyl olein, linoleoyl diolein, triolein, stearoyl diolein, and distearoyl olein in all three samples.Palmitoyl linoleoyl olein and tristearin were also identified. Oxygenated triacylglycerols and other species from the fragmentation of triacylglycerols were also obtained. The presence of the oxygenated triacylglycerols and the triacylglycerolfragments may be a result of poor handling and production processes.
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    Development of TiO2-based dye-sensitized solar cells using natural dyes extracted from some plant-based materials
    (ELSEVIER, 2020) Sanda Alio Djibrilla M.; Badu Mercy; Awudza M. A. Johannes; Boadi Owusu Nathaniel
    The need for a green and more environmentally friendly energy production has led to recent research into the use of natural products in the production photovoltaic cells. In this study, TiO2-based dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated using photo-sensitizers made from ten natural dyes extracted from different plant parts (i.e. seeds, stalks, peels and flowers) of some selected plants and using candle soot carbon as a counter electrode. The chemical composition of the materials was determined using basic phytochemical screening assays. The extracted dye materials were characterized using UV and IR methods after which they were used in developing DSSCs. The DSSCs were then characterized under AM 1.5 illuminations to measure their photoelectrochemical properties. The dyes containing carboxyl and hydroxyl functional groups showed weak to large absorption under the visible light (400-700 nm) irradiation. The photo-electrochemical performance of the various cells gave an efficiency of as high as 0.18% with open circuit voltages ranging from 0.28 to 0.45 V and short-circuits photocurrent densities from 0.26 to 1.69 mA.cm-1. Better efficiencies can be attained by improving the DSSC constructional parameters.
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    Heavy metal contamination in canned fish marketed in Ghana
    (Research Gate, 2011) Boadi Nathaniel; Badu Mercy
    The concentrations of Pb, Zn, Fe, Cd, Mn and Hg in 46 canned fish samples of nine different brands purchased within Kumasi in the Ashanti Region of Ghana were determined using the Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer for Pb, Zn, Fe, Cd and Mn and direct mercury analyzer (DMA) for Hg. The ranges obtained for the elements analyzed in μg/g (wet weight) are as follows: Pb (0.058 - 0.168), Zn (0.010 - 0.370), Hg (0.088 - 0.410), Mn (0.001 - 0.057), Fe(0.990 - 32.607) and Cd, below detection limit in all the samples. The fish samples had Hg levels below the European dietary limit of 0.5 μg/g. Zinc levels were generally below the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recommended limit of 40 μg/g. The concentration of lead in the canned fish was also below the MAFF guidelines of 2.0 μg/g. Also, based on the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) health criteria for carcinogens, there are no health risks associated with Pb concentrations in canned fishes analyzed. The result of the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) conducted on the data suggested no significant variations (P>0:05) in the concentrations of the metals in the same brands of canned fishes.
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    Levels of selected heavy metals in canned tomato paste sold in Ghana
    (Food Additives & Contaminants, 2012) Boadi Nathaniel; Mensah John; Badu Mercy; Twumasi Sylvester; Osei Irene
    Sixty-one samples of canned tomato paste comprising seven brands originating from three countries and sold in local markets in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana were analysed for levels of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry and for levels of mercury (Hg) by direct mercury analyzer. Mean heavy metal concentrations varied by brand, ranging from below the limit of detection (Cd) to a maximum concentration range of 1.68 1.63 to 58.6 14.5 mgg 1 (Fe). Estimated mean ranges of other heavy metals are 2.06 0.62 to 8.52 0.68 mgg 1 (Zn), 2.62 0.33 to 5.75 0.47 mgg 1 (Mn), 0.070 0.003 to 0.116 0.012 mgg 1 (Pb) and 0.011 0.001 to 0.102 0.001 mgg 1 (Hg). Assessed metal levels in five brands were below the WHO/FAO permissible levels. Results of the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) conducted on the data suggested no significant variations (P40.05) in the concentrations of the metals in the same brands of canned tomatoes.
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    Nutritional composition and antioxidant properties of three varieties of carrot ( Daucus carota )
    (ELSEVIER, 2021) Boadi Owusu Nathaniel; Badu Mercy; Kortei Korley Nii; Saah Ama Selina...et al
    Carrots are a potentially rich source of antioxidants in addition to their nutritional proper- ties. In this study, the nutritional composition and antioxidant properties of three varieties of carrots, namely Kuroda, Pamela and Amazonia cultivated in Ghana were determined. The peroxide scavenging method was used to determine the antioxidant properties of the ethanolic extracts of the carrot varieties at different concentrations. The protein, crude fi- bre, fat and carbohydrate contents of the carrot varieties ranged 6.46 –10.73 %, 7.18 –8.87 %, 1.97 –4.31 % and 6.25 –8.39 % respectively. The three varieties had high moisture contents ranging from 69.06 to 75.30 %. The antioxidant properties were high even at low concentrations of extract, and their activity increased with time in the order Amazonia > kuroda > pamela. Amazonia had the highest fibre, protein and carbohydrate contents and the lowest moisture content, making it the most preferred variety.
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    Optimization of extraction conditions for polyphenols from the stem bark of Funtumia elastica (Funtum) utilizing response surface methodology [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]
    (PubMed Central, 2021) Frempong Fadjare Theophilus; Boadi Owusu Nathaniel; Badu Mercy
    Background: The recovery of phenolic compounds is seen as an arduous task because phenolic compounds are available as free aglycones, as sugar or ester conjugates, or as polymers with several monomeric components. Furthermore, phenolic compounds do not disperse evenly and may be connected to cell walls, carbohydrates, or proteins. This study looks at the optimization of factors that affect the efficiency for the extraction of phenolic compounds from the stembark of Funtumia elastica. Methods: Five independent variables (solvent concentration, time, the temperature, solid-liquid ratio, and pH) of the extraction process were selected. Single factor analysis as well as the response surface method was used to evaluate the impact of the selected factors on the total phenolic content. The effect of the extraction factors on the phenolic content was statistically significant (p <0.05). For the response surface method, a five/factor, five/level central composite design used, and a fitted second-order polynomial regression model equation was used to show how the extraction parameters affected the total phenolic recovery. Results: The predicted value (R² of 0.5917) agreed with the adjusted value (R² of 0.7707). The residuals for response predictions were less than 5%. The optimal factors for the extraction were ethanol concentration of 75.99% v/v, extraction time of 193.86 minutes, temperature of 63.66°C, pH of 5.62, and solid-liquid ratio of 1:21.12 g/mL. Actual overall content of the phenolic compounds was validated at 82.83 ± 3.335 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) /g weight of extract, which agreed with the predicted response of 89.467 mg GAE/g of the dried extract under the optimal factors. Conclusions: The rich phenolic content of stem-bark of Funtumia elastica points to its potential as a functional medicinal product to alleviate diseases caused by oxidative stress such as asthma,
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    Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Properties and Antimicrobial Activities of the Extracts from Funtumia africana and Funtumia elastica
    (Springer, 2021) Frempong Fadjare Theophilus; Badu Mercy; Boamah Etsiapa Vivian; Amponsah Kingsley Isaac...et al
    Funtumia africana and Funtumia elastica belong to a group of invaluable plants used in managing a wide range of diseases in West Africa. This study aimed at assessing the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of extracts of the stem bark of F. africana and F. elastica. The dried, milled stem barks of F. africana and F. elastica were extracted with water and 70% ethanol by cold maceration. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids, and tannins were determined using standard methods. The extracts were tested against bacterial and fungal pathogens, namely; Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, and Candida albicans. The zone of inhibition, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), activity index, and the total antimicrobial activity of the extracts on the organisms were evaluated. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, reducing sugars, anthocyanins, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, quinones, tannins, and saponins. The ethanolic extract of F. elastica had the highest phenolic flavonoid contents and total antioxidant capacity. A positive correlation was observed between TPC with TAC (R = 0.893, p < 0.05) and TFC with TAC (R = 0.613, p < 0.05). The extracts were most active against E. coli and C. albicans and least active against B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa. The data obtained from the study indicated that the barks of the two plants possessed both antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
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    Phytochemical screening, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of assorted Carica papaya leaves in Ghana
    (Journal of Medicinal Plants studies, 2016) Alorkpa Jemima Esther; Boadi Owusu Nathaniel; Badu Mercy; Saah Ama Selina
    The bioactive compounds of the leaves of Carica papaya; solo and solomix were extracted using ethanol and n-hexane, and investigated for the presence of secondary metabolites. Both ethanol and n-hexane extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids. Flavonoids, glycosides and saponins were present in only the ethanol extract whereas tannins were present in the n-hexane extract. The bioactivities of the leaf extracts were attributed to their phytochemical constituents. Antimicrobial activity of the extracts were determined against some human pathogenic bacteria and fungi such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans using the agar well diffusion and broth dilution methods with the polar extract being more effective. The ethanol extract demonstrated a significant broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against both gram-positive and gramnegative bacteria, with the highest activity having a zone of inhibition of 10 mm. Antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH assay method and the absorbance measured using UV- visible spectrophotometer with ascorbic acid as control. The antioxidant activities of solo and solomix showed IC50 of 1.465x10-2 and 1.364x 10-2 respectively. This study demonstrates the efficacy of ethanolic leaf extracts of C. Papaya as an alternative antibiotic for the development of newer antibacterial agents.
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    Proximate Composition, In vitro Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Adansonia digitata and Belanites aegyptiaca Seed
    (Journal Of Tropical Pharmacy and Chemistry, 2021) Pedavoah Mary-Magdalene; Boadi Owusu Nathaniel; Badu Mercy; Dzaye Y. Irene
    This study evaluated the nutritional and medicinal properties of seeds from Adansonia digitata (BSF) and Balanite aegyptiaca (DDSF) plants. Proximate chemical composition, mineral elements composition, flavonoids, phenolics, antioxidant capacity, and anti-inflammatory properties were studied. Results obtained revealed that DDSF had the highest moisture, crude fat, and crude protein content of 7.66 %, 42.80 %, 20.37 %, respectively, whilst BSF gave the highest ash, crude fibre, and carbohydrate content. Elemental analysis revealed BSF had the highest Mg content (313.65 mg/100g) and DDSF gave the highest Ca content (118.62 mg/100g). Additionally, DDSF gave the highest total phenolics (18.89 mg TAE/ 100 g), total flavonoids (8.80 mg QE/ 100 g) as well as the highest total antioxidant capacity of (19.62 mg AAE/ 100 g) dry of extract. Based on results obtained in this study, seeds obtained from the Adansonia digitata and Balanite aegyptiaca could be a potential source of functional food and antioxidant agents.
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    “Working with little:” Access to market infrastructure and its effect on food handling and food safety among vegetable traders in an African city
    (frontier, 2022) Kushitor Sandra Boatemaa; Badu Mercy; Kushitor Komla Mawuli; Currie Paul
    Despite the crucial role played by informal markets in food distribution globally, the sector is ignored and marginalized. This study examined vegetable traders, the trading infrastructure available to them in the market, and how they conduct their businesses to explain the high food safety challenges in the sector. This paper is based on a survey, a learning journey, and transformation labs with market traders in Kumasi, Ghana. The study revealed that most traders were self-employed women with low education who worked for long hours. Access to electricity, water, refrigerators, and storage facilities was limited in the market. Vegetable spoilage was the highest cost associated with their trade. Due to the high spoilage rate, the traders sold the best vegetables at high prices and sold the bruised and rotten vegetables to local eateries and animal farms. The women made no losses through these strategies but used unsafe food handling practices and highly-priced wholesome vegetables. Their actions can reduce urban food security, especially in low-income households. Access to market infrastructure was influenced by availability, power and cost. Vegetable trading was the predominant livelihood of the traders. To improve the efficiency of the sector, efforts can be made toward the provision of services at the markets, and advocacy of the traders about food security implications of their actions by the municipal assemblies and market leaders.