Journal of Applied Life Sciences International

Efficacy of the Combination of Eucalyptus globulus (Myrtaceae) and Cananga odorata (Annonaceae) Essential Oils against Laboratory-reared and Field-collected Larvae of Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae)

Yaya Ousmanou — 2026-05-13

The persistent challenge of malaria, primarily transmitted by Anopheles gambiae in sub-Saharan Africa, has been exacerbated by increasing insecticide resistance among mosquito populations. This study evaluated the larvicidal activity of essential oils (EOs) from Eucalyptus globulus (Eg) and Cananga odorata (Co), and their binary mixtures, against laboratory-reared and field-collected third-stage larvae of An. gambiae s.l. over 24 hours. EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation at yields of 0.78% (Eg) and 0.57% (Co), and characterised by GC-MS. The EO of E. globulus was dominated by eucalyptol (34.25%) and α-pinene (26.20%), while C. odorata was characterised by linalool (20.45%), benzyl benzoate (13.47%) and benzyl acetate (13.10%). Larvicidal bioassays conducted by World Health Organization (WHO) protocols revealed that, against laboratory larvae, LC₅₀ values ranged from 52.30 ppm (75% Co + 25% Eg) to 82.22 ppm (pure Eg), with the 75% Co + 25% Eg mixture exhibiting synergistic interaction (co-toxicity index = 126). Against the field strain, LC₅₀ values were higher (86.42–166.87 ppm), yet the same mixture retained the highest efficacy (LC₅₀ = 86.42 ppm, CI = 149.15). Resistance ratios (RR₅₀) ranged from 1.65 to 2.25 across all formulations, all below the WHO threshold of 5, indicating susceptibility or low resistance. This study represents the first in-depth characterization of E. globulus and C. odorata binary mixtures specifically against An. gambiae, highlight the potential of C. odorata-dominant formulations as sustainable, eco-friendly botanical larvicides for malaria vector control in insecticide-resistant areas.

In vitro Antibacterial Potential of African Mistletoe (Tapinanthus bangwensis) against Gram-positive and Gram-negative Bacteria

Esther Iyadunni Meseko — 2026-05-20

Background: The global rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has intensified the search for alternative antimicrobial agents from plant sources. Tapinanthus bangwensis (African mistletoe) is widely used in traditional medicine, yet its antibacterial efficacy requires further scientific validation.

Aim: This study investigated the comparative antibacterial efficacy of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Tapinanthus bangwensis using quantitative in vitro assays against clinically relevant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens.

Methods: Plant extracts were prepared via cold maceration using ethanol and distilled water. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method at concentrations of 25–100 mg/mL. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using the broth microdilution technique. Experiments were conducted in triplicate, and data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test at p < 0.05.

Results: Both extracts exhibited concentration-dependent antibacterial activity, though the overall effect was limited. The ethanolic extract showed higher activity, with maximum inhibition zones of 8.3 ± 0.6 mm against S. aureus and 7.1 ± 0.5 mm against E. coli at 100 mg/mL. The aqueous extract demonstrated slightly lower activity. At concentrations ≤50 mg/mL, inhibition zones were comparable to the well diameter (6 mm), indicating minimal antibacterial effect. MIC values for both extracts were ≥50 mg/mL. In contrast, ciprofloxacin produced substantially larger inhibition zones (>21 mm). Statistical analysis indicated significant differences across concentrations (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Tapinanthus bangwensis exhibits weak but measurable antibacterial activity. Further studies involving purification and characterization of active compounds are required to elucidate its therapeutic potential.

Comparative Study Analysis of Reheated Local Unrefined Oils and Store Bought Refined Oil in Wister Albino Rats

J. M. Kamirul Hasan Chowdhury — 2026-05-23

Background: Nowadays repeatedly heating of cooking oil is extensively used in local street shops, restaurant as well as in home of Bangladesh to save the cost. Consuming the frying oils for long time can causes detrimental effects on consumer health. This study was designed to compare the quality analysis of the repeatedly heating frying oils with refined oils and analyze the effect of oils by measuring the weekly body weight, fasting blood sugar (FBS) and checking the biomarkers such as AST, ALT, Total Bilirubin, ALP, Lipid profiling, and Troponin-I in Wistar Albino rats.

Methods and Materials: Thirty nine (age: six weeks, male) Wistar Albino rats were categorized into one Control Group with normal oil free treatment, four Refined oil treated groups (RD1 – RD4), four unrefined Super oil treated groups (SD1 – SD4), and four unrefined Palm oil treated groups (PD1 – PD4) with deep repeatedly fried oils for four (04) weeks. Weekly body weight and fasting blood sugar was measured throughout the intervention period. After the intervention the effects of re-heated cooking oils were analyzed by checking the liver biomarkers, Troponin-I and Lipid profiling of the rats.

Results: The result showed that the body weight was increased significantly whereas fasting blood sugar was insignificant. The biochemical parameters ALT, AST, ALP, Cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), LDL and Troponin-I were increased insignificantly in the groups that were treated with repeatedly heating oils.

Conclusions: Finally, considering the harmful effects of repeatedly heated oils, it can be concluded that reheated cooking oils can be toxic, alter the blood parameters and can cause considerable damage to the vital organs of the Wistar Albino rats.

Nutritional Profiling of Selected Solanaceous Species from Sudan: A Proximate Analysis of Leaves and Fruits

Safia Abdullahi Abdelmageed Mohammed — 2026-05-27

In Sudan, the flora of Solanaceae is diverse and adapted to a wide range of ecological zones, from arid and semi-arid regions to more humid environments. Despite the economic, nutritional, and medicinal importance of the family Solanaceae, there is limited scientific information regarding the proximate composition of many Sudanese solanaceous species, particularly wild and underutilised taxa. The present study aimed to evaluate the nutritional values of leaves and fruits of selected solanaceous species collected from different regions of Sudan. Plant samples were collected, taxonomically identified, and subjected to proximate analysis, including determination of moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, and carbohydrate components using standard AOAC methods. The result revealed significant variation in nutritional composition among species and between plant organs. Moisture content ranged from 5.73-8.35 % in leaves and 2.90-4.20% in fruits. Ash content was considerably higher in leaves (12.94-30.40%) compared to fruits (0.001-1-0095), indicating greater mineral accumulation in vegetative tissues. Crude protein content varied from 14.00-27.12 % in leaves and 3.00-6.50% in fruits, with Datura innoxia and Solanum schimperianum exhibiting the highest protein levels. Crude fat content was generally low, ranging from 1.74-5.85% in leaves and 1.005-5.00% in fruits. Crude fiber content ranged from 7.22-23-52% in leaves and 2.01-2.41% in fruits, while carbohydrate content varied from 24.24.21-40.53% in leaves and 3.00-6.60%in fruits. Overall, leaves demonstrated higher nutritional value than fruits, particularly in terms of protein, mineral, and fiber, whereas fruits contributed moderate carbohydrate content. The findings highlight the nutritional potential of these solanaceous species and support their possible utilization as alternative source of nutrients, contributing to food security and dietary diversification in Sudan.

Pesticides Application Influence Soil Fertility and Bacterial Diversity in Pepper Farms in Ogume, Delta State

Tega Lee-Ann Ataikiru — 2026-05-30

Pesticides not only eliminate target pests but also affect non-target soil organisms that play critical roles in maintaining soil fertility and ecological balance. This study assessed the impact of pesticide application on soil fertility and microbial diversity in pepper farms in Ogume, Delta State, Nigeria. The research compared two actively managed, pesticide-treated farms (Agrochemical Farm 1 (AFS 1) and Agrochemical Farm 2 (AFS 2)) against a control site (C). Standard methods analyzed soil physicochemical properties, and culturable microbial communities were characterized using selective media and Analytical Profile Index (API). Data were analyzed via one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD test. Pesticide application significantly altered soil properties: AFS 1 exhibited higher electrical conductivity (351 µS/cm against Control: 155 µS/cm; p<0.001), elevated nutrient levels (e.g., Nitrate: 1.84 mg/kg compared with control; 0.75 mg/kg), and increased cation exchange capacity (1.76 cmol/kg in contrast with 0.91 cmol/kg in control). Microbial counts showed a significant reduction in total heterotrophic bacteria in AFS 1 (86.8 x 10⁵ CFU/g) compared to the control (128.0 x 10⁵ CFU/g), while actinomycetes were enriched (64.3 x 10⁴ CFU/g against 54.5 x 10⁴ CFU/g). Cultivation revealed a shift in community structure, with the isolation of potential human pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, and Shigella spp. from pesticide-treated soils. Study showed that pesticides usage in these farms degrades soil health by increasing salinity, altering nutrient profiles, suppressing beneficial heterotrophic bacteria, and enriching for tolerant and potentially pathogenic taxa. This provides critical site-specific evidence for the study area, highlighting significant ecological and public health risks. Therefore, urgent adoption of integrated pest management and stricter enforcement of pesticide regulations to ensure agricultural sustainability is recommended.