Journal of Food Processing & Technology

CAN MORINDA LUCIDA (BENTH) JOIN THE LIST OF CANDIDATE PLANTS FOR FIGHTING CANCER IN NIGERIA

Euroscicon Conference on NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY & WORLD NUTRTION CONGRESS

July 28-29, 2021 Webinar

Adejo, G.O and Okoyomoh K

Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Science, Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Food Process Technol

Abstract:

Introduction: With the huge biodiversity resources in Africa coupled with the ravaging menace of cancer, the search for indigenous candidate plants that are efficacious, available and affordable in treating cancers and successful management of complications of cancers is most worthwhile. Objectives: The rise in cancer cases in Nigeria is gradually becoming a pandemic and alarming. While the healthcare system seems to be overstretched and helpless, increasing population now seeks for herbal and alternative panaceas. Besides, the challenges of cancers are not only with the disease itself but also the various complications that arise in the course of its management and treatment. These complications range from stress, inflammation/ massive limb swellings, excruciating pain, to liver damages. The ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants which was embarked upon arrived at the most potent in our collection in order to determine the possibility of its efficacy in managing cancer and resulting complications. Major findings: After preliminary screening of about 20 medicinal plants through anti-oxidant capacities determination, biomarkers of inflammation and cytotoxic effects of different parts of our candidate plant - Morinda lucida were further studied by applying in-vitro and ex-vitro procedures. Leaf and bark extracts presented highest antioxidant activities in about 73.1% of the cases. Leaf, bark and root extracts presented anti-inflammatory properties ranging between 75.0% to 100.0% at the experimented least dose of 100mg extract/kg within one-and-half (1.5) hours of administration. Leaf extract showed relatively most potent cytotoxic properties at half-inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 190.13mg/L and 316.20mg/L in both the hatchability assay and lethality assays. Conclusion / implication: These findings suggest that different parts of Morinda lucida especially the leaves and bark possess significant anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic/genotoxic properties, at safely lower concentrations to justify possible application in treatment of cancers.

Biography :

Adejo, G.O is affiliated to Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Science, Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria. He is a recipient of many awards and grants for his/her valuable contributions and discoveries in major area of Cancer research. His international experience includes various programs, contributions and participation in different countries for diverse fields of study