Publications by authors named "Ufuoma A Igbuku"
Chitosan, a biopolymer derived from the deacetylation of chitin found in crustacean shells and certain fungi, has attracted considerable attention for its promising health benefits, particularly in gut microbiota maintenance and immune system modulation. This review critically examines chitosan's multifaceted role in supporting gut health and enhancing immunity, beginning with a comprehensive overview of its sources, chemical structure, and its dual function as a dietary supplement and biomaterial. Chitosan's prebiotic effects are highlighted, with a focus on its ability to selectively stimulate beneficial gut bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus, while enhancing gut barrier integrity and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- The study evaluated the toxicity of aqueous and methanol extracts from a plant's roots in albino rats, focusing on both acute and sub-acute effects and some biochemical parameters.
- Findings showed that both extracts were non-toxic at doses up to 3000 mg/kg, but higher doses (5000 mg/kg) led to liver toxicity indicators.
- The extracts may have antioxidant properties, as they did not cause lipid peroxidation or significant changes in lipid profiles at a lower dose of 200 mg/kg, supporting the plant's safe use in traditional medicine.
Article Synopsis
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) is influenced by various risk factors, and natural polyphenols have shown potential in preventing this type of cancer through their anticarcinogenic properties.
- This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and mechanisms of selected natural polyphenols against colon cancer, utilizing numerous scientific databases to analyze relevant research articles.
- Results indicated that polyphenols can inhibit tumor growth by modifying molecular pathways and gut microbiota, but their effectiveness is limited by low solubility and bioavailability; combining different polyphenols and using advanced delivery systems may enhance their therapeutic potential.