Tamarindus indica L. (Fabaceae) is a wide medicinal tree from tropical and subtropical regions, commonly used as local treatment of various diseases. This experimental study analysis the phytochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial activity and essential mineral content of Tamarindus indica fruit pulp, leaves and stem bark collected from Kangi area of Bida Niger State, Nigeria. Qualitative phytochemical analysis showed abundant flavonoids, tannins and phenolics, precisely in stem bark and fruit pulp, while in addition terpenoids, saponin and alkaloids, were positive across all part of the plant. The quantitative screening indicated high total phenolic content (TPC) in fruit pulp (112.5 ± 2.2 mg GAE/g) with moderate total flavonoid content (TFC). Antioxidant screening (ABTS and DPPH) showed strong radical scavenging by fruit extracts (DPPH IC50 = 26.3 ± 1.6 µg/ml). Antimicrobial screening using agar diffusion and broth microdilution indicated broad-spectrum activity, with fruit methanolic extract exhibiting zones of inhibition up to 21.4 ± 0.6 mm and MICs as low as 0.525 mg/ml for certain bacteria. Mineral analysis by atomic absorption spectrophotometry revealed significant levels of iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, justifying the nutritional benefit of the plant. These results justify the ethnomedicinal uses of tamarind for gastrointestinal and infectious diseases and validate its potential as a source of bioactive compounds for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical importance. Further work should include Isolation of bioactive compounds, toxicity evaluation and controllable cultivation practices.

In recent times, consumption of sachet water has increased tremendously in Nigeria. However, due to its nonbiodegradable nature, the disposal of waste polyethylene water sachet (WPSW) constitutes an environmental problem. This research seeks to explore the potential of using waste polyethylene water sachet made of “Low Density Polyethylene” (LDPE) in improving the desirable properties of bitumen in our country Nigeria. The materials collected were pure water sachets and bitumen. Investigation carried out are penetration test, softening point test, flash point and fire point tests, ductility test, as well specific gravity for both conventional and modified bitumen to ascertain their properties. The bitumen was modified at 0%, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% by weight of bitumen respectively for each of the experiments mentioned above. Penetration decreases from 68.89mm to 68.33mm, softening point increased from 48.50 °C to 70.50°C, Flash and Fire Point Test increased from 230°C to 276°C, 256oC to 307oC, Ductility test increased from 105.00mm to 118.67mm, while specific gravity increases from 1.040 to 1.050. From the results it showed that modified bitumen had improved properties in terms of load bearing capacity, safety, and ability to withstand heavy traffic, and road construction cost than conventional bitumen. One-Way analysis of variance (ANOVA) carried out statistically on the results of the modified bitumen showed that the WPSW had a significant effect on all the properties except for specific gravity

Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. (Fabaceae), widely known as African rosewood or bar-wood, is a potential tree of high ethnomedicinal and economic significance across West Africa. This study presents a comprehensive experimental analysis focused on phytochemical screening, antimicrobial activity, and essential mineral composition of P. erinaceus stem bark and leaves collected from Pitchi area, Bida Niger State, Nigeria. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenols, steroids, glycosides, and terpenoids, with the highest concentration generally observed in the stem bark. Agar well diffusion assays demonstrated significant inhibitory effects against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria, as well as the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Mineral analysis by atomic absorption spectrophotometry indicated substantial quantities of calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron. These results confirm the traditional uses of P. erinaceus for treatment of various infectious and inflammatory disorders with potentials as a source of bio-active compounds and nutritional supplements. Recommendations are provided for further research on isolation of bio-active constituents, toxicological assessment, and conservation measures to ensure sustainable utilization.