THE USE OF EXTRACT FROM ACACIA AND MANGROVE FOR THE PRESERVATION OF ANIMAL TISSUES.

Abstract

The oldest system of tanning relies on the chemical action of vegetable materials contain tannin or tarnic acid on the protein constituents of skin or hides. The tannis belong to the polyphenols, the catechol tannis and the pyrogallols. The non tannis consists of bodies which have similar chemical nature to the tannis. The dried plant samples were group, and sieved. The powdered plant samples were soaked in a distilled water overnight and were then extracted. The extracts were analysed for: (1) total solid (2) total solubles (3) non-tannis. The tannis contents were calculated by difference. The moisture contents were determined by weighing and drying, to constant weight a known weight of finely ground materials. The pH was obtained with aid of pH meter. The cow organs/tissues were fixed in each of the extracts for seven months before embedding them in wax. The mounted slides were stained and photographed. Acacia contains the highest tannis 49.67% followed by red mangrove 32.245% and white mangrove 18.09%. From effect of the plant extract on the organs/tissues tested, acacia plant preserved best followed by white mangrove and red mangrove respectively. The tannis extracts stabilizer the proteins, of the organs/tissues tested. This will reduce the demand on the formalin and other preservative agents, and hence help to conserve our foreign exchange.