BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES

Reports have shown that extracts of Detarium Microcarpum possess potent pharmacological properties. The aim of this research was to investigate the in vitro antisickling property of ethyl acetate extracts of Detarium Microcarpum stem bark. The stem bark was first ground to powder and soaked in ethyl acetate to obtain an ethyl acetate soluble fraction. The sickling of the red blood cells (RBCs) was introduced using sodium metabisulphite followed by treatment with ethyl acetate extract, Phosphate buffer saline and p-hydroxybenzoic acid. Sickling of red cells occur as a result of polymerization of deoxygenated HbS molecules, so that, they become stacked linearly. In vitro studies have revealed that plant extracts altered the polymerization of deoxyHbS molecules. Therefore, the present study was aimed at determining the effect of Detarium microcarpum stem back on haemoglobin polymerization. About 5ml of venous blood was collected from each Sickle cell patient with a sterile syringe. The blood samples were washed thrice with Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) using standard procedures and the resulting packed cell was used for haemoglobin polymerization assay. Detarium microcarpum is a legume tree shrub belonging to the family of Fabacae. Its roots, stem bark, leaves and fruits are known to possess medicinal properties. The in vitro haemoglobin polymerization properties of Ethyl Acetate (EA) fraction of D. microcarpum stem bark was evaluated using blood samples obtained from forty confirmed sickle cell disease patients using standard techniques. At the end of the research it was observed that D. microcarpum extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced polymerization of haemoglobin at t/90min with a reduction of about 46.05% when compared to the control (PBS+HbSS Blood sample) which was 90%. This was most significant (p<0.05) at t/40min which was 20% and t/90min which was 46.05% against the control which was 25% and 90%. A similar trend was also observed when D. microcarpum extract was compared to the standard (p-hydrozybenzoic acid; reference antisickling drug) with a significant xi (p<0.05) percentage reduction of 70% at t/90min when compared to the Control. This result shows an inhibition of haemoglobin polymerization in the test group treated with D. microcarpum. Conclusively, the study showed that the extract of Detarium Microcarpum exacerbated polymerization of deoxyHbS molecules in a concentration and time dependent manner. The Ethyl Acetate extract of Detarium Microcarpum demonstrated the most significant antisickling effect with a potential for use in the clinical management of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).

This study was designed to evaluate the creatinine and urea values in experimental rats fed with aqueous fruit pulp extract of Piralima nitida (OSU). The expense of the orthodox drugs has led to the increase demand for medicinal plants that are effective to treat diverse ailment. Serum urea and creatinine are widely accepted parameters to assess chronic kidney disease status as well as to assess renal status in susceptible diabetic and hypertensive subjects. Urea and creatinine are nitrogenous end products of metabolism. The effect of daily intake of the aqueous unripe fruit pulp of P. nitida on renal function was studied. Six groups of five (5) rats each were distributed according to weight (average body weight 135.0-185.0g). The test groups received aqueous fruit pulp extract of Picralima nitida dissolved in distilled water at 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 3000 mg/kg body weight/day/rat orally using gastric gavage. The normal control animals had distilled water ad libitum. The animals were observed for signs of toxicity and mortality throughout the experimental period. The weight and the feed consumed by the rats were measured weekly during the feeding trial with a weighing balance. At the 35th day, the animals were fasted for 12 hrs and euthanized by decapitation. Blood was collected in appropriate containers for biochemical evaluation. The serum from each group was used to determine the levels of alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], and total protein [Randox] using commercial kits according to the manufacturer’s direction. Creatinine and urea levels in the treated groups were not significantly (p > 0,05) altered in the treated groups when compared to control. This means the Kidney is performing optimally well, these no disease condition attached to it.

Calabar stone is also known as poto in English is a clay held in a belt-like textile material that is wrapped around the waist and eaten as desired, frequently without water. This study aims to determine the effect of calabar stone on the testis of adult male Wistar rats. Twenty (20) rats were divided into four groups (A-D). Group A served as the control group and the animals were given regular feed and water. Group B served as low dose group and the animals were given 100mg/kg of dissolved calabash chalk along with regular feed and water. Group C served as medium dose group and it animals received 200mg/kg of dissolved calabash chalk along with regular feed. Group D served as the high dose group and the animals were administered with 400mg/kg of dissolved calabash chalk as well as regular food and water. All animals were sacrificed on the??? day. Body weight change and testicular weight index were determined. Testicular tissues were collected for assessment of sperm morphology as well as haematoxylin and eosin staining. Body weight increased in all groups from the initial mean weight of 171.5g, though significantly (P<0.05) only in group C. Testicular weight significantly increased (P<0.05) in group B. A significant increase (P<0.05) was also observed in the testicular index for animals in group B. There was no statistically significant change (P<0.05) in the sperm morphology across all groups. H&E staining revealed mild leydig cell hyperplasia across all groups which are a possible evidence of testicular tumour that appear in about 3% of the general population. Increased luminal diameter was seen in group D animals which suggested spermiation. It can be concluded that Calabar Chalk has no significant effect on the testes.

Medicinal plants have been used in virtually all cultures as a source of medicine. Assurance of the safety, quality, and efficacy of medicinal plants and herbal products has now become a key issue in industrialized and in developing countries. The widespread use of herbal remedies and healthcare preparations is described in the Vedas and th Bible. Medicinal plants have been used for thousands of years to flavor and conserve food, to treat health disorders and to prevent diseases including epidemics.This study seeks to evaluate possible ameliorative and inhibitory effects of some medicinal plants on benzene-induced leukemic rats. In this study, leukemia was experimentally induced in albino rats by Benzene chromosolv at 0.2ml at 1:10 dilution water ½ propanol 50/50 in water daily via tail vein for 4 weeks. The rats were divided into 6 main groups consisting of 6 rats per group. They were administered with the extracts of four different plants viz: Ricinus communis, Rosy periwinkle, Psorospermum febrifugum, and Azadiractha indica separately after the determination of the LD50 for 4 weeks after induction. The LD50 of each of the extracts were Ricinus communis 340mg/kg, Rosy periwinkle 30mg/kg, Psorospermumfebrifugum 548mg/kg, and Azadiractha indica 40mg/kg. The animals were there after weighed and sacrificed, blood samples were collected into lithium heparin and EDTA bottles for laboratory analysis of Full Blood Count (FBC), leucocyte functions assay and antioxidant profiles using standard methodologies. The animals Albino rats were initially weighed prior to plant extracts administration and induction with Benzene chromosolv. Results show a statistically significant decrease in final weight in all groups (pre and post treated with the extracts and a statistically significant increase in White Blood Cell Count (WBC) count in benzene induced rats (P<0.05, respectively) compared with non-induced controls. The induced leukemia was the lymphocytic type. These values reduced significantly with the post treated animals especially with Ricinus communis (P<0.05, respectively). Also, there was statistically significant increase in percentage viability index in Benzene induced rats compared with control and extracts treated rats (P<0.05 respectively). However, there was no significant different between the control and treated rats. Furthermore, there was statistically significant decreases in percentage chemotactic index, percentage phagocytic index and percentage respiratory burst in Benzene induced rats in the pretreated rats’ extracts with concomitant increase in the rats pretreated with Ricinus communis compared with the control group. This is suggesting ameliorative effect in the leucocyte functions by all the extracts with more efficacies in rats treated with Ricinus communis when compared with controls. The anti- oxidanats enzymes exhibited higher activities in all the pretreated groups compared with those post-treated after induction with all the extracts as well. Ultimately, the TGF β-1 gene was significantly expressed in the Ricinus communis treated group and Psorospermum febrifugum but with a high value exhibited by the later. In conclusion, the extracts of Psorospernumfebrifugum, Ricinus communis, Azadiractha indica and Rosy periwinkle demonstrates ameliorative effects in the treatment of leukemia especially with Ricinus communis. The extracts equally showed a significant anti-oxidant enzymes activity in pretreated animals while TGF β-1 gene was significantly upregulated in animals in the leukemic rats treated with Ricinus communis, Resulting in massive apoptosis of the leukemic cells. This study has shown vividly that Ricinus communis is more effective and showed profound efficacy among the four extracts in the treatment of Benzene induced albino rats. It is recommended that extracts of Ricinus communis should be evaluated further for its pharmacological and therapeutic efficacies in the management of leukemia.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 1977) “a medicinal plant
is any plant which in one or more of its organ contains substances that can be
used for the synthesis of useful drugs”. The term herbal drug means the part(s)
of a plant used to produce medicine (e.g. leaves, flowers, seeds, roots, bark, stems, etc). Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat various
ailments, including hepatic diseases. The aim of this study is to determine the
effect of the aqueous root extract of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis)
on the liver of Male Wistar albino rat. Twenty(20) Male Wistar Albino rats
weighing between 160g-200g were randomly divided into 5 groups of 4 rats
each and acclimatized for two(2) weeks. Group 1 (control) received Grower
mash feed and tap water ad libitum; Group 2 received 100mg/kg body weight
of Telfairia occidentalis aqueous root extract; Group 3 received 500mg /kg
body weight of Telfairia occidentalis aqueous root extract; Group 4 1000mg/kg
body weight of Telfairia occidentalis aqueous root extract; Group 5 received
1500mg /kg body weight of Telfairia occidentalis root extract. Administration
of the extract was by orogastric gavage for 2 weeks. Animals were humanely
sacrificed using chloroform anaesthesia and blood samples were collected via
cardiac puncture. Hepatic function markers including liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP), bilirubin, and serum protein (albumin and globulin) levels were assessed. The result showed no significant differences (P> 0.05) in the values of the
various parameters among the treatment groups compared to the control. In
conclusion, It can be deduced that the aqueous root extract of Telferia
occidentalis may not have a substantial effect on the liver function parameters
evaluated in Wistar Albino rats at the dosages tested. Further studies, including
histopathological examination and longer-term observations, may provide
additional insights into the effects of Telfairia occidentalis root extract on liver
health.

Environmental pollution is a growing concern, with its detrimental effects on ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. Spent lubricating oil (SLO) represents a pervasive environmental pollutant, often finding its way into soil and posing a significant threat to plant life. In this comprehensive study, we delve into the intricate dynamics between SLO and soybean (Glycine max) seedlings during the early germination phase, with a specific focus on evaluating the impact on Total Antioxidant Property (TAP), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC), and Total Phenolic Content (TPC) after 14 days of germination. The investigation entailed the examination of four distinct SLO fractions: the aqueous extract, the water-insoluble fraction extract, the water-soluble fraction extract, and the whole SLO extract. The determination of TAP was executed using gallic acid as a standard, revealing that the water-insoluble fraction extract exhibited the highest TAP (40.00 mgGAE/g), outperforming both the whole SLO extract (30.00 mgGAE/g) and the water-soluble fraction extract (16.00 mgGAE/g). This discrepancy in TAP among the various SLO fractions suggests that specific components within SLO have varying effects on soybean seedlings' antioxidant defense mechanisms. Furthermore, the assessment of TPC unveiled a nuanced picture, with the water-insoluble fraction extract (28.00 mgGAE/g) displaying a notably elevated concentration of phenolic compounds in comparison to the whole SLO extract (16.00 mgGAE/g) and the water-soluble fraction extract (24.00 mgGAE/g). The disparities in TPC emphasize the selective influence of different SLO components on the production of phenolic compounds, which are crucial for plant defense mechanisms against oxidative stress. Turning our attention to TFC, using quercetin as a standard, the whole SLO extract (32.00 mgQE/g) exhibited the highest flavonoid content, surpassing both the water-insoluble fraction extract (24.00 mgQE/g) and the water-soluble fraction extract (12.00 mgQE/g). This observation suggests that certain elements within SLO might trigger the biosynthesis of flavonoids, essential compounds for plants in mitigating the harmful effects of oxidative stress. In conclusion, the findings from this meticulous investigation underscore the intricate and multifaceted nature of plant-pollutant interactions. Each fraction of SLO exerts a unique and context-dependent influence on soybean seedlings' biochemical properties, with profound implications for antioxidant defenses, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. This study highlights the critical importance of adopting a tailored and precise approach when evaluating the effects of pollutants on plant biochemistry

A multifaceted metabolic illness termed diabetes mellitus, causes the development of insulin resistance, hampered insulin signaling, malfunction of the beta cells, abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammation, and elevated oxidative stress. Conventional drugs used for diabetes treatment are associated with drawbacks, such as rigid dosing regimens, high cost, and side effects. Therefore, screening for new anti-diabetic compounds from natural plants used in folk medicine is still attractive for their efficacy, low incidence of side effects, and low cost. Folkloric information that Tetrapleura tetraptera has anti-diabetic effect has prompted the use of the root bark of this plant for research into its anti-diabetic effect, and anti-oxidant effect. T. tetraptera roots has been shown to be rich in saponins, which led to the design of this study to investigate the effect of saponins extracted from T. tetraptera (TTS) on the enzymatic oxidative status of streptozotocin induced diabetic Wistar rats. The study investigated the effect of T. tetraptera(TTS) on: serum and tissue total protein; and superoxide dismutase (SOD); catalase; and glutathione-S-transferase activities in the serum and tissues of streptozotocin induced diabetic Wistar rats. T. tetraptera saponins (TTS) was administered orally via gavage at different doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg body weight to streptozotocin induced diabetic Wistar rats in group 4, 5, and 6 respectively. The standard drug metformin was administered to group 3, group 1 was the normal control, and group 2 animals were the untreated diabetic group. Treatment lasted for 12 weeks. After treatment, total protein; superoxide dismutase (SOD); catalase; and glutathione-Stransferase was assayed for in the liver, heart, kidney, pancreas, and testis. The result showed a significant increase in total protein concentrations in almost all the tissues especially at lesser dose of 10 mg/kg TTS, while again at 10mg/kg TTS treated group, there was a significant elevation in SOD levels of both serum and the liver. Treatment with saponins from T. tetraptera caused significant (p<0.05) increase in catalase activities in the serum and kidney. It was lastly observed that administration of saponins from T. tetraptera increased GST activities significantly (p<0.05) in the serum and kidney. This study has shown that total saponins from T. tetraptera especially at 10mg/kg TTS body weight could scavenge free radicals which is very important in the management of diabetes mellitus.

Sales outlets that have poor sanitary conditions can present health risks to consumers. The direct consumption of drinks in their container can expose consumers to serious foodborne diseases, thus increasing the risk of toxi-infection and its transmission constituting a serious public health problem. This present study is aimed at evaluating the possible contamination and determination of the prevalence of Bacteria found on canned drinks and their antimicrobial susceptibility in some selected distributing and retail points in Benin-city, Edo State. The microbiological analysis was performed from the collection of beverage cans sold in distributing and retail points Benin city. The cans were stored in sterile plastic bags and introduced into individual thermal bags for temperature maintenance. Samples were taken from the surface of beverage cans with a sterile swab and transferred to vials containing 10mL of BHI broth. After 24 hours, the same swabs were used for seeding on selective culture media. The results showed that out of the hundred (100) samples examined, only 34 (34%) was positive for bacterial contamination, showing a general prevalence of 34%. Of the 39 sample collected from retailers, 15.38% (6/39) showed contamination while 54.09% (28/61) of samples collected from distributors showed contamination. The highest bacterial count was 7.0 × 105 while the lowest bacterial count was found to be 1.9 × 102.Escherichia coli has the most prevalence with 12 (35.3%) different isolates from the 34 positive samples followed by Klebsiella spp. and Enterococcus faecalis with 8 (23.5%) different isolates each. Four (11.8%) different isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were gotten while just 2 (5.9%) isolates of Streptococcus spp. were observed in this study. Most of the isolates were sensitive to the three different antibiotics used in this study. Five isolates were resistant to Piperacillin, while one isolate was resistant to both Gentamycin and Cefoxitin. The implications of antibiotic resistance on healthcare systems are enormous as resistance leads to the limitation of treatment options. Considering a significant p-value of ≤0.05, statistical analysis shows significant relationship between refrigeration and prevalence of bacterial contamination (p=0.015). Moreso, this research shows a significant relationship between purchase site and prevalence of bacterial contamination. More contamination was observed among canned drinks gotten from retailers when compared to distributors. This was found to be statistically significant (p=0.048). However, no statistically significant relationship existed between location from which canned drinks were gotten and the prevalence of bacterial contamination (p-value= 0.068)

The present study investigated the influence of spent lubricating oil (SLO) and its various fractions
on the Total Antioxidant Potential (TAP), Total Phenolic Content (TPC), and Total Flavonoid
Content (TFC) in Sorghum bicolor. The research aimed to understand the potential ecological and
physiological implications of SLO contamination in agricultural soils. Four extracts were
analyzed: water extract, water insoluble fraction extract, water-soluble fraction extract, and whole
spent lubricating oil extract. Each extract exhibited distinct effects on the biochemical parameters
measured. The results are presented in terms of milligrams of Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE) per
gram for TAP, milligrams of GAE per gram for TPC, and milligrams of Quercetin Equivalent (QE)
per gram for TFC. The water extract displayed a TAP value of 5.00 mg GAE/g, which was
significantly lower than the other extracts, indicating reduced antioxidant potential. In contrast, the
water insoluble fraction extract exhibited the highest TAP value of 15.00 mg GAE/g, suggesting
that this fraction possessed the most potent antioxidant properties. These findings highlight the
varying impacts of SLO and its fractions on TAP, TPC, and TFC in Sorghum bicolor. The
differences in these parameters among the extracts indicate that SLO contamination can have a
multifaceted effect on the antioxidant and phenolic composition of this important agricultural crop.
Understanding these effects is crucial for mitigating the potential harm to both the environment
and human health, and for developing strategies to ensure the sustainability of Sorghum bicolor
cultivation in contaminated soil.

Background;
Neck pain and shoulder pain are common musculoskeletal conditions faced by senior secondary school teachers. There is however limited understanding of the prevalence of neck and shoulder pain and its associated risk factors among senior secondary school teachers therefore relationship between the prevalence of these musculoskeletal disorders and work characteristics, specifically the arm length, board height, and lesson duration needs to be investigated among senior secondary school teachers.
Aims;
The study aims to determine the prevalence of neck, and shoulder pain and associated risk factors among secondary school teachers in Egor local government of Edo state.
Methodology;
This cross-sectional survey was carried out in Egor local government. It involved 150 participants. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Neck and shoulder pain was assessed using the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data with a significance level set at p<0.05.and Wilcoxon signed ranked test was done to find the significant difference between the prevalence of neck and shoulder pain at 12 months and 7 days duration
Result;
The findings of the study showed that the 12-month prevalence of neck pain among respondents was 96 (64%), while 60(40%) was observed for shoulder pain. The result also showed that there was a significant difference between 12-month prevalence of neck pain and shoulder pain (Z =-4.500, P = 0.000 ) and no significant difference between 7 days prevalence of neck pain and shoulder pain (Z =-0.469, P = 0.639 ) Similarly, a significant association was also observed between the prevalence of neck pain and shoulder pain at 12months (P <0.05) and a significant association was also observed between the prevalence of neck pain and shoulder pain at 7 days (P <0.05)
Conclusion;
There is a prevalence of neck and shoulder pain among senior secondary school teachers in Egor Local government, Edo state. The 12-month prevalence of neck pain and shoulder pain was the highest followed by the prevalence in 7 days among senior secondary school teachers in Egor Local government, Edo state. The risk factor associated with significant shoulder pain was prolonged teaching hours characterized by writing on the board.