BIOCHEMISTRY

This study was conducted to investigate the acute toxicity, blood glucose concentration and the anti-diabetic effect of methanol extract of Moringa oleifera in streptozotocin- induced diabetes mellitus on Liver integrity in Sprague-Dawley rats. Acute toxicity was carried out in two phases using different doses of Moringa oleifera leaves extract. There was no mortality recorded in both phases. A total of twenty-five Sprague-dawley rats divided into five groups of five animals each were used for the experiment. All animals were allowed unlimited access to feed and water. Group 1 served as control and receieved normal feed and water. Animals in groups 2,3,4 & 5 were induced with diabetes mellitus using 55mg/kg body weight streptozotocin. Animals in group 2 were treated with standard drug glibenclamide (5mg/kg bwt) once daily for 21 days. In addition, animals in groups 3,4 &5 were treated with graded doses of Moringa oleifera leaves extract (100mg/kg bwt, 200mg/kg bwt and 300mg/kg bwt) respectively. Blood glucose level was checked weekly for three weeks. On day 22, all the animals were sacrificed and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were analyzed. Results obtained showed that there was a significant (P<0.05) decrease in ALT and MDA level. Also there was a significant (P<0.05) decrease in AST in 250mg/kg bwt and 300mg/kg bwt. There was a significant increase in AST in groups treated with 100mg/kg bwt and 200mg/kg bwt this maybe as a result of the low doses of the Moringa oleifera leaves extract used in their treatment. 300mg/kg bwt maybe the safest and best dose to use for medicinal purposes. All the animals treated with methanol extract of Moringa oleifera showed a significant (P <0.05) decrease in blood glucose concentration. The animals treated with glibenclamide maintained a significant high blood glucose concentration, there was no reduction in blood glucose concentration in this group when compared with control group after treatment for 21 days. Methanol extract of Moringa oleifera leaves has an anti-diabetic effect and also liver protective effect because of the antioxidant and phytochemical compounds it
contains.

Palm oil is widely consumed worldwide, particularly in Africa and Asia, where improper storage often leads to increased levels of free fatty acids (FFA). Elevated FFA levels can induce oxidative stress and impair organ function, including the heart. The study aimed to determine the influence of varying FFA levels in palm oil on body weight, total ATPase activity and the histopathological integrity of cardiac tissue in rats. Palm oil samples with FFA levels ranging from 0.4% to 42.7% were fed to six groups of Wistar rats for four weeks. The study observed significant differences in weight gain across groups consuming palm oil
with different FFA levels, the control group show moderate weight gain as baseline for
comparison, the low level FFA group (0.4% FFA) show a significant weight gain suggesting optimal intake of nutrient while the higher level FFA group (28.4% FFA) showed reduce weight gain particular in the 8.4% FFA group. Total ATPase activity was assessed using standard spectrophotometric methods, while histopathological analysis of cardiac tissue was conducted to evaluate structural changes. The study revealed an initial increase in ATPase activity in groups fed moderate FFA levels (4.8%), reflecting potential adaptive metabolic responses. However, higher FFA levels (≥8.4%) led to suppressed ATPase activity, likely due
to oxidative damage. Despite the increase observed in ATPase activity and tissue structure ,no evidence of acute myocardial damage was found in the control and experimental groups. Histopathological analysis showed normal cardiac architecture in the control and palm oil fed groups. The finding underscore the importance of proper palm oil storage to limit FFA accumulation and prevent potential adverse effects on cardiac health.

Cadmium is a toxicant that is not just harmful to the gonads but also the liver. In this study, the ameliorating potentials of Cyperus esculentus on cadmium induced toxicity in Liver was evaluated. Thirty-five male albino wistar rats divided into five groups consisting of seven rats each were used for this experiment. All rats were treated orally via gavage for 28 days. The
group 1 served as the control group was administered normal saline while group 2 was treated with Cadmium only (3 mg/kg body weight). Groups 3 and 4 were co-treated with cadmium and Cyperus esculentus extract at doses of 2 and 4 mL/kg body weight respectively. Following this, histopathology were analysed for all the rats. Biochemically, SOD, CAT and
MDA activities were significantly altered (p<0.05) in cadmium treated group. Group 3 rats showed no significant alteration in SOD, CAT and MDA level. However, there was a significant increase in CAT activities in all rats. Histological section through the liver showed inflammation and necrosis in rats in group 2. However, the histology cross section in group 4 and 5 appeared to have recovered from the damages induced by cadmium. These results showed that Cyperus esculentus ameliorated the toxic effects induced by cadmium on the liver by restoring the morphology of the liver in a dose dependent manner.

In tropical Africa, Detarium microcarpium serves as both vital industrial source and medicinal herb. An overview of D. microcarpium verified pharmacological qualities, including its effect on certain organ enzyme activity, acute and subacute toxicity, was the goal of this research. The leave of Detarium microcarpium are fit for several commercial and industrial uses, as was
discovered after a comprehensive literature review. Traditionally, D. microcarpium has been used to cure or alleviate the symptoms different illnesses and conditions in humans. In herbal therapy, this species is used to treat a wide range of conditions, from chest discomfort to cough to infertility to liver issues to menstrual pain to STDs. Antibacterial, antifungal, antihyperglycemic, antimalarial, antioxidant, and iron absorption are only some of the many pharmacological actions associated with D. microcarpium, as shown by pharmacological research. The fact that plants are natural does not guarantee their health benefit and safety. Some of these natural plants have been reported to cause renal and hepatic toxicity by deactivating and reducing the activity of both hepatic and renal enzymes. It is therefore expedient that these popularly known herbal medicines are widely studied with regards to their pharmacological and toxicological aspects in order to understand their safe doses and adverse effects. The chemical, nutritional, and toxicological qualities of Detarium microcarpium are interesting enough to warrant in-depth scientific examination. Animal experiments, randomized clinical trials, and subacute toxicity tests on specific organs are all necessary parts of a detailed research of Detarium microcarpium and its derivatives.

In the periodic table of elements, between zinc (Zn) and mercury (Hg), lies the naturally occurring metal cadium (Cd), which exhibits chemical properties akin to zinc (Zn). It is an element with supple, ductile, silvery white with bluish undertones, glossy, and electro positive characteristics. Cadmium has a melting point is 321 °C, boiling point is 765 °C, atomic number is 48, and atomic mass is 112. It has no taste or smell and is extremely toxic. Eight stable isotopes make up this metal: 106 Cd, 108 Cd, 110 Cd, 111 Cd, 112 Cd, 113 Cd, 114 Cd, and 116 Cd. 112 Cad and 114 Cad are the most prevalent isotopes (Adriano 2001). It typically appears as a divalent caption that has been complicated by additional elements (e.g., CdCl2). Since Cd is typically found as an impurity in deposits of zinc (Zn) or lead (Pb), it is primarily produced as a by-product of the smelting of these metals. Cd is present in the earth's crust at a rate of about 0.1 parts per million (Hans 1999).

Hypertension and diabetes are two of the most prevalent metabolic disorders, often coexisting and contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. Conventional treatments for these conditions frequently involve multiple pharmacological agents, which can lead to adverse effects and reduced patient compliance. Consequently, there is a growing interest in natural plant-based therapies with antihypertensive and anti-diabetic properties. This study aims to investigate the efficacy hydro-methanol and acetone extracts of Simarouba glauca in mitigating diabetic hypertension in male Wistar rats induced by Streptozotocin (STZ) and Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Experimental animals were divided into four groups: a normotensive/non-diabetic control, an untreated diabetic/hypertensive group, and two treatment groups receiving hydro-methanol and acetone extracts of Simarouba glauca (25 mg/kg body weight) for four weeks. Plasma sodium and potassium ion levels were assessed to determine the extracts' effects on electrolyte regulation. Results revealed a significant increase in sodium levels (164.34 ± 5.46 mEq/L, P < 0.05) in the untreated diabetic hypertensive group compared to the normotensive control (138.77 ± 2.33 mEq/L). Hydro-methanol extract slightly reduced sodium levels (153.14 ± 11.02 mEq/L) without statistical significance (P > 0.05), whereas acetone extract significantly lowered sodium levels (129.96 ± 6.43 mEq/L, P < 0.05), indicating superior efficacy in mitigating sodium retention. Similarly, potassium levels were markedly depleted in the untreated group (0.33 ± 0.23 mEq/L), while acetone extract significantly restored potassium levels (12.80 ± 0.71 mEq/L, P < 0.05), outperforming hydro-methanol extract (0.32 ± 0.19 mEq/L, P > 0.05). These findings suggest that Simarouba glauca, particularly its acetone extract, has promising potential in correcting ele trolyte imbalances associated with diabetic hypertension. Further studies are recommended to elucidate the bioactive compounds responsible for these effects and their underlying mechanisms.

One of the most well-known medicinal plants, Andrographis paniculata (family Acanthaceae), has been used for centuries in Asia, America, and Africa to treat a wide range of illnesses, including cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, ulcers, leprosy, bronchitis, skin conditions, flatulence, colic, influenza, dysentery, dyspepsia, and malaria. This study evaluated the antioxidant properties of the medicinal herb, Andrographis paniculata with standard methods. Here, the DPPH, FRAP, TAC and hydrogen peroxide assays were carried out to determine the antioxidant activity of carbonated drink extract of A. paniculata. Each assay had corresponding
values for the standard and the carbonated drink extract. With the exception of the DPPH assay, the IC50 values for the carbonated drink extract were lower compared to that of the standard (ascorbic acid). Judging from the IC50 values, it therefore indicated that the carbonated drink extract had more antioxidant activity than the standard, showing that the carbonated drink extract of A. paniculata has a better antioxidant potency

The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-diabetic effect the Justicia carnea methanol extract on Streptozotocin induced diabetes in albino wistar rats. The analysis were carried out using standard biochemical methods. The oral acute toxicity test (LD50) of the Justicia carnea methanol leaf in rat extract was determined using Lorke’s method, and diabetes was induced in the rats by a single intraperitoneal dose of 50 mg/kg. b.w of Streptozotocin. Six (6) experimental groups of rats (n=6) were used for the study. Three groups (group 4,5,6) of diabetic rats received oral daily doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg Methanol leaf extract of Justicia carnea respectively while metformin(5 mg/ml); a standard diabetic drug was administered to group 3. Group 2 was induced with diabetes but left untreated (diabetic control), while group 1 was used as normal control which
was not induced with diabetes .The treatment lasted for 21days, and from the results of the acute toxicity study showed, the extract had an LD50 > 5000 mg/kg. From the result of the anti-diabetic study, a Significant (p < 0.05) increase was observed in blood glucose level of the untreated group (group 2) when compared with the normal control whereas groups treated with 100, 200 and 500mg/kg BW of Justicia carnea and 50mg/kg BW of metformin (group 3, 4, 5 and 6) showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in blood glucose levels when compared with the untreated group (group 2). Therefore, it can be concluded from the results that the leaf extracts of Justicia carnea can be used in the management of diabetes

Food fraud is currently a persistent global problem with advancing technology and no food commodity is left out as in the case of palm oil. The aim of this research is to ascertain the toxicological effects of Sudan III and Sudan IV azo dye in palm oil on liver enzyme and non enzyme markers of rats. The experiment lasted for a total of 3 weeks. The first week was for acclimatization, 2 weeks for Sudan III & IV administration (everyday). The total of 48 male albino rats were used for this study and they all had equal rations of food and water. They were grouped into eight (8) categories for the study, each group having eight (6) animals. The results for Body Weight at week 0 showed a statistically significant difference across the different groups (p < 0.05). The analysis of liver enzyme markers revealed significant differences in glutathione peroxidase levels across groups. However, there was no significant differences between any specific groups, possibly due to the small sample sizes (N = 3). On the other hand, the results for malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in the liver, showed that the "SUDAN III 50 mg" group had a significantly higher mean value compared to all other groups. This finding suggests that exposure to the highest dose of Sudan III dye (50 mg) may lead to increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in the liver of rats. These findings highlight the importance of strict regulations and monitoring to prevent the illegal use of such dyes in food products and to protect public health.

Male infertility represents a significant global health concern, often linked to reproductive damage caused by medications. This study investigated the possible therapeutic benefits of aqueous Hibiscus sabdariffa extract in mitigating reproductive toxicity triggered by inhibitor (SSRI), was used to establish a model of drug-induced male infertility by disrupting sperm parameters. Following the induction of damage, the subjects received treatment with the aqueous extract to evaluate its restorative effects on sperm count, motility, morphology. The findings revealed that treatment with 250mg/kg b.wt of Aqueous Hibiscus sabdariffa extract significantly reduced the damage caused by paroxetine, demonstrating notable enhancements in all evaluated sperm parameters and supporting the recovery of reproductive tissue architecture. These results imply that the bioactive compounds present in the aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa may offer meaningful protective and restorative benefits against drug-induced reproductive issues, yielding a more balanced improvement across the assessed parameters, highlighting it as a promising natural therapeutic alternative for male infertility