DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) is a potent environmental toxicant that induces oxidative stress in the testes via reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, leading to lipid peroxidation, antioxidant depletion, and impaired spermatogenesis. This study investigated the protective effect of Entandrophragma utili bark extract (EUE) on oxidative stress indices in the testes of CCl₄-intoxicated Wistar rats. Thirty (25) male Wistar rats (150–180 g) were divided into five groups (n=5): Group I: Normal control (distilled water) Group II: CCl₄ only (0.5 mL/kg, 1:1 in olive oil, ip., twice weekly) Group III: CCl₄ + Crude extract (400 mg/kgbwt) Group IV: CCl₄ + Ethyl acetate (400 mg/kgbwt) Group V: CCl₄ + Ethanol residue (400 mg/kgbwt) Treatment lasted 28 days. Testes were excised, homogenized, and assayed for reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Entandrophragma utili bark extract exhibits dose-dependent antioxidant protection against CCl₄- induced testicular oxidative damage, possibly via free radical scavenging. It holds promise as a natural therapeutic agent for oxidative stress-related male reproductive disorder. CCl₄ intoxication significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx, and reduced GSH levels, confirming severe oxidative stress. Pre-treatment with the crude EUE extract significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated these alterations, restoring antioxidant enzyme activities and GSH levels near to normal and preserving testicular cytoarchitecture. The solvent fractions showed milder, non-significant restorative effects.

To evaluate the effect of aqueous petal extracts of Musa sapientum (banana) and Musa paradisiaca (plantain) on ovarian morphology, reproductive hormones, and oxidative stress markers in female Wistar rats. Forty-two (42) female Wistar rats weighing between 100 g and 180 g were used for the study. The rats were randomly divided into seven groups of six rats each. Group 1 served as the control and received water and feed only, while groups 2, 3, and 4 received graded doses of banana petal extract (0.5 ml, 1.0 ml, and 2.0 ml respectively), and groups 5, 6, and 7 received graded doses of plantain petal extract (0.5 ml, 1.0 ml, and 2.0 ml respectively). The study was conducted at the Department of Anatomy (Animal House), Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, between . Dried petals of banana and plantain were ground and extracted using distilled water. The extracts were reconstituted in distilled water and administered orally for 28 days. At the end of the treatment, blood samples were collected for hormonal analysis, including estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle- stimulating hormone, while ovarian tissues were harvested for histological and oxidative stress analyses. The extracts exhibited varying effects on ovarian morphology and reproductive hormones. Histological assessments showed dose-dependent changes in follicular development and corpus luteum formation, while biochemical analyses indicated modulation of oxidative stress markers. These findings suggest that banana and plantain petal extracts may exert protective or modulatory effects on ovarian function. The study highlights the potential of these widely available botanical materials in supporting female reproductive health and underscores the importance of dose considerations in therapeutic applications.

Sphenocentrum jollyanum is a member of the diverse family of plants which is known as Menispermaceae. It is a perennial plant which thrives in deep shade, from sea-level up to 400m altitude. Extract of this plant has been successfully used as anti-diabetic,anti-bacterial, and antioxidant agents. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of methanol leaf extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum on biochemical (liver, kidney), antioxidant, hormonal and histopathological parameters of male Wistar rats. A total of twenty-five male Wistar rats were used for this study and equally distributed into five groups. Group 1 served as control, while other groups were the test groups. Group 2 received 0.7mg/kg of sildenafil citrate, Group 3, 4 and 5 received graded doses of 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg, and 500mg/kg body weight of methanol leaf extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum respectively. Prior to the commencement of the study, the animals were acclimatized for two weeks. The extract was orally administered to the rats, and after twenty-eight days, the rats were sacrificed, and biochemical and histopathological assays were carried out. Results from this study showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activity in the group that received 100mg/kg and 500mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively, when compared to that of the control group. There was also a significant increase (P < 0.05) in albumin and total protein concentration in the 500mg/kg body weight test group, compared to that of control. The study also showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in total sperm cell count in the group administered 0.7mg/kg of sildenafil citrate, compared to that of the control group. There was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in the 100mg/kg body weight test group, compared to the control group. There was a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in creatinine concentration in the 200mg/kg, 500mg/kg body weight, and the group that received 0.7mg/kg of sildenafil citrate, compared to the control group. Histopathological findings from this study showed a normal testes and prostate gland. The methanol leafe extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum also showed a high reducing power during Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay when compared to standard ascorbic acid.

Glyphosate is a non-selective systemic herbicide and the most often used pesticide globally. This study examined the effects of antioxidant levels in the liver and kidney of Wistar rats fed maize- based diets formulated from grains obtained from glyphosate-exposed soils. The rats were 15 in total and were grouped into A (commercial feed only), C (maize grown on glyphosate controlled weed field above the recommended dose), F (maize grown on glyphosate controlled weed field following the recommended dose + raw glyphosate (2ml), G (maize grown on glyphosate controlled weed field following the recommended dose), and H (feed produced from maize grown by local farmers), and were maintained under standard conditions for the duration of 28 days. Antioxidant parameters such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were analyzed. The following results showed reduced activities of antioxidant enzymes in the glyphosate-fed groups compared to group A, indicating the presence of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. The various activities suggest that glyphosate residues in feed may disrupt cellular redox balance, compromise organ function, and increase susceptibility to oxidative damage. Overall, the study discussed the potential health risks associated with the consumption of crops cultivated on glyphosate exposed soils and the need for continuous monitoring of herbicide residues in animal feed and food chains.

Hypertension and diabetes are associated with metabolic disturbances, including abnormal enzyme activity that can contribute to disease progression. This study evaluates the therapeutic potential of Simarouba glauca extracts in modulating gamma- glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity in hypertensive and diabetic rats. Both hydro- methanol and acetone fractions exhibited a significant ability to restore GGT activity in blood plasma and liver tissue, indicating their dual role in metabolic regulation and hepatoprotection. The acetone fraction demonstrated slightly superior effects, likely due to its distinct phytochemical composition, which may include a higher concentration of bioactive compounds. The ability of these extracts to normalize GGT activity suggests they possess antioxidant properties that contribute to enzyme stabilization and liver protection. These findings highlight the potential of Simarouba glauca as a natural therapeutic agent for managing metabolic dysfunctions associated with hypertension and diabetes. Further research is needed to elucidate the precise bioactive constituents responsible for these effects and their mechanisms of action

Phyllanthus amarus(UBH-P406) is a small annual plant widely used in traditional medicine in many parts of the world. It's been investigated for various potential health benefits, including antiviral, hepatoprotective, and anticancer properties. Piper guineense(UBH-P351) which is commonly known as Ashanti pepper or West African black pepper, is a West African spice with a
pungent flavor. It contains various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids and amides. Some studies suggest that Piper guineense may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.DMH (1,2-dimethylhydrazine): DMH is a chemical compound that is a potent colon carcinogen, commonly used in experimental studies to induce colon cancer in laboratory animals. It undergoes metabolic activation in the body, leading to the formation of reactive metabolites that can damage DNA and promote tumor development in the colon. The aim and objective of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic effects of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus leaves mixed with Piper guineense leaves on 1,2 Dimethylhydrazine-induced colon cancer in Swiss Albino rat. In this present study, the body weight of the animals weighed from 150g-256g. The Rats were then separated into groups of 3 with 6 animals in each group, marked at different positions for easy identification of the rats and placed into plastic cages which had granular cellulose bedding. The rats were fed with growers' mash in regular pellets, they were also given tap water with constant light. Randomization was used with graphpad.com in respect to ARRIVE guideline. The groups the rats were divided into group 1 (control group), Group 2(20mg/kg of DMH bwt P. amarus and P. guinnense) Group 3(20mg/kg of DMH only). In the Liver, AST and ALT, control and DMH + P. amarus and P. guinnense were significantly different when compared to that of DMH only. In Kidney, Urea and Creatinine, control and DMH only were significantly different from DMH + P. amarus and P. guineense group. In electrolyte, Na+, K+, HCO3 and Cl, no significant difference was observed when control was compared to plant treated and DMH only groups. This suggest that aqueous extract + P. amarus and P. guineense have anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, and hepatorenal protective potentials.

Anemia is a medical condition in which the concentration of circulating red blood cells is less than 13g/dL for males and 12g/dL for female adults. The leaves of Dennettia tripetala (DT) and Cola acuminata (CA) have been used to manage anemiain adults and children by herbal practitioners. This study compared the anti-anemic effects of Dennettia tripetala and Cola acuminata methanol leaf extracts on phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced hemolytic anemia in albino Wistar rats. The study was divided into four phases. In Phase I, nutritional and mineral
composition, qualitative and quantitative phytochemical content, In vitro antioxidant capacity, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) were carried out in accordance with standard methods. In Phase II, acute and subacute toxicity of each extract was determined. In Phase III, the effect of each extract on biochemical parameters for kidney, liver and splenic functions were ascertained. Histology of bone marrow, kidney, liver and spleen and hematological parameters were also determined. In Phase IV, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for mRNA expression levels of IREG, HO-1, DMT-IRE and TFR1 genes in the liver and spleen was determined. Proximate analysis reveal that both leaf extracts contain substantial amounts of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, fibre and ash, with low moisture content. Minerals present are phosphorus, calcium, sodium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and potassium. Qualitative phytochemical and HPLC analysis reveal appreciable amounts of cardiac glycosides, saponins, alkaloids, terpenoids, coumarins, tannins, phenols, amino acids, and reducing sugars. Steroids were sparingly present, while flavonoids were abundant. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of terpenoids, hydrocarbons and fatty acids. Invitro anti-oxidant analysis indicates that CA scavenged DPPH radical better thanDT. However, DT had a higher total antioxidant capacity than CA. Acute toxicity studies show that both extracts had LD50 values >5,000 mg/kg body weight, with no mortality. Sub-acute toxicity revealed modulation of biochemical and hematological parameters. The effective dose of DT and CA against PHZ toxicity were 1,500 and 500mg/kg body weight, respectively. Administration of DT and CA resulted in significant (p<0.05) improvement of antioxidant status, biochemical indices and hematological parameters when compared with the negative control.

In vitro antioxidant activities were carried out on the ethanol extracts of the stem bark of Anthocleista Djalonensis, The methods used were standard procedures for assessment of its antioxidant properties using DPPH scavenging activity, hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay, thiobarbituricacid reactive assay, superoxide scavenging activity and ferric reducing-antioxidants power with their standard as Ascorbic acid. The stem washed clean of sand after which it was air-dried at room temperature and ground into fine powder. The powdered sample (168g) was extracted with 4.9L of Ethanol by maceration for 72 hrs with regular stirring, The mixture was filtered using muslin cloth and concentrated using rotary evaporator and subjected to freeze drying to obtain powdered form. The result of 1,1-diphenol-2picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of ethanol extract shows that the scavenging activity of DPPH was significantly higher (P>0.05) than the standard used(Ascorbic acid),it possesses Antioxidant activities. In the Thiobarbituricacid reactive substance (TBARs) assay, ethanol extract of A.djalonensis observed to be at bar with the standard used(Ascorbic acid). Although it was highest in the standard used. Since the A.djalonensis has been suspected to have antioxidant activities which helps in relieving stress and reducing organic species that enhances damage to the systems of the body, hence the experiment. In conclusion, from the results gotten A.djalonensis possesses good antioxidant properties, since it can be found naturally, it's use should be encouraged to help scavenge radicals and manage stress.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of methanol extract of Simarouba glauca on liver. The leaves, wood and stem back of the Simarouba glauca plant are the portions that are reportedly most frequently used. In this study, the leaves were used. The Simarouba glauca leaves were procured, cleaned and allowed to dry for 28 days at room temperature. The dried leaves were ground into powder. Six hundred grams were weighed and dissolved in 2.5 L of methanol. The mixture was stirred continuously for seven days then the methanol extract was recovered from this combination by filtration and the extract was concentrated by freezing the filtrate. Thirty female wistar rats of average weight 80g were divided equally into six groups with five animals per group. Group I animals were used as the control, Group II, III, and IV, V and VI animals received methanol extract of Simarouba glauca at dose levels of 125, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 mg/kg body weight daily, orally for 28 days. The animals were then sacrificed and the blood obtained, centrifuged and the serum withdrawn for analysis. Total bilirubin, Alkaline phosphatase and Aspartate amino-transferase assays were carried out. The results of this study shows that there was no significant (P <0.05>) difference in all the parameters assayed when compared with the control. This is indicative of the non-toxic effect of Simarouba glauca on the
liver of female wistar rats.

Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic syndromes. 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine (DMH) is a known carcinogen that induces oxidative stress via generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to cellular damage and biochemical alterations. Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) is widely recognized for its medicinal properties, particularly its antioxidant potential. This study evaluated oxidative status in the plasma of DMH-exposed Wistar rats administered ethanol extract of Vernonia amygdalina leaves. Male Wistar rats (n = 30) were divided into six groups: control, DMH, silymarin, extract, pretreatment and post-treatment groups.After the experimental period, plasma samples were analyzed for oxidative stress biomarkers, including total protein (TP), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), nitric oxide (NO), and vitamins A, C, and E. Results showed that DMH exposure significantly increased lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels, while reducing enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant levels (p < 0.05). Treatment with ethanol extract of V. amygdalina significantly restored antioxidant enzyme activities, increased GSH and vitamin concentrations, and reduced oxidative damage. Overall, ernonia amygdalina demonstrated potent antioxidant activity, effectively mitigating DMHinduced oxidative stress. These findings provide scientific validation for its traditional use as a medicinal plant and highlight its potential as a natural alternative for managing oxidative stressrelated diseases.