DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY

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.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of Cymbopogon citratus on blood glucose, body weight and liver, kidney and pancreas reduced glutathione levels on normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced in the animals (diabetic control and diabetic treated), by intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin (45mg/body weight), while the control groups received equal volume of the citrate buffer (pH 4.5) solution intraperitoneally. Streptozotocin treatment significantly increased (p < 0.05) blood glucose concentration in the diabetic rats compared to the normal rats. The normal treated and diabetic treated rats were given Cymbopogon citratus extract for 21 days (400mg/body weight). The pancreas, livers, and kidneys of the rats were excised and biochemical assay of reduced glutathione was determined. There was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the fasting blood glucose levels of the normal treated rats when compared with the normal control rats at the end of the 21 days treatment period. Levels of blood glucose in the diabetic rats were significantly increased (p<0.05) compared to the normal control rats. However, levels of blood glucose in the diabetic treated rats were not significantly different (p>0.05) when compared to the diabetic control rats. There was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in body weight in the diabetic rats when compared to the normal control rats. There was no significant % weight (p>0.05) gain in the diabetic treated rats when compared to the diabetic control rats and also there was a non- significant (p>0.05) decrease in weight in the normal treated rats when compared to the normal control rats. In the liver and the pancreas, the results for reduced glutathione concentration showed that there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the normal treated rats when compared to the normal control rats, in the diabetic control rats when compared to the normal control rats and in the diabetic treated rats when compared to the diabetic control rats. In thekidney, there was no significant difference observed (p>0.05) when the normal treated rats were compared with the normal control rats and when the diabetic treated rats were compared with thenormal control rats. However, when the diabetic treated rats were compared with the diabeticcontrol rats, there was a significant difference (p<0.05). Cymbopogon citratus does have somehypoglycemic and antioxidant properties but further research is needed to ascertain these claims.

Justicia carnea, commonly known as Brazilian plume or Jacobinia is a tropical flowering plant from the Acanthaceae family, it is traditionally used for it’s therapeutic properties. This study presents a meticulous proximate analysis, qualitative and qualitative phytochemical screening, mineral and vitamin C analysis obtained from Justicia carnea leaf. The Proximate analyses revealed high level of carbohydrate (57.16 ± 0.15%) and fibre (12.75 ± 0.11%) and moderate protein and ash content of (10.18 ± 0.10%) and (7.12 ± 0.09%) respectively, low level of fat (4.45 ± 0.08%) highlighting the plant’s nutritional value. The Phytochemical screening indicated that Ethanolic extracts were more efficient in extracting compounds such as Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Saponins Phenols and Terpenoids compared to Aqueous extracts. The high level of these secondary metabolites indicate the significant bioactivity of the plant. Quantitative analysis showed significant concentration of Polyphenones (65.20 ± 2.10%), Vitamin C (28.45 ± 0.86%) and moderate level of Phytic acid (10.04 ± 0.40%), which underscores the leaf’s antioxidant potentials. Mineral analysis identified Calcium and Iron as predominant elements. This lays a robust foundation for further exploration of the Justicia carnea leaf extract in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications, emphasizing it’s potential as a natural source of health promoting compound.

This study investigates the renoprotective potential of the dichloromethane (DCM) fraction of Garcinia kola (GL) stem bark in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder often associated with severe complications, including diabetic nephropathy, which remains a leading cause of kidney failure. The search for plant-based therapeutic agents with minimal side effects has intensified, particularly in traditional medicinal systems where Garcinia kola is widely utilized. In this experiment, diabetes was induced in Wistar rats using streptozotocin (STZ), after which the animals were treated with varying doses of the DCM fraction of GL stem bark. Biochemical parameters including serum creatinine, urea, electrolyte levels, and blood glucose were evaluated, alongside histopathological examination of kidney tissues. Oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzyme activities were also assessed to determine the mechanism of action. The results demonstrated that treatment with the DCM fraction significantly reduced elevated blood glucose levels and improved renal function indices compared to untreated diabetic controls. There was also a marked decrease in oxidative stress markers, accompanied by enhanced antioxidant defense systems. Histological findings revealed preservation of kidney architecture in treated groups, indicating protection against STZ-induced renal damage. In conclusion, the DCM fraction of Garcinia kola stem bark exhibits significant renoprotective effects in diabetic Wistar rats, likely mediated through its antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties. These findings suggest its potential as a complementary therapeutic agent in the management of diabetic nephropathy, warranting further investigation into its active constituents and clinical applicability.

Azanza garckeana also known as snot apple is an important food and medicinal plant, which serves as a good source of herbal medicine in tropical Africa. Azanza garckeana fruits were obtained from Tula, Kaltungo Local Government, Gombe State, in the North-Eastern region of Nigeria. This study was carried out in order to identify the bioactive compounds with health- promoting benefits present in the dichloromethane extract of the seeds of Azanza garckeana. To characterize diverse bioactive compounds present in the plant, the dichloromethane extract of the seeds of this fruit were subjected to GC-MS analysis. Eighteen (18) bioactive compounds were found in the seeds. According to the result, (Z)-3-(pentadec-8-en-1-yl) phenol had the highest concentration of 69.79% and the longest retention period at 17.987 minutes. This compound was found to have Anti-hyperglycemic and Antioxidant properties. The least component in the seeds extract, pentasiloxane, dodecamethyl, had a concentration of 0.35% and a retention period of 3.430 minutes. Other bioactive compounds present in the dichloromethane extract and their biological activities include; Cyclohexasiloxane, dodecamethyl- (Antibacterial and Antioxidant activities), Cyclododecane (Antimicrobial activity), Cycloheptasiloxane, tetradecamethyl- (Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory activities), Methyl stearate (Antioxidant activity). According to the findings, Azanza garckeana (snot apple) has a lot of potential as a source of naturally occurring bioactive substances utilized as therapeutic agents in the treatment and prevention of different ailments.