DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY

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.

Cucumis sativus (cucumber) is known to contain a variety of bioactive substances and phytochemicals. Some of these chemical elements have been connected to the plant's traditional therapeutic uses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the proximate, phytochemical and phenolic contents of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Cucumis sativus. The Proximate analysis results showed that the medicinal plant contained more Nitrogen-Free Substances (NFS) and protein, but low level of fibre (p < 0.05), phytochemical analysis showed that alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and other polyphenols were present in the plant, Phenols and saponins were present in high concentrations, while glycosides concentrations were low. The ethanol extract had significantly higher total phenol, but total flavonoid, flavonol and proanthocyanidin contents were significantly higher in the aqueous extract than in the ethanol extract (p < 0.05). The results obtained in this study indicate that C. sativus is a reservoir of potentially useful chemical compounds which may serve as drugs and provide newer leads and clues for modern drug design. C. sativus is a good source of phenolic compounds and could be used as a natural constituent of food and
medicines

Persistent hyperglycemia is a symptom of diabetes mellitus, a metabolic or hormonal disorder caused by problems with insulin secretion. Type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 (T2DM) diabetes mellitus are the two kinds of the disease. T1DM is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), and it is brought on by a problem with insulin synthesis. T2DM, however, is often referred to as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus since it is linked to cells' inability to respond to insulin (insulin resistance) (NIDDM). All across the world, diabetes is becoming more common. According to estimates, 415 million adults had diabetes in 2015, and by 2040, 642 million persons were expected to have the disease (Rahelic, 2016). More than 70% of people with T2DM reside in developing nations, and this number is rising yearly. There are several pharmacological antidiabetic medicines on the market, but the rise in the prevalence of T2DM, particularly in poor nations, together with the side effects linked to these drugs, has brought attention to the need for more efficient, safer, and affordable management techniques. Over the past ten years, there has been a sharp rise in the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) worldwide for the treatment of conditions including diabetes. According to reports, up to 72.8% of diabetics took herbal remedies. food supplements and other CAM treatments (Chang et al., 2007). Additionally, data shows that the majority of patients who use CAM therapies do so in addition to traditional therapy rather
than in place of it (Kiran et al., 2012). There are many medicinal plants that are thought to have antidiabetic effects and have been used to treat diabetes (Ghorbani, 2014). Due to one or more of their phytochemical qualities, many of the plants found in Nigeria are known for their medicinal properties. (Okwu, 2003). These plants frequently display a variety of biological and pharmaceutical qualities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antifungal, etc (Ekeke et al, 2003). Despite the availability of contemporary medicine formulations, many ailments are treated with extracts from plant roots and bark (Sarkar, 2015). The mainstay of medical care has always been and will continue to be natural products.

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 the kidney, 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 the normal control rats. However, when the diabetic treated rats were compared with the diabetic control rats, there was a significant difference (p<0.05). Cymbopogon citratus does have some hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties but further research is needed to ascertain these claims.

Standard analytical methods were utilized to investigate the nutritional composition and phytochemical content of Lantana camara Linn. leaves in order to uncover the plant's potential bioactive compounds and nutritional profile.. The qualitative phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract of Lantana camara Linn. leaves revealed the presence of various compounds such as tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, phlobatannins, coumarins, and proteins, with tannins being particularly abundant. However, phenols, anthraquinones, emodins, and anthocyanins were not detected. The composition of the ethanol extract showed variations, with flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, phlobatannins, coumarins, and proteins present in moderate amounts, while phenols, anthraquinones, emodins, and anthocyanins were still absent. The medicinal properties of Lantana camara Linn. are influenced by the presence and levels of these secondary metabolites. Proximate analysis revealed that Lantana camara Linn. leaves are rich in carbohydrates (26.59± 1.86%), have a high moisture content (18.00 ± 1.63%), crude protein (18.41 ± 0.02%), crude fats (17.33 ± 0.14%), crude fiber (10.00 ± 0.82%), and ash (9.67 ± 0.27%). The significant presence
of carbohydrates, protein, crude lipids, and fiber in the leaves may contribute to their nutritional value

Medicinal plants are plants that generally contain constituents that have been found useful for the treatment and management of both animal and human diseases. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder resulting from a defect in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. This present work determined the ameliorative effect of the histopathological changes in Streptozotocin-Induced diabetic rats. Male wistar rats were purchased of age (16weeks), kept in clean and serene cages and left to acclimatize for two weeks and were fed with normal poultry feed before inducing them with Streptozotocin according to their weight and were divided into 7 groups and were administered treatment using Metformin, crude extract, ethyl acetate of 200mg and 400mg respectively. From the histopathological studies of the liver, it showed that the control group had hepatocytes and central vein organized, orderly and patterns are regular. The negative control group showed periportal hepatitis, inflammation of the hepatocytes and zonal necrosis while the group treated using Metformin showed a little improvement but there was still portal hepatitis and necrosis. When 200mg of the crude extract was administered, necrosis was reduced, inflammation persisted but mild. 400mg of the crude extract ameliorated the disease, no inflammation, no congestion, no necrosis, fine hepatocytes, Sinosoids were seen properly and Kupffer cells were activated. 200mg ethyl acetate tried in ameliorating the effects of the Streptozotocin damage. Small inflammation was observed, small congestion was observed , necrosis were really reduced and there was Kupffer cell activation too. 400mg ethyl acetate was administered and the inflammation though mild became more obvious compared to the 200mg of ethyl acetate which did a better job at ameliorating the effects of the Streptozotocin. The bile ducts were obvious and no congestion was observed.

Alstonia boonei De wild is a plant belonging to the Aponcyanacea family. Its leaves, root bark and stem bark parts have various traditional uses in parts of West Africa for the management of some ailments such as: Malaria, hypertension and cancer. The nutritional composition and phytochemical content of the leaf of Alstonia boonei De wild were explored under standard analytical methods in order to ingress the numerous potential of the plant. The qualitative phytochemical screening of aqueous extract of Alstonia boonei De wild, leaves showed the presence of saponins, tannins, alkaloids, phenols, steroids, cardiac glycosides, coumerins, phlobatannins and protein; with saponins, tannins, steroids, and phenol highly present. Flavanoids, terpenoids, emotins, anthraquinones and anthocyanins were seen to be absent. Variation of this composition was observed in the ethanol extract which showed that saponins, phenols, terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, protein and anthocyanins were seen to be present in moderate proportion, whereas flavonoids, phlobatannins,coumerin, emotins and anthraquinones were seen to be absent, while cardiac glycosides was highly present. The medicinal value of Alstonia boonei De wild is influenced by the presence and levels of these secondary metabolites. The proximate analysis revealed that Alstonia boonei leaves are rich in carbohydrates (57.45 ± 1.38%), have a moderate content of Ash (3.67± 0.16%), crude protein (8.05 ± 00.05%), crude fats (9.50 ± 0.24%), and crude fibre (11.00 ± 0.47%); but a moderate content of moisture (10.30 ± 0.27%). The presence of high carbohydrates, protein, crude fats and fibre contents of the leaves may be responsible for their nutritive values