DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY

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

Energy drinks are popular for their energy-boosting effects, yet concerns about their composition and safety persist. This study aimed to evaluate the mineral, sugar, and heavy metal content of Blue Bullet energy drink, focusing on its impact on energy metabolism, mineral homeostasis, and toxicological risks. Triplicate samples of the drink was prepared for the qualitative analyses were conducted to detect the presence of carbohydrates, phosphates, and acidity and quantitative tests which included Benedict’s and Fehling’s solutions for sugar content, spectrophotometric analysis for minerals, and toxicological screening for heavy metals. Qualitative analyses confirmed significant carbohydrate presence, trace phosphates, and an acidic pH typical of energy drinks. Quantitative screening revealed carbohydrates (12 ± 3 μg/L), alcohol (16 ± 2 μg/L), phosphate (368 ± 1 μg/L), and CO2 (78 ± 11 μg/L). Mineral analysis identified calcium (24.47 ± 0.15 mg/kg), iron (0.93 ± 0.03 mg/kg), potassium (0.30 ± 0.00 mg/kg), magnesium (1.17 ± 0.03 mg/kg), and phosphorus (1.667 ± 0.002 mg/kg), all within FDA and WHO safety limits. Trace metals such as chromium (0.047 ± 0.004 mg/kg), manganese (0.047 ± 0.012 mg/kg), and zinc (0.083 ± 0.003 mg/kg) were present at safe levels. Toxicological screening showed arsenic (0.955 ± 0.004 μg/kg) and mercury (0.070 ± 0.001 μg/kg) below safety thresholds, with no detectable lead, cadmium, or copper. These findings highlight that Blue Bullet provides essential nutrients and adheres to safety standards, though regular quality control is recommended for consumer safety..

Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) is a widely utilized medicinal plant globally, that
holds significant recognition in traditional medicine systems. This plant has been
studiedfor its wide range of pharmacological properties including, anti-hepatotoxic, anti-microbial, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-immunosuppressive properties anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antipyretic, antiretroviral, antivenom, cardioprotective, and immunomodulatory effects. In this research, the aqueous and ethanol extract of the leaves and stem bark of Andrographis paniculata was qualitatively and quantitively analysed, to determine its phytochemical composition. The qualitative analysis carried out between the aqueous and ethanol extract of Andrographis paniculata showed positive for saponin, tannin, phenol, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, proanthocyanidin and terpenoids which are phytochemicals responsible for the plant’s ethnomedicinal uses. Although these phytochemicals are present in both extracts, Flavonoids (66 QE/g), Phenol (78 GAE/g), Tannin (54 TAE/g) and Proanthocyanidin (174 mgAAE/g) were found in higher concentration in the aqueous extract of Andrographis paniculata than the ethanol extract. This clearly indicates that the aqueous extract of Andrographis paniculata is more advantageous for herbal medicine practice. Upon statistical analysis it was concluded that though the level of flavonoids, proanthocyanidin, tannins and phenol were more higher in the aqueous extract than ethanol extract though, there was no significant difference (p ≥ 0.05) between these extracts, suggesting that the solvent ethanol was just as effective in the extraction of these phytochemicals when compared with the aqueous solvent.

Cyanide poisoning poses a significant threat to cardiovascular health, leading to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors such as dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. Ocimum gratissimum (OG), commonly known as scent leaf, is a medicinal plant with potential cardioprotective properties. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the ethanol extract of OG on CVD risk factors in cyanide-induced rabbits. Fifteen rabbits were randomly divided into five groups: group one(drug), group two(ethanol extract), group three(ethanol extract), group four(cyanide), group five(control). Cyanide-induced rabbits were orally administered OG extract and drug (Sylimarin) for 21 days. Blood samples and organs(heart) were collected for biochemical analysis of CVD risk factors, including total protein profile, cholesterol levels, arterogenic coefficient, cardiac risk ratio, vitamin, and nitric oxides concentration. Certain experimental groups displayed promising changes, such as elevated HDL- C levels, improved endothelial function, and enhanced cardiac muscle function, others exhibited adverse alterations in lipid profile and endothelial function. These findings underscore the complex nature of herbal remedies and emphasize the importance of empirical validation to ensure their safety and efficacy in treating cardiovascular diseases.

Cyanide poisoning poses a significant threat to cardiovascular health, leading to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors such as dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. Ocimum gratissimum (OG), commonly known as scent leaf, is a medicinal plant with potential cardioprotective properties. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the ethanol extract of OG on CVD risk factors in cyanide-induced rabbits. Fifteen rabbits were randomly divided into five groups: group one(drug), group two(ethanol extract), group three(ethanol extract), group four (cyanide), group five(control). Cyanide-induced rabbits were orally administered OG extract and drug (Sylimarin) for 21 days. Blood samples and organs(heart) were collected for biochemical analysis of CVD risk factors, including total protein profile, cholesterol levels, arterogenic coefficient, cardiac risk ratio, vitamin, and nitric oxides concentration. Certain experimental groups displayed promising changes, such as elevated HDL- C levels, improved endothelial function, and enhanced cardiac muscle function, others exhibited adverse alterations in lipid profile and endothelial function. These findings underscore the complex nature of herbal remedies and emphasize the importance of empirical validation to ensure their safety and efficacy in treating cardiovascular diseases.