DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY

In all of Africa, Dialium guineesne (Velvet tamarind, family: Fabaceae) is known for its culinary and nutritional benefits. Traditional systems of medicine are also well aware of the therapeutic benefits of D. guineesne's leaves and other plant components. Scientists and researchers have investigated the plant for its pharmacological properties and therapeutic uses, including
antibacterial, anti-ulcer, anti-oxidant, analgesic, anti-hepatotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-plasmodia, anti-vibrio, anti-diarrheal properties. The equilibrium between pro- and anti-oxidants is maintained by antioxidant enzymes such superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). These antioxidants aid in the cell's defense against oxidative stress. The current study is aimed at evaluating the renal protective properties of Dialium guineesne against streptozotocin-induced renal toxicity. A single dosage of 50 mg of freshly manufactured streptozotocin (STZ), diluted in 10 ml of normal
saline was used to induce diabetes mellitus. After administering two groups with various dosages of the plant extract, the animals were sacrificed and blood samples were taken. The findings of this study demonstrated that treatment of diabetic Wistar rats with methanol fraction of ethanol stem bark extract of D. guineense significantly increased antioxidant enzyme activities as well as
concentrations of GSH and NO levels (p < 0.05). The observed pharmacological activity may be the result of significant bioactive chemicals found in the extract fraction.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a worldwide problem that effects approximately 15-20%of all adults (Wang et al., 2008). Hypertension is known as silent killer as it showed no symptom. Although Hypertension is simple to diagnose and usually can be controlled by healthy diet, regular exercise, medication prescribed by doctors or a combination of these, however untreated hypertension can cause serious conditions (Campbell et al., 2002). It has been shown that Hypertension is associated with cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, obesity, carbohydrate tolerance, hyperuricacidemia, and atherosclerosis (Yeh et al.,2009). Hypertension affects the structures and functions of small muscular arteries, arterioles and other blood vessels and can cause damage at variable rate to various target organs including kidney, brain and eye, related with the end stage of renal disease and to be the cause of stroke (Escobales et al., 2005; Lee et al., 2010). It is associated with the alterations in the blood vessels wall that affecting the endotheli, the media and the adventitia, whereas alteration in the media leading to remodeling of the vessel wall (Escobales et al., 2005).

The liver plays a crucial role in metabolism and detoxification, making it highly susceptible to oxidative stress. This study dives into the effect of a boiled egg yolk-formulated diet on the antioxidant status and histological integrity of the liver of female Wistar rats. A total of 16 female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: group one( which was fed with boiled egg). group 2 (which was fed with synthetic cholesterol), group 3(which serve as positive control group) and group 4 (which serves as negative control group) for six weeks. After six weeks of feeding, the rats were sacrificed and the liver were taken for examination/analysis. After this was done, the various antioxidants enzymes were examined such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), along side with malondialdehyde (MDA) which serves as a marker of oxidative stress. The Liver tissues were also examined histologically to assess structural changes. The results showed a significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activities in the boiled egg yolk-fed group compared to the positive control group, suggesting enhanced antioxidant defense mechanisms. In addition,MDA levels were reduced, stating decreased lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. The histological analysis revealed better-preserved liver architecture in the boiled egg yolk group, with minimal inflammatory changes compared to the cholesterol-rich diet group, which showcased signs of cellular degeneration. In conclusion, the consumption of a boiled egg yolk- formulated diet may contribute to improved liver antioxidant status and histological integrity. These findings highlight the nutritional benefits of egg yolk and its potential role in maintaining liver health.

Azanza garckeana is a plant species native to Africa that has been used in traditional medicine. Despite its widespread use, the potential toxicity of its extracts on vital organs like the liver and kidneys remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a hydro- methanolic extract from the seeds of Azanza garckeana on liver and kidney function parameters in male and female Wistar albino rats. The extract was administered orally at doses of 50, 300, and 2000 mg/kg body weight, and various biomarkers were evaluated. For liver function, the study found no significant changes in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, and
conjugated bilirubin levels in both male and female rats across the treatment groups, suggesting no apparent hepatotoxicity at the tested doses. However, a significant increase in creatinine levels was observed at higher doses (300 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg) in both genders, indicating potential nephrotoxicity or impaired renal function. Other kidney function parameters, such as urea, sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate levels, did not show significant changes. In
conclusion, while the hydro-methanolic seed extract of Azanza garckeana did not affect liver function, caution should be exercised regarding its potential adverse effects on kidney function, particularly at higher doses. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and potential implications for human use.

This experiment aimed to investigate the subchronic toxicity of Icacina trichantha ethanolic extract and its impact on the liver's biochemical and histological parameters in male Wistar rats. The research specifically focused on examining the potential positive or negative effects of the extract. The main objective was to evaluate liver function by analyzing various biochemical
parameters, including liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT), total protein, albumin, bilirubin, and lipid profile. Over a period of 28 days, twelve male Wistar rats were divided into four groups, with the first group serving as the control. The rats in the other groups were orally administered the extract in different solutions. After the specified time, the rats were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture. The collected blood samples were then used to analyze the biochemical parameters. The histological examinations of the liver showed vasodilation, normal hepatocytes and activation of Kupffer cells. The results of this study indicate that Icacina trichantha has specific effects on Wistar rats, particularly in terms of regulating liver function, lipid metabolism, and oxidative stress. These specific effects suggest a complex interaction between the active compounds in the extract and the physiological processes of the rats. The observed changes in important biochemical markers demonstrate the potential of Icacina trichantha as a source of therapeutic bioactive compounds. However, caution should be exercised when using it, and further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and assess its safety and effectiveness in clinical settings. Nevertheless, these findings offer valuable insights into the specific effects of Icacina trichantha and provide a foundation for future investigations into its pharmacological potential. aminations of the liver revealed vasodilation, normal hepatocytes, and activation of Kupffer cells.

Banana and Plantain petals are plants commonly found in Africa, it is consumed locally and reportedly use for diverse medicinal purposes. This study was carried out to determine the effect of the extract of these banana and plantain petals on the liver function of female Wistar albino rats. A total of 42 female Wistar albino rats were used to carry out this study. The rats were acclimatized for 2 weeks before being randomly assigned into 7 groups, with 6 rats per group. Group 1 served as the control group, while groups 2 to 7 were designated as the experimental test groups. The experimental test groups were further subdivided into 2 groups: groups 2, 3 and 4were administered doses of 2.0ml, 1.0ml, and 0.5ml, of plantain petal extract respectively, whereas groups 5, 6, and 7 were administered 2.0ml, 1.0mland 0.5ml of banana petal extract respectively. The extracts were administered daily for duration of 28 days. At the end of the experimental period, the rats were anesthetized with chloroform, blood sample was collected from the abdominal aorta and the heart and the rats were then sacrificed. The resultsrevealed a non-significant change (p>0.05) in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total protein activities in experimental groups relative to the control group. This result also showed a mild increase in bilirubin levels in some of the groups administered with banana petal extract, albumin levels of the experimental groups administered with
the banana petals extracts showed a significant increase (p<0.05) relative to the control. In conclusion, aqueous banana and plantain petals extract has no negative impact on the liver

The study was designed to evaluate the histological effects of aqueous extracts of plantain (Musa paradisiaca) and banana (Musa sapientum) bracts on the heart of female Wistar rats. The bracts were extracted with distilled water. Forty-two adult female albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups (six rats per group). Group A served as the control, while groups B–D received 2.0 ml, 1.0 ml, and 0.5 ml of plantain bract extract respectively. Groups E–G received 2.0 ml, 1.0 ml, and 0.5 ml of banana bract extract respectively. The experiment was conducted for a defined period, after which the rats were sacrificed and their hearts excised for histological examination using standard procedures.The study aims to assess possible histological changes and evaluate the safety and potential biological effects of Musa bract extracts on cardiac tissues

Arachis hypogaea l. (Groundnut) is a major leguminous oilseed crop widely cultivated in Nigeria for its nutritional and economic importance. It serves as a vital source of protein, oil, and bioactive compounds with health-promoting properties. Limited studies have integrated proximate, phytochemical evaluations of its varieties within different agro-ecological zones. This study aimed to carry out a comparative evaluation of the proximate, and phytochemical properties of two Arachis hypogaea varieties cultivated in Niger and Sokoto States, Nigeria. Standard analytical procedures of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists and the American Oil Chemists’ Society were employed for proximate analysis while High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used for quantitative phytochemical 11 determination. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS (version 25.0) with significance set at p < 0.05. The results revealed minor variations between the two varieties. Niger samples exhibited higher fibre (15.20%) and ash content, while Sokoto samples contained higher protein (8.40%) and carbohydrate (48.70%) levels. Qualitative phytochemical screening indicated the presence of flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides in both samples, with tannins detected only in the
Sokoto variety. HPLC results showed that the Sokoto variety had significantly higher flavonoid and terpenoid concentrations (p < 0.05), suggesting stronger antioxidant potential. The observed compositional differences indicate that environmental and varietal factors influence the nutritional and phytochemical attributes of Arachis hypogaea. Both varieties demonstrated excellent nutritional and functional qualities suitable for food, nutraceutical, and industrial applications. In conclusion, the study underscores the nutritional richness and biochemical diversity of Arachis hypogaea, recommending the Sokoto variety for nutraceutical use and the Niger variety for fibrerich food formulations. Future research integrating genetic and environmental profiling is suggested to enhance varietal improvement and industrial utilization

Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter leaf) is a medicinal plant used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. It possesses different biological activity including antioxidant andantimicrobial activities, antibacterial and analgesic activity. The aim of this study was to
investigate the effect of Vernonia amygdalina on cardiovascular disease risk factors in rats exposed to DMH. Adult Wister rats (n= 30) were collected and randomly assigned to groups (8 rats per groups): normal control, DMH only, Silymarin control, extract only, post treatment 1, post treatment 2, Pre- treatment 1, and Pre- treatment 2. Group 1, was supplied with food and water regularly but no Vernonia amygdalina extract, silymarin antibiotic or 1,2 dimethylhydrazine was administered. Group 2, 1,2 dimethylhydrazine was administered at 3millilitres per kilograms of body, alongside with food and water to induce the heart damage. Loss of appetite, fatigue and dizziness was noted after few days of administration. Group 3, the silymarin an antibiotic at 100ml\kg by weight was administered, DMH was then administered every day for 12 days. Concentrations of lipids: total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, TAG, High and low-Density lipoprotein cholesterol and very low-Density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as Atherogenic index, Atherogenic coefficient, cardiac risk ratio and cardiac Nitric Oxide was measured in plasma

This study investigated different extraction methods and antioxidant properties of Kigelia africana through the analysis of extract yields, total flavonoid content, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. Four extraction methods were evaluated: methanol crude extract (ME), flavonoid-rich extract (FRE), methanol extract-ethyl acetate fraction (ME EAA), and flavonoidrich extract-ethyl acetate (FRE EAA). The FRE EAA showed the highest yield (0.2173), while FRE demonstrated the lowest yield (0.016). Total flavonoid content analysis revealed highest concentrations in the flavonoid-rich extract (185.6 ± 4.2 mg QE/g), followed by ethyl acetate fraction (142.3 ± 3.8 mg QE/g), and methanol extract (98.7 ± 2.9 mg QE/g). All extracts
exhibited concentration-dependent hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity, with IC50 values ranging from 7.508 ± 0.4 mg/mL (ME) to 7.644 ± 0.2 mg/mL (FRE). These findings suggest that while different extraction methods significantly affect yield and flavonoid content, all extracts
demonstrate comparable antioxidant activity, with the flavonoid-rich extract showing particularly promising results for potential therapeutic applications.