DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY

Ocimum gratissimum (Scent leaves) stem barks, a widely used medicinal herb, was investigated for its phytochemical composition, elemental analysis, vitamin profile, antioxidant activities, and anti-inflammatory activities. The stem bark of the plant was
successfully extracted with ethyl acetate using maceration techniques. The phytochemical examination, elemental analysis, vitamin profile, antioxidant activities and antiinflammatory activities extract of Ocimum gratissimum were determined using established method. Phytochemical screening of the water extract of the stem bark revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, phenolic compounds, terpenoid, eugenols, protein and reducing sugar, indicating the plant’s rich bioactive profile. Elemental analysis demonstrated significant levels of essential minerals, including calcium (21.70 mg/kg), sodium (14.20 mg/kg), potassium (13.60 mg/kg), magnessium (4.68 mg/kg), and trace elements vital for human health with calcium being the most abundant. Calcium plays a vital role in the body by strengthening bones and teeth. Vitamin profiling showed
appreciable concentrations of both water-soluble vitamins (B and C) and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E). The concentration of vitamin B which includes B1 (0.27 mg/L), B2 (0.27 mg/L), B3 (0.60 mg/L), B6 (1.30 mg/L), and B12 (31.06 mg/L) were present in
moderate amounts except vitamin B12, which showed a slightly higher concentration. The other vitamins (A (77.84 mg/L), C (91.62 mg/L), D (66.33 mg/L), and E (104.48 mg/L)) were found in high concentrations, with vitamin E exhibiting the highest level, highlighting its nutritional relevance. The antioxidant potential were examined using FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power) and Superoxide assays. In the FRAP assay, the extract shows increasing antioxidant power with %inhibition ranging from 36.08% to 66.60% at concentration of 40-160 mg/ml confirming its electron-donating capacity. In the superoxide radical scavenging assay, percentage scavenging ranged from 25.23% to 74.00% at concentration of 40-160 mg/ml, indicating concentration-dependent activity, while in anti-inflammatory studies, the extract effectively inhibited heat-induced haemolysis, with percentage inhibition increasing from 47.78% to 74.24% (40–80 mg/mL), and albumin denaturation, ranging from 55.40% to 64.40% at similar concentrations. These results indicate potent membrane stabilization and protein protection abilities of O. gratissimum stem bark extract. The findings demonstrate that O. gratissimum stem bark is rich in bioactive compounds, essential minerals, and antioxidant vitamins, which synergistically confer strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The significant superoxide scavenging and ferric reducing power, along with inhibition of haemolysis and protein denaturation, validate its traditional use in treating oxidative stress-related disorders and inflammation. Thus, O. gratissimum may serve as a promising source of naturaltherapeutic agents for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

This study analyzed the concentrations of hydroquinone in various skin-lightening creams obtained from Ring Road, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Ten cream samples were purchased locally, and hydroquinone levels were determined using UV spectrophotometry at a wavelength of 302 nm. A seven-point calibration curve was prepared to quantify the hydroquinone content in each sample. The results showed that hydroquinone concentrations ranged from 0.0030% to 0.0466%, with Caroline cream containing the highest concentration (0.0466%), while Cussons Baby cream had the lowest (0.0030%). When compared with regulatory standards set by NAFDAC, FDA, and EMA, all detected hydroquinone concentrations were found to be below the permissible limit of 2%. However, the presence of hydroquinone in these products, even at low levels, raises concerns about potential long-term exposure risks, especially for individuals who frequently use multiple skin-lightening products. To mitigate these risks, this study recommends stricter regulatory enforcement, clearer product labeling, standardized formulations, and increased public awareness regarding the effects of hydroquinone. Further research should focus on evaluating cumulative exposure risks and identifying safer alternatives for skin-lightening formulations.

This study was design to investigate the adsorption capacity of ascorbic acidonorgano-bentonite clay by studying the adsorption capacity of organo-bentoniteclay. Kinetic parameters such as time and p H from the result obtained, amount adsorbed with time increase with increase with time until equilibrium was attained, while for p H increase in p H leads to increase in amount adsorbed while equilibriumwas attained at p H 8 to 10. From the result obtained it will be seen that adsorption capacity variedwithdifferent parameter

This study was design to investigate the adsorption capacity of ascorbic acid on organo-bentonite clay by studying the adsorption capacity of organo-bentonite clay. Kinetic parameters such as time and pH from the result obtained, amount adsorbed with time increase with increase with time until equilibrium was attained, while for pH increase in pH leads to increase in amount adsorbed while equilibrium was attained at pH 8 to 10. From the result obtained it will be seen that adsorption capacity varied with different parameter.

The research project investigates the phytochemical profile of the oil fraction derived from Justicia carnea leaves, utilizing Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Methanolic extraction through maceration, followed by rotary evaporation for concentration, was employed to isolate the phytoconstituents of the plant material. A portion of the concentrated crude extract was subjected to a detailed phytochemical screening, which identified bioactive classes such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, indicating the plant's rich chemical composition. For further analysis, another fraction of the crude extract underwent vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) using a gradient of solvent systems. The hexane:ethyl acetate fraction was selected for GC-MS analysis, where phytol, a diterpenoid alcohol, was identified as the major compound with a retention time of 23.74 minutes and an abundance of 67.286%. Phytol, a well-documented diterpene, plays a significant physiological role and is associated with multiple biological activities, including anti- inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. The convergence of phytochemical screening and GC-MS results underscores the chemical complexity and pharmacological relevance of Justicia carnea's oil fraction. These findings support further bioactivity-guided studies of this botanical source, which may yield novel bioactive molecules with therapeutic potential for addressing human health concerns

This study focused on the growing environmental concern over conventional petroleum-based plastics by the development and characterization of biodegradable starch-based bioplastic films from carboxymethyl cassava starch. The starch powders were extracted from cassava by cold extraction method which gave a yield percent of 17.3%. The physicochemical properties of the extracted starch resulted in a moisture content 12.3%, pH, 6.0 and gelatinization temperature, 65oC. The cassava starch
was modified to carboxymethyl starch (CMS) for improved mechanical properties. The percentage yield of CMS from the native starch was 59%, degree of substitution and gelatinization temperature gave 0.27% and 50oC. The modified CMS was characterized with Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy. The FT-IR results showed the presence of O-H, C-H, C-O-C stretching and CO-C ring vibration of carbohydrate, and contained a more intense peaks around 1203-1241cm-1, 1417cm-1 and 932cm-1 which are consistent with the presence of new functional groups which indicates chemical modification of the native cassava starch. The CMS bioplastic films were prepared using casting method by varying ethylene glycol plasticizer (2g, 3g, 4g, 5g) and varying kaolinite filler (0g, 0.5g and 1g) for each weight of the ethylene glycol. The moisture absorption, acid absorption and water absorption showed similar trend of increased absorption as plasticizer levels increases. Films with no filler absorbed more, while filler addition lowered absorption. Solvent solubility showed that bioplastics were soluble in 1M NaOH and showed no significant change (mass and colour) in absolute ethanol. Mechanical testing such as thickness, tensile strength, elongation at break percent and yield percent of prepared bioplastic films were also evaluated. It was discovered that Increasing ethylene glycol improved flexibility but reduces tensile strength, whereas kaolin enhances strength at low plasticizer levels but reduces flexibility. Based on the mechanical testing, the most suitable sample in terms of strength and elongation occurred at 3g plasticizer with 0.5 and 1g filler. Biodegradable ability of prepared bioplastic films were also investigated using the soil burial method and all the films were found to have totally degraded after three weeks. The decomposition nature of prepared biodegradable CMS films was investigated by TGA/DTA. Analysis indicated thermal stability up to 180 – 200oC with kaolin contributing to improve heat resistance. This study demonstrates that CMS based films reinforced with
kaolin and plasticized with ethylene glycol offer an environmental friendly and functional alternative to conventional plastics showing strong potential for sustainable packaging applications.

Schiff bases and their complexes are versatile compounds synthesized from the condensation of an amino compound with carbonyl compounds and widely used for industrial purposes and also exhibit a broad range of biological activities including antifungal, antibacterial, antimalarial, antiproliferative, anti inflammatory, antiviral, and antipyretic properties. Many Schiff base complexes show excellent ca alytic activity in various reactions and in the presence of moisture. Over the past few years, there have been many reports on their applications in homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. The high thermal and moisture stabilities of many Schiff base complexes were useful attributes for their application as catalysts in reactions involving at high temperatures. The activity is usually increased by complexation therefore to understand the properties of both ligands and metal can lead to the synthesis of highly active compounds. The influence of certain metals on the biological activity of these compounds and their intrinsic chemical interest as multidentate ligands has prompted a considerable increase in the study of their coordination behaviour. Development of a new chemotherapeutic Schiff bases and their metal complexes is now attracting the attention of medicinal chemists.

Carrot (daucus carota) is an important root vegetable, which has various bioactive compounds like carotenoids and dietary fibers with appreciable levels of several other functional components having significant health-promoting properties. The consumption of carrot and its products is gaining rapid attention because it has been identified as an important source of natural antioxidants having anticancer activity. Apart from carrot roots being traditionally used in salad and preparation of many cuisines, carrots could commercially be converted into nutritionally rich processed products like juice, concentrate, dried powder, canned, preserve, candy, pickle, and gazrailla. Carrot pomace containing about 50% of β-carotene could profitably be utilized for the supplementation of products like cake, bread, biscuits and preparation of several types of functional products. This research work highlights the nutritional composition, health promoting phytonutrients, functional properties of carrot and by-products utilization of carrot along with the potential application of these products. It has been shown that the carrot has a moisture content of 25.34%, ash content 8.21%, crude fibre 3.08%, crude fat 5.07%, protein 4.15%and carbohydrateof54.15% these findings proves that the carrot is of good quality. The presence of mineral elements such as Zinc (2.5mg/kg) Manganese (0.6mg/kg), Iron (2.09mg/kg), Magnesium(20.6mg/kg), Calcium (18.50mg/kg). indicates its safe consumption while the presence of bio active compounds such as glycosides, saponins, phenolics, eugenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids and tannins all contribute to its nutritional values.

The present study was carried out to determine proximate analysis andselectedmineral contents of “2mm grade of selected fish feeds”, (Na, K, Cu, Fe, Zn, Cr, Co, Mn, Mg, Pb, Cd). The research was performed to qualify the nutrient andtoassessthe content of ash and moisture and the mineral contents. Proximate compositionwas determined on the homogenous basis. The percentage of protein indif erentfeed ingredients ranged from 46.16 + 0.18 to 51.50+ 0.02%. The highest proteincontent (51.50%) was recorded from the blue crown fish feed and the lowest value(46.18%) was recorded from the allerqua fish feed. The percentage of fibre, ashand moisture were recorded Fibre (0.34% to 0.54%), Ash (4.20 %to 6.20%) andMoisture (4.01% to 7.15%) respectively. The highest amount of moisture (7.15%)was found in Blue crown and the lowest amount (4.01%) was found in Aqualisandthe determination of selected Mineral contents. To maintain the optimumnutrientcontent and ultimately rapid growth in the aquaculture farms, the farmer shouldtake proper initiatives for measuring the nutrients in feed usually of eredinfarms.

The result for proximate analysis on Ginger( Zingiber officinale) showed carbohydrates 59.97± 0.41, crude fibre 3.65± 0.05, Ash 6.23 ± 0.10, Crudefat8.66±0.35, protein 11.90 ±0.15, and moisture 9.47±0.09. From the results, ginger has high carbohydrate content and contain low value of moisture indicating a longer shelf life.The Phytochemical screening of ginger showed the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, phenolics, terpenoids, saponin, glycoside, steroids, and the absence of tannin, phlobotanin, and anthraquinone. Antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties can be attributed to the presence of the phytochemicals present