DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY

This study developed functional anti-diabetic snack bars using composite flours from
Bambara groundnut, Cardaba banana, beetroot, guava leaf, and cinnamon, and assessed
their mineral and antinutrient compositions in relation to blood glucose regulation. Three formulations (Samples A, B, and C) were analyzed for key minerals magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron, and Phosphorus and antinutrients such as phytates, oxalates, and
cyanogenic compounds. Results revealed significant variations among samples. Sample B contained the most favourable mineral profile, with the highest levels of magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus, alongside low phytate content, indicating strong potential to support insulin activity and glucose metabolism. Sample A had high calcium but elevated
antinutrients, while Sample C showed low antinutrient levels but reduced mineral density. Overall, Sample B demonstrated the best balance between nutrient richness and minimal antinutrient interference, highlighting the potential of indigenous crops in formulating functional foods for glycaemic management.

The in vitro antioxidant activity of methanolic leaf extract of Azadirachta indica (Dogoyaro) was evaluated to determine its potential role in oxidative stress management. Oxidative stress arises from excess reactive oxygen species, contributing to various chronic diseases and increasing the need for safe, plant-derived antioxidants. The extract was analysed using four standard assays: DPPH radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), nitric oxide scavenging, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Results revealed notable antioxidant properties, with the highest DPPH activity observed at 0.20 mg/mL. Nitric oxide inhibition and reducing power also showed moderate effectiveness, particularly at lower concentrations. Although antioxidant activity remained lower than that of ascorbic acid across all assays, the extract demonstrated
meaningful free-radical-neutralizing ability and electron-donating capacity. The TAC value further indicated the presence of bioactive phytochemicals contributing to overall antioxidant strength. Overall, the findings support the potential of Azadirachta indica leaves as a natural antioxidant source capable of contributing to the management of oxidative stress–related conditions.

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is a widely used culinary spice known for its diverse therapeutic properties. This study investigated the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activity of nutmeg seed extract to provide scientific insight into its medicinal potential. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, and Cardiac glycosides. These compounds are associated with various biological activities including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and free-radical scavenging effects. The antioxidant capacity of the extract was evaluated using standard assays like DPPH(2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), which had an IC50 value of 2.965. FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power)which had an IC50 value of 2.228. TAC(Total antioxidant capacity) which had an IC50 value of 1.209. The Antioxidant Scavenging activity of this plant suggests that this plant Myristica Fragrans has good antioxidant capacity and can help combat oxidative stress.

The contamination of stored food products by pesticide residues has become a major concern due to its potential health risks and environmental implications. Pesticides, widely used for pest control in agriculture and storage facilities, can leave residues that persist in food products, leading to human exposure through consumption. This study investigates the presence and concentration of pesticide residues in stored beans using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis, focusing on two commonly used pesticides—dichlorvos and cypermethrin. These pesticides are frequently applied to stored grains to protect against insect infestation, but their residues may pose significant risks if present in excessive amounts. In this research, samples of stored beans were collected from multiple storage facilities to assess pesticide contamination levels. The HPLC method was optimized for high sensitivity and precision, ensuring accurate detection and quantification of dichlorvos and cypermethrin residues. The analysis revealed varying concentrations of pesticide residues across different samples, with some exceeding the maximum residue limits (MRLs) established by regulatory authorities. These findings highlight the potential risks associated with consuming contaminated beans, particularly concerning chronic exposure to pesticide residues, which has been linked to adverse health effects such as neurological disorders, endocrine disruption, and carcinogenicity. The study also explores the regulatory framework governing pesticide residue levels in food products, emphasizing the necessity of strict compliance with food safety guidelines. The findings underscore the importance of regular monitoring and enforcement of pesticide regulations to prevent excessive contamination of food commodities. Additionally, the study discusses the impact of storage conditions on pesticide persistence, noting that factors such as temperature, humidity, and storage duration can influence residue degradation or accumulation. Given the health risks associated with pesticide residues, this research advocates for the adoption of safer and more sustainable pest control strategies in food storage. Integrated pest management (IPM) approaches, including biological control methods, improved storage techniques, and reduced chemical dependency, should be prioritized to minimize the presence of harmful in food products. The study also suggests the need for further research into alternative storage practices that effectively preserve food quality while ensuring consumer safety. In conclusion, the detection of dichlorvos and cypermethrin residues in stored beans raises significant food safety concerns. The results of this study emphasize the urgent need for improved monitoring, stricter regulation, and the promotion of alternative pest control methods to ensure the safety and sustainability of food storage systems. By implementing proactive measures, policymakers, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector can contribute to minimizing pesticide contamination and safeguarding public health.

This study assessed the phytochemical constituents of Aloe barbadensis sold in Oba Market, Benin City. The aim was to identify major phytochemical groups and evaluate their levels relative to standard Aloe samples, providing data for quality control and local herbal use. Methanol extraction was used to obtain the leaf gel, which was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Quantitative results showed high levels of flavonoids (312.62 µg/mL), Terpernoids (294.60 µg/mL), moderate levels of Cardiac glycosides (151.27 µg/mL) and very low level of Steroids (40.43 µg/mL). Qualitative screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, Terpenoids, Cardiac glycosides, and Steroids, while other groups such as saponins, anthraquinones, alkaloids, phenols, coumarins, and phlobatanins were absent. The results indicate that the market sample retains key bioactive compounds suitable for herbal applications, though some phenolic groups were low. These findings support the need for quality monitoring of Aloe products in local markets and provide reference data for small-scale producers.

Acalypha wikesiana, a medicinal plant contains various phytochemicals which enable it perform its beneficial activities. It has gained attraction for its anti inflammatory and apoptotic properties. Colon cancer is a life threatening disease caused by several factors like genetics, environmental exposure and the damaging condition of the digestive tract. And as such 1, 2 dimethylhydrazine, an effective chemical substance was used to induce cancerous tumors in the colon and rectum. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti inflammatory and apoptotic properties of Acalypha wikesiana on a DMH induced colon cancer. The sum of 46 healthy male rats were assembled into nine. The groups are a control group, a 1,2 dimethylhydrazine induced colon cancer group, which served as the standard drug group. The other groups were also induced with 1, 2 dimethylhydrazine but were treated with
different doses of Acalypha wikesiana extracts. The ninth group was the negative control group exposed only to 1,2 dimethylhydrazine. Results indicated significantly reduced tumor size and incidence. Reduced Proinflammatory markers level suggested an anti inflammatory effect of Acalypha wikesiana. In conclusion, it was indicated that Acalypha wikesiana ethanol extracts has an anti inflammatory and apoptotic properties which to a large extent contribute to its protective effects against 1,2 dimethylhydrazine induced colon cancer.

Stimulants are a major constituent of psychoactive substances. They cause several untoward effects; including academic difficulty which can lead to untoward consequences for students. The understanding of the knowledge and pattern of use of stimulant will help in its prevention and control. Thus, this study intended to investigate theknowledge and practice and current prevalence rates of stimulant use, using the undergraduate students in the university of Benin as case study, age and gender of students as well monthly income and how they got to know about stimulants, specific type of stimulant used and reason for using stimulants. The instrument consisted of sociodemographic variables and the stimulant knowledge section, benefits, health effects and effects section of questionnaire for Student Drug Use Survey. It was administered on 100 undergraduate students of University of Benin selected by random technique. The current prevalence rates of stimulant use were 61%, 54% and 50% respectively for the use caffeine, alcohol and cannabis. The majority (77%) of our respondents were in the age range of 21-25. Only 2% of our respondents were married. Therefore, efforts at curtailing the use of stimulants must start early; incorporating such strategy into primary school curriculum will be worthwhile. There is need to focus more on common stimulants like coffee, Kola nut, caffeinated energy drinks. Students need to study without using stimulants.

Antioxidant capacity of edible oils is important for nutrition, shelf-life, and functional uses and plays its role in protecting biological systems against oxidative stress caused by free radicals. The antioxidant capacity varied significantly as a result of their fatty acid composition, refining procedure, inherent phytochemicals and antioxidants. This study evaluated the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of three widely consumed edible oils—soya bean oil, cotton seed oil, and palm kernel oil—at differing concentrations (50–250 µg/ml). The FRAP assay was used to determine the reducing ability of each oil, expressed as percentage FRAP activity. Results obtained showed a clear concentration-dependent increase in antioxidant activity across all samples. Cotton seed oil exhibited the highest mean FRAP value (35.20 ± 12.95%), followed by soya bean oil (24.22 ± 11.03%) and palm kernel oil (21.89 ± 11.99%). Strong positive relationships between concentration and FRAP activity as Pearson correlation analysis revealed (r > 0.98 for all oils), confirming that antioxidant potential increases proportionally with concentration. Although one-way ANOVA indicated no statistically significant difference (F = 1.75; p > 0.05) among the oils, cotton seed oil (dependent on the extensive refining it was subjected to) consistently demonstrated superior reducing power, suggesting a higher concentration of phenolic and tocopherol compounds. With this, the study establishes the potential of cotton seed oil as a rich natural source of antioxidants and provides comparative insight into the antioxidant strength of common edible oils used in food industry and nutraceutical applications.

The African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is a crucial economic crop, widely cultivated for its oilrich kernels. Palm kernel seed oil (PKSO) is a significant source of essential minerals such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), but concerns exist regarding potential contamination with toxic heavy metals like cadmium (Cd). This study aims to determine the mineral composition of PKSO and assess its implications for human health and food safety. Palm kernel samples were obtained from New Benin Market, Benin Metropolis, Edo State, Nigeria. The oil extraction process involved heating, grinding, and pressing the kernels. Mineral analysis was conducted using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) after acid digestion. Quality assurance measures included duplicate analyses and blank sample validation to ensure data reliability. Results showed that PKSO contained Fe (2.23 ± 0.21 mg/100g), Zn (1.86 ± 0.04 mg/100g), Cu (0.64 ± 0.49 mg/100g), and nitrogen (174.16 ± 4.57 mg/100g). Cadmium (Cd) was undetectable, indicating no toxic heavy metal contamination. These findings suggest that PKSO is safe edible oil with oderate mineral content, contributing to essential dietary micronutrient intake.However, its relatively low Fe and Zn levels necessitate complementary dietary sources. The absence of toxic metals highlights its safety, but ongoing monitoring is recommended to prevent environmental contamination. This study underscores the nutritional value and safety of PKSO, contributing to food quality control and public health areness.

Sesamum indicum L. (Pedaliaceae), commonly known as sesame, is one of the world’s oldest oilseed crops, valued for its high oil content (40–60%) and diverse medicinal applications. Beyond its culinary importance, sesame possesses a wide array of secondary metabolites that contribute to its pharmacological and nutritional properties. This study focused on the qualitative and quantitative determination of total tannin, saponin, and alkaloid contents in sesame seeds to evaluate their phytochemical potential. Dried sesame seeds were procured from a local market in Edo State, Nigeria, and processed
following standard phytochemical procedures. The qualitative screening confirmed the presence of tannins, saponins, and alkaloids, while quantitative evaluation revealed that tannins were the most abundant phytochemical (21.27 + 0.35 g TAE/kg), followed by saponins (20.08 ± 0.33g DE/kg) and alkaloids (9.10 ± 0.49 %). The presence of these bioactive compounds indicates that sesame seeds possess strong antioxidant
and therapeutic potential. Tannins contribute to antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, saponins play a role in cholesterol regulation and immune modulation, while alkaloids are associated with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The findings support the traditional use of sesame in herbal medicine and suggest its further application in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.