DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY

This study examined the phytochemical content of Moringa oleifera leaves sold in local markets across Benin City, Edo State. Although Moringa is commonly used for food and traditional medicine, there is limited information on the quality of the leaves available to consumers in this area. Fresh samples were collected from different markets and analysed using standard qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening methods. The qualitative results showed the presence of major phytochemicals such as flavonoids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, steroids, alkaloids and phenols. Quantitative findings revealed that flavonoids were the most abundant (862.21 µg/ml), followed by cardiac glycosides (525.78 µg/ml), terpenoids (304.23 µg/ml), steroids (302.94 µg/ml) and tannins
(126.56 µg/ml). These compounds are associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and general health-promoting activities. Overall, the study shows that Moringa oleifera leaves sold in Benin City still contain valuable bioactive compounds that support their traditional use. The findings provide useful baseline data, and further research is recommended to include chromatographic profiling and safety
assessments for better quality control.

Arsenic exposure remains a major environmental health concern due to its ability to generate oxidative stress and induce tissue injury, particularly in the liver. This study investigated the protective potential of rutin against sodium arsenite-induced hepatic oxidative damage in Wistar rats. The experiment involved the administration of sodium arsenite to induce oxidative stress,
while rutin was concurrently given at different doses to evaluate its antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. Following treatment, liver antioxidant status was assessed through the measurement of key biochemical parameters including reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Histopathological examination of liver tissues was also carried out to determine structural alterations associated with arsenite toxicity and the possible protective influence of rutin. The results indicated that exposure to sodium arsenite caused a pronounced decline in endogenous antioxidant defenses, reflected by reduced levels of GSH and decreased activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx. These biochemical disruptions were accompanied by noticeable histological abnormalities in hepatic tissue, suggesting oxidative damage and cellular
degeneration. However, rats that received rutin alongside sodium arsenite demonstrated marked improvement in antioxidant enzyme activities and glutathione levels compared with animals treated with arsenite alone. The degree of improvement was more pronounced at higher rutin doses, indicating a dose-dependent protective effect. The findings suggest that rutin exerts significant antioxidant activity capable of counteracting arsenite-induced oxidative stress in the liver. This protective action may be attributed to its ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species and enhance endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms.
onsequently, rutin may serve as a promising natural compound for reducing oxidative damage associated with heavy metal toxicity. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that rutin effectively mitigates sodium arsenate-induced hepatic oxidative injury in Wistar rats by restoring antioxidant balance and improving liver tissue integrity.

Sphenocentrum jollyanum is a medicinal plant widely employed in West African ethnomedicine for the management of diabetes mellitus and chronic wounds, yet the specific bioactive constituents responsible for its therapeutic efficacy remain insufficiently
characterized. The aim of this study was to profile the phytochemical composition of the root extract to identify bioactive compounds validating its traditional antidiabetic use. The research involved the collection and preparation of root samples, followed by solvent extraction and subsequent analysis using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to separate and identify volatile components based on their retention times, peak areas, and mass spectral fragmentation patterns. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of distinct bioactive compounds, with carbohydrate derivatives and glycosides being the most dominant
class. Specifically, Inositol, 1-deoxy- was identified as the major constituent, accounting for 43.45% of the total extract, followed by alpha-Methyl Mannofuranoside (3.79%) and the antioxidant D-alpha-Tocopherol (1.13%). The substantial concentration of inositol derivatives, which are known mediators of insulin signal transduction, alongside potent antioxidant agents, scientifically substantiates the traditional application of Sphenocentrum jollyanum in the management of diabetes and oxidative stress-related disorders.

Sida acuta commonly known as wire weed possesses several therapeutic properties that can be recognized in traditional medicine. Sida acuta has been found to contain several photochemical (flavonoids, tannins, steroids), antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro antidiabetic activities of the aqueous extract of Sida acuta on α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme. In this study, the result on the α-amylase assay shows that the standard (acarbose) has better in vitro antidiabetic properties on α-amylase enzyme by inhibiting α-amylase at IC50 of 29997.9µg/ml when compared to the inhibitory properties of the aqueous Sida acuta extract which had an IC50 of 42966.9µg/ml. The result obtained from the α-glucosidase assay showed that the IC50 of the standard (acarbose) had better in vitro antidiabetic properties on the α glucosidase enzyme by inhibiting α-glucosidase at an IC50 of 10120.52µg/ml when compared to that of the extract (IC50 of 14333.29µg/ml). In conclusion the extract displayed its medicinal properties by inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme and could be used as a possible anti diabetic therapeutic agent.

Bread is a staple food widely consumed in Nigeria, yet concerns persist about the use of potassium bromate as a flour improver, despite its ban due to potential health risks including cancer and kidney damage. This study aimed to compare the levels of potassium bromate in bread samples collected from two Local Government Areas (Oredo and Uhunmwonde) in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of twelve unsliced bread samples were randomly collected from various markets, roadside vendors, and bakeries across the two LGAs. The samples were analyzed using spectrophotometric methods to determine the presence and concentration of potassium bromate. The results were statistically compared to identify variations between the two areas and assess compliance with regulatory standards. This study highlights the potential public health implications associated with potassium bromate contamination in bread and emphasizes the need for regular monitoring and enforcement of food safety regulations.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone widely recognized for its role in enhancing insulin secretion and improving glycemic control. Beyond its antidiabetic effects, emerging evidence suggests that GLP-1 may influence renal physiology, hematological and glucose levels. This study investigates the subacute toxicity effects of MaxGLP-1 a novel analogue of GLP-1 administration on the kidney, hematological and blood glucose levels in experimental models over a 28 day period. A total of 20 rats were divided into four groups and were fed and given water daily. Group 1 was the control and was exposed to standard feeding and water only, Group 2 was administered 10mg/kg of MaxGLP-1, Group 3 was administered 60mg/kg MaxGLP-1 drug while Group 3 was administered 600mg/kg doses of MaxGLP-1. At the end of the study, animals were sacrificed, the kidneys were harvested and taken to the laboratory to be examined, blood samples were also collected and centrifuged to obtain the serum and were subjected to biochemical assays. Findings showed dose-related changes in serum creatinine and urea, indicating possible renal stress. Haematological analysis revealed mild but notable shifts in erythrocyte and leukocyte indices, while glucose levels decreased significantly across treatment groups. Overall, Max GLP- 1 exhibited hypoglycaemic effects with minimal haematological disturbances, though higher doses suggested early signs of renal compromise. These results highlight the need for cautious dose optimization and further investigation into long-term safety

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels. Inhibiting enzymes like alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase is a key strategy to control hyperglycemia. Lonchocarpus cyanescens is a medicinal plant with potential antidiabetic properties that warrants scientific evaluation. The major aim of this research is to ascertain and provide scientific information on the antidiabetic properties of Lonchocarpus cyanescens utilizing alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase inhibitory assay All materials used were of high quality which includes alpha amylase, alpha glucosidase, distilled water, ethanol, acetone, hexane. Methodology involves detrmining the antidiabetic properties of the plant extract utilizing alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase inhibitory assay. The potential for Lonchocarpus cyanescens extract to reduce hyperglycemia and perform antidiabetic functions was determined. Alpha-amylase inhibition activity of each fraction was determined by the method of Worthington 1993. An aliquot of 500 microliter of the extract (0.1–0.4 mg/ml) and 500 microliters (0.02M) of sodium phosphate buffer (pH 6.9 with 0.006M NaCl) containing 0.5 mg/ml of alpha-amylase will be mixed together and incubated for 10 min at room temperature.Afterwards, 500 microliters of 1% starch solution prepared with 0.02M sodium phosphate buffer (pH 6.9 with 0.006M NaCl) will be added and incubated in a water bath at 25°C for 10 minutes.The reaction mixture will be stopped by adding 1.0 ml (96 mM) of Dinitro salicylic acid.The mixtures in the test tubes will be incubated in boiling water in a water bath for 5 minutes and then cooled for alpha amylase. Then for alpha glucosidase Alpha-glucosidase activity of each fraction will be determined by the method of Apostolidis et al., 2007.The substrate solution, p-nitrophenyl- glucopyranoside (pNPG), was prepared in 0.02M phosphate buffer, pH 6.9. 1000 microliter of alpha-glucosidase was incubated with 500 microliters of different concentrations of the extract for 10 minutes at 25°C. An aliquot (500 microliter) of freshly prepared phosphate-buffered p- nitrophenyl-glucopyranoside (5 mM) solution will be added. The reaction mixture will be incubated at 25°C for 5 minutes and stopped by adding 2 ml of 0.1 Na₂CO₃. The alpha- glucosidase activity was determined by measuring the absorbance at 405 nm using a spectrophotometer. Absorbance reading assay was carried out and statistical analysis was also carried out to checkn for satistical significance. A p-value for alph amylase was found out to be [ p=0.0321] and for alpha glucosidase the p –value was recorded to be [p=0.0002] in this assay. In conclusion, Lonchocarpus cyanscens possess antidiabetic properties and can serve for several medical purposes.

Lonchocarpus cyanescens (Fabaceae), commonly known as Yoruba Indigo, is a medicinal plant widely utilized in West African ethnomedicine to treat skin infections, ulcers, and inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical constituents of the acetone fraction of L. cyanescens leaves using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to provide a scientific basis for its traditional uses. Dried and powdered leaves were subjected to ethanolic maceration and sequential solvent partitioning to isolate the acetone fraction. Constituents were then identified by comparing their mass spectra against the NIST14 library. The GC-MS analysis led to the tentative identification of 40 distinct compounds, with many key components showing high spectral match quality scores (>80). The chemical profile was predominantly composed of aromatic hydrocarbons, with Benzene, 1,2,4-trimethyl- (19.05%) being the most abundant constituent. Other major components included various fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), such as Dodecanoic acid, methyl ester (5.18%) and 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester (4.18%). Biologically relevant minor compounds, including the monoterpene o-Cymene and the anti-inflammatory sesquiterpene Azulene, were also detected. These findings provide a chemical basis for the plant's traditional therapeutic uses and establish a valuable phytochemical fingerprint for future quality control and pharmacological research.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of methanol extract of Spondias mombin also known as yellow mombin (YM) on urea and creatinine levels in high fat fed diets. A total of 45 albino Wistar rats were randomized into five groups each of nine animals as follows:Group 1 (Normal Control): Rats fed with standard diet and with no high-fat diet or extract treatment,Group 2 (HFD Control): Rats fed with high-fat diet without any treatment,Group 3 (HFD + Low Dose Spondias mombin Extract): Rats fed with high-fat diet and treated with 200 mg/kg body weight of Spondias mombin extract,Group 4 (HFD + High Dose Spondias mombin Extract): Rats fed with high-fat diet and treated with 400 mg/kg body weight of Spondias mombin extract,Group 5 (HFD + Spondias mombin ): Rats fed with high-fat diet and treated with The methanol extract was administered via oral gavage once daily for four weeks. The choice of oral administration reflects the potential human application of the plant extract as a dietary supplement or therapeutic agent.YM has a high antioxidant activity and significant amounts of phenolic compounds, carotenoids, vitamin C, dietary fibre, and minerals.The results show that Group 1 had a mean creatinine level of (0.65 ± 0.07 mg/dL), while Group 2 had a mean creatinine level of (0.83 ± 0.04 mg/dL). Groups 3, 4, and 5 had mean creatinine levels of 0.75 ± 0.07 mg/dL, 0.78 ± 0.11 mg/dL, and 0.75 ± 0.07 mg/dL, respectively and Group 2 had significantly higher urea levels compared to Groups 1, 3, and 5.This suggests that the high-fat diet without Spondias mombin extract supplementation led to increased creatinine levels, indicating impaired kidney function. On the other hand, Groups 1, 3, and 5, which received Spondias mombin extract supplementation, had lower creatinine levels, indicating improved kidney function.

This study was designed to evaluate the creatinine and urea values in experimental rats fed with aqueous fruit pulp extract of Piralima nitida (OSU). The expense of the orthodox drugs has led to the increase demand for medicinal plants that are effective to treat diverse ailment. Serum urea and creatinine are widely accepted parameters to assess chronic kidney disease status as well as to assess renal status in susceptible diabetic and hypertensive subjects. Urea and creatinine are nitrogenous end products of metabolism. The effect of daily intake of the aqueous unripe fruit pulp of P. nitida on renal function was studied. Six groups of five (5) rats each were distributed according to weight (average body weight 135.0-185.0g). The test groups received aqueous fruit pulp extract of Picralima nitida dissolved in distilled water at 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 3000 mg/kg body weight/day/rat orally using gastric gavage. The normal control animals had distilled water ad libitum. The animals were observed for signs of toxicity and mortality throughout the experimental period. The weight and the feed consumed by the rats were measured weekly during the feeding trial with a weighing balance. At the 35th day, the animals were fasted for 12 hrs and euthanized by decapitation. Blood was collected in appropriate containers for biochemical evaluation. The serum from each group was used to determine the levels of alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], and total protein [Randox] using commercial kits according to the manufacturer’s direction. Creatinine and urea levels in the treated groups were not significantly (p > 0,05) altered in the treated groups when compared to control. This means the Kidney is performing optimally well, these no disease condition attached to it.