DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY

Potassium bromate, a chemical once commonly used as a flour improver, has been banned in many countries due to its harmful health effects, including its potential to cause cancer and organ toxicity. Despite these regulations, concerns persist about its continued use in bread production, particularly in small-scale bakeries. This study investigates the presence and concentration of potassium bromate in unsliced bread samples obtained from various bakeries in Egor Local Government Area, using both qualitative and quantitative analytical methods. Bread samples were collected and categorized based on their loaf sizes, with qualitative analysis conducted to detect the presence of potassium bromate. The results revealed that while some samples showed no reaction, others exhibited a blue-black coloration, confirming the presence of potassium bromate. Quantitative analysis further indicated varying concentrations across the tested samples, with some exceeding the acceptable safety threshold. The highest concentration recorded was 0.04 mg/kg, raising significant health concerns. These findings suggest that despite regulatory efforts, potassium bromate is still being used in some bread production processes, potentially putting consumers at risk. The study highlights the need for stricter enforcement of food safety regulations, increased public awareness, and the promotion of safer alternatives in bread-making. Strengthening routine monitoring and implementing more stringent penalties for non-compliance could help eliminate potassium bromate from the food supply chain, ultimately safeguarding public health.

Malaria remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions such as Nigeria, prompting global efforts for a definitive cure and complete eradication. The search for a lasting cure and total eradication of malaria has become a major concern of the World Health Organization (WHO). However, antimalarial drug resistance has emerged as one
of the most serious challenges to malaria control today surpassing the pace of new antimalaria drug development.Several concerns have been raised regarding the resistance observed in artemisinin combination therapy (ACT), the predominant treatment for malaria. The efficacy of ACT is been threatened due to reported cases of resistance, and if this resistance spreads, it could pose a significant threat to Africa, where malaria is prevalent. Hence, monitoring the emergence and spread of this resistance is crucial, particularly in malaria-prone regions like Nigeria. This study investigates the possible emergence of Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection resistance to artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) drugs, currently used in the treatment of malaria in Benin City. Additionally, it examines the expression of the PFK13 gene, which is known for itsassociation with artemisinin resistance.Two categories of artemisinin combination therapy,Lonart(artemether and lumefantrine)and Artequin (artemether and mefloquine),were employed. A cross sectional study of subjects with Lonart resistant malaria and artequin resistant malaria in Benin metropolis was carried out and the resulting resistant effects were documented. Clinical investigation of the artemisinin resistant malaria patients alongside with full blood count parameters such as packed cell volume, white blood cell count, neutrophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes were assessed and compared to a control group. Subsequently, subjects received quinine infusion and injections, and the same parameters were evaluated post-treatment and compared with the control. Gene expression analysis of the PFK13 gene was performed for both Lonart and Artequin-resistant malaria parasite in the blood of the patients with malaria parasite,and the findings were compared with control groups. Results indicated lower packed cell volume and white blood cell values in subjects compared to the control group. However, after treatment with quinine infusion and injection, no significant differences were observed compared to the control group. PFK13 gene expression was higher in Lonart and Artequin-resistant malaria parasite subjects compared to the control groups. The study suggests the potential emergence of artemisinin resistance in Benin City. Nevertheless, further investigations, particularly into PFK13 gene mutations, will provide accurate marker for potential artemisinin resistance.

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by impaired insulin secretion, insulin
action, or both, leading to chronic hyperglycaemia and associated complications. The search for plant-based alternatives with antidiabetic potential has gained attention due to the limitations and side effects of conventional therapies. This study investigated the effects of aqueous extract of Picralima nitida fruit on serum insulin levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats. Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin, and animals were allocated into five groups: normal control, diabetic control, glibenclamide-treated, low-dose extract, and high-dose extract groups. Serum insulin concentration was quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results showed that induction of diabetes led to alterations in insulin secretion, with the diabetic control group exhibiting elevated insulin levels compared to the normal control group, suggesting partial β-cell dysfunction with compensatory responses. Glibenclamide treatment produced decreased insulin levels relative to the diabetic control, likely due to the extent of β-cell destruction. The low-dose extract produced insulin levels comparable to glibenclamide, indicating mild insulin-modulating activity. Notably, the high-dose extract produced the highest insulin concentration among all groups, suggesting a dose-dependent stimulatory effect of P. nitida on pancreatic function. Obseved from the results, the extract, particularly at higher doses,may enhance insulin secretion or protect surviving β-cells. In conclusion, the aqueous fruit extract of Picralima nitida demonstrates potential insulin- modulating activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. These findings support the possible use of P. nitida as a complementary therapeutic agent for diabetes management. Further studies with larger sample sizes and pancreatic histological evaluations are recommended to better elucidate its mechanism of action.

The study examined the total tannin total saponin and total alkaloid contents of dried seeds of soya beans (glycine max) and sesame seeds (sesamum indicum). Exactly 1.0 g of the powdered soybean and sesame seed samples was weighed separately and dissolved in 50 mL of cool, boiled distilled water in a 100 mL beaker. The contents were transferred into a 100 mL standard flask, and the beaker was rinsed three times with about 10 mL of the same distilled water to ensure complete transfer. The volume of the flask was then made up to the 100 mL mark with distilled water. The flask was corked, inverted four times for proper mixing, and allowed to stand. The final extract solution had a concentration of approximately 10,000 µg/mL (stock), and was used for subsequent phytochemical screening and quantitative analyses. Qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out to identify the presence of bioactive compounds such as tannins, saponins, and alkaloids, using the standard procedures described by Tiwari et al. (2001) with minor modifications.A 2.0 mL portion of each extract was evaporated to dryness, and the residue was dissolved in 5 mL of 2 mol/dm³ hydrochloric acid (HCl). The solution was filtered, and the filtrate was divided equally into two test tubes. To the first test tube, a few drops of Mayer’s reagent were added, while the second received Wagner’s reagent. The appearance of a yellowish precipitate in the first tube and a reddish-brown precipitate in the second tube confirmed the presence of alkaloids.sThe study evaluated the total tannin, saponin, and alkaloid contents of dried seeds of Glycine max (soybean) and Sesamum indicum (sesame). Thus, this study provided a scientific basis supporting the nutritional and medicinal importance of soybean and sesame seeds. Their phytochemical richness underscores their usefulness in developing nutraceuticals and plant-based formulations for disease prevention and health promotion.Based on the findings of this research, the following recommendations are made: increased utilization of sesame seeds, encouragement of soybean consumption further research, pharmaceutical and industrial exploration,government and institutional support.

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder marked by persistent hyperglycemia, which drives yet often overlooked aspect of diabetes pathophysiology is its reciprocal relationship with physiological stress. Oxidative stress can impair the function of the Hypothalamic–Pituitary– Adrenal (HPA) axis, causing an increase in cortisol secretion. Elevated cortisol, in turn, aggravates hyperglycemia and intensifies oxidative damage, creating a vicious cycle that accelerates the onset and progression of diabetic complications. Picralima nitida, a medicinal plant traditionally used in diabetes treatment, is known for its antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. However, its potential role in modulating cortisol imbalances associated with diabetes has not been previously examined. This study therefore investigated the protective effects of an aqueous fruit extract of Picralima nitida (APN) on hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and serum cortisol levels in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in adult male Wistar rats using STZ (55 mg/kg), after which the animals received varying doses of APN for a specified treatment period. A group treated with glibenclamide served as the standard drug control. Fasting blood glucose levels were monitored throughout the study, and serum cortisol concentrations were measured using a competitive ELISA technique. The findings revealed that STZ-induced diabetic rats experienced a significant rise in cortisol levels (18.5 ± 0.1 µg/ml) compared with the non-diabetic control group (13.35 ± 2.45 µg/ml), confirming that oxidative stress triggers heightened HPA axis activity. Treatment with APN produced a pronounced reduction in cortisol levels, with the low-dose and high-dose groups showing values of 10.3 ± 1.4 µg/ml and 10.15 ± 1.45 µg/ml respectively. These reductions were statistically significant when compared with both the control and diabetic groups (P < 0.05). In addition, APN administration led to marked improvements in fasting blood glucose and oxidative stress markers. In summary, the study demonstrates that Picralima nitida effectively lowers blood glucose, mitigates oxidative stress, and corrects cortisol imbalances in diabetic rats. These results underscore its potential therapeutic value in addressing both metabolic disturbances and stress-related abnormalities associated with diabetes mellitus.

Sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre is a medicinal plant widely used across West Africa for the treatment of various ailments, yet the chemical constituents responsible for many of its reported therapeutic effects remain underexplored in scientific literature. This study aimed to identify the major fatty acids and ester compounds present in the aqueous stem extract of S. jollyanum using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), with the goal of contributing to phytochemical profiling and supporting the plant’s ethnomedicinal applications. Fresh stems were cleaned, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted by cold maceration. The resulting filtrates were freeze-dried and the crude aqueous extract was subjected to GC-MS analysis under optimized chromatographic and mass spectrometric conditions. The GC-MS scan revealed a spectrum of bioactive constituents including compounds known for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolic regulatory activities. This study provides scientific support for the medicinal uses of S. jollyanum and establish a biochemical basis for its reported bioactivities. It further highlights the importance of GC-MS as a robust analytical tool for identifying volatile and semi-volatile compounds in medicinal plant extracts. Overall, the results strengthen the pharmacognostic understanding of S. jollyanum and lay groundwork for future studies on its biological mechanisms, safety, and potential drug development applications.

Persistent hyperglycemia is a hallmark of diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic condition that increases the risk of major vascular problems such neuropathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular disease. Inhibition of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, especially α-glucosidase, has become an effective therapeutic method for controlling postprandial blood glucose. Despite the availability of synthetic α-glucosidase inhibitors like acarbose, their usage is frequently restricted due to gastrointestinal side effects, which has sparked interest in safer, plant-based substitutes. Although the leaves and seeds of the traditional West African medicinal plant Picralima nitida have been shown to have antidiabetic qualities, nothing is known about how its fruit extract affects α- glucosidase. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of aqueous Picralima nitida fruit extract on α-glucosidase activity in male Wistar rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin. Rats were given graded doses of the fruit extract after being acclimated to controlled laboratory conditions and grouped based on body weight. A colorimetric assay based on the hydrolysis of p- nitrophenyl-α-D-glucopyranoside was used to test serum α-glucosidase activity. The enzyme activity was determined spectrophotometrically at 405 nm. Tukey's post hoc test and one-way ANOVA were used to examine the data, which were presented as mean ± SEM. The study's findings are still awaiting. It is anticipated that the study would shed light on whether Picralima nitida fruit extract inhibits α-glucosidase to produce antihyperglycemic effects. It may also help develop safer plant-based medicines for the treatment of diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, which often leads to complications such as increased glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and imbalances in serum phosphate concentrations. Picralima nitida, a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine, has shown potential antidiabetic and biochemical regulatory effects. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of P. nitida on glycated hemoglobin and serum phosphate concentrations in male Wistar rats after a controlled feeding period. A total of [40] male Wistar rats were divided into experimental groups, including a control group and treatment groups receiving varying doses of P. nitida extract. Blood samples were collected before and after the intervention to assess HbA1c levels and serum phosphate concentrations. The results revealed a significant reduction in HbA1c levels in treated groups compared to the control, indicating improved glycemic control. Additionally, P. nitida administration didn’t influenced serum phosphate concentrations. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of Picralima nitida in diabetes management and its possible impact on phosphate metabolism. Further studies are recommended to explore the underlying mechanisms and confirm its clinical applicability.

The disruption of cardiovascular and renal function by environmental toxicants remains a major concern in toxicological research, particularly when such agents interfere with biochemical markers essential for assessing organ integrity. Among these toxic agents, exposure to sodium
arsenite poses a serious threat due to its ability to induce acute myocardial injury and impair renal filtration processes. This study evaluated the potential of vitamin E to counteract these toxic effects in male Wistar rats, focusing exclusively on validated clinical biomarkers of cardiac
and renal injury. Rats exposed to sodium arsenite (Group C) showed a pronounced rise in cardiac troponin (59.24 ± 3.8 pg/mL) and CK-MB (62.30 ± 2.1 U/L), indicating significant myocardial cell damage relative to the control group. The nephrotoxic impact was equally evident, as reflected by elevated serum urea (24.49 ± 1.8 mg/dL) and creatinine (1.98 ± 0.1 mg/dL), demonstrating impaired glomerular filtration and reduced renal functional capacity. Administration of vitamin E showed a clear dose-dependent protective effect. Rats receiving 25 mg/kg (Group D) and 50 mg/kg (Group E) of vitamin E along with sodium arsenite experienced significant reductions in cardiac troponin (48.65 ± 2.2 and 40.04 ± 2.9 pg/mL) and CK-MB
(41.17 ± 2.9 and 31.02 ± 1.2 U/L), indicating decreased myocardial damage. Renal biomarkers also improved, with urea decreasing to 16.08 ± 1.6 and 10.20 ± 1.7 mg/dL, and creatinine dropping to 1.08 ± 0.1 and 0.88 ± 0.1 mg/dL in Groups D and E, respectively. These results highlight vitamin E’s ability to protect both cardiac and renal functions despite ongoing toxic exposure. Overall, this study shows that vitamin E provides significant cardioprotective and
nephroprotective effects, mainly by normalizing key biomarkers of myocardial and renal dysfunction in rats exposed to sodium arsenite.

Sphenocentrum jollyanum is a highly valued West African medicinal plant traditionally used for fever, inflammation, and as a stimulant. While previous research focused on its alkaloids, this study aimed to characterize the lipophilic fraction, specifically fatty acids and their esters, in
the ethanolic stem extract using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The analysis identified nineteen fatty acids and ester constituents, confirming that this fraction
accounts for approximately 75% of the total measured semi-volatile content. The major components were derivatives of C18 fatty acids, occurring as native glycerides and alkyl esters. Key
compounds identified included the triglyceride 9-Octadecenoic acid, 1,2,3-propanetriyl ester
(triolein, 13.46%), the diglyceride Octadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1,3-propanediyl bis(ester)
(distearin, 11.92%), and (E)-9-Octadecenoic acid ethyl ester (9.93%). The presence of numerous
ethyl esters was attributed to transesterification catalyzed by the ethanol solvent during extraction. The profile is notably rich in monounsaturated oleic acid derivatives. This high concentration of anti inflammatory lipids provides a strong biochemical justification for the plant's traditional use in managing inflammatory conditions. The findings significantly expand the phytochemicalknowledge of S. jollyanum and establish a foundational chemical profile essential for
the quality control and standardization of its herbal preparations.