DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY

Diabetes mellitus is a long-term metabolic condition that disrupts the normal regulation of glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism. Pancreatic lipase can contribute to diabetes by increasing the breakdown and absorption of dietary fats, which in turn raises free fatty acids in the bloodstream. These fatty acids cause lipotoxicity, damaging pancreatic β-cells and decreasing their ability to produce insulin. This study investigated the anti-pancreatic lipase potential of the aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum by identifying its phytochemical constituents through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and evaluating their molecular interactions with pancreatic lipase using in silico techniques. Results from the study showed the presence of twenty-seven (27) phytocompounds identified from the aqueous leaf extract of O. gratissimum using GC-MS technique. The most abundant phytocompounds from the plant were Supraene (17.71%), Glycerin (11.38%), 1,4-Dimethoxy-2,3-dimethylbenzene (8.07%), N-Butyl acetamide (7.11%), and Thymol (5.86%). To assess their anti-pancreatic lipase potential, all twenty-seven phytocompounds and the standard drug (Orlistat) were docked with pancreatic lipase to evaluate their binding interactions with the protein. Several of the bioactive compounds demonstrated stronger binding affinity with protein in comparism with the standard. However, α-Selinene (-6.5 kcal/mol), and β-Selinene (-7.1 kcal/mol), demonstrated the strongest binding interaction

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is a widely cultivated leguminous crop known for its high protein content, drought resistance, and economic importance, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It serves as a major source of nutrition for millions of people, providing essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Cowpea production is significantly challenged by insect pests, including aphids (Aphis craccivora), thrips (Megalurothrips sjostedti), and pod borers (Maruca vitrata), which can cause substantial yield losses if not effectively controlled. To combat these pest infestations, farmers frequently use chemical pesticides to safeguard their crops and enhance productivity. However, excessive or improper pesticide application can lead to the accumulation of harmful residues in harvested cowpea, posing potential risks to both human health and the environment. For this study, cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) from different vendor were chosen to provide a broad analysis of pesticide residues. The cowpeas samples were categorized into eight sets, each consisting of raw samples and their corresponding milled forms. The raw samples were labeled and stored separately from the milled samples to ensure proper identification and traceability. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used for detection. The research followed a structured process, including sample collection, preparation, extraction, purification, and analysis using HPLC. The concentrations of the pesticides; Dichlorvos and Cypermethrin in the analyzed samples were calculated and expressed in µg/ml to indicate residue levels in the cowpeas. The concentrations of Dichlorvos in the analyzed cowpea samples varied: Sample E had the highest concentration (125.15 µg/mL), followed by sample F (116.06 µg/mL). Sample I had a moderate concentration (79.52 µg/mL). Sample G had the lowest concentration (52.73 µg/mL). Cypermethrin was only detected in sample I at a concentration of 2.82 µg/mL. The retention time (6.000 min) and peak area (5.33) confirm the presence of Cypermethrin but at a significantly lower concentration compared to Dichlorvos.These findings indicate that pesticide residue levels differ among viiviiisamples, potentially due to varying pesticide application methods, time intervals between pesticide application and sample collection, or environmental degradation. The detected Dichlorvos concentrations (52.73 – 125.15 µg/mL) in this study significantly exceed the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by international food safety authorities. Cypermethrin was detected in only one sample (2.82 µg/mL), which is significantly below the Codex Alimentarius MRL of 0.05 mg/kg (FAO/WHO, 2021). This study revealed high Dichlorvos concentrations in cowpea samples, exceeding permissible limits, while Cypermethrin levels were minimal. These findings highlight potential health risks and the need for stricter pesticide regulation and better agricultural practices.

This study evaluated the subacute toxic effects of Cell Life IQ on liver function and lipid profile following 28-day repeated oral administration. Cell Life IQ is a widely used dietary supplement, but its safety profile during prolonged intake remains unclear. To assess potential toxicity, experimental animals were randomly assigned into four groups: a control group receiving distilled water and three treatment groups administered 20mg/kg( low dose) , 80mg/kg (medium doses) and 600mg/kg (high doses )of Cell Life IQ. At the end of the exposure period, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis of liver function parameters including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, and albumin. Lipid profile markers such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were also measured. The results showed at high dose there was a significant increase in total and direct bilirubin when compared to other groups. Also there was also increase in AST at the higher dose while ALP and ALT was not significantly unchanged at all groups. There was no significant change in the lipid profile parameters ( triglycerides, HDL, LDL etc) in all the treatment groups when compared to the control groups.

This study was carried out to investigate and compare the total phenolic and flavonoid content of dried seeds of Glycine max (soybean) and Gossypium spp. (cottonseed), recognising the growing interest in natural antioxidants and the limited comparative data available for these two commonly seeds. The aim of the study was to determine their antioxidant-related phytochemical
composition and establish which seed possesses higher extractable phenolic and flavonoid levels. Quantitative data were generated from dried, ground seed samples extracted using methanol, and
analysed using standard colorimetric procedures. Total phenolic content was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method while total flavonoid content was assessed with the Aluminium chloride
assay, and absorbance readings were obtained spectrophotometrically. The resulting values were processed to obtain mean concentrations and standard error of mean for each parameter measured.
The findings revealed that soybean contained notably higher total phenolic and flavonoid concentrations compared to cottonseed, indicating a stronger antioxidant potential and greater
suitability for nutraceutical or functional food applications. Cottonseed, although lower in these constituents, still showed measurable levels, suggesting possible industrial utilisation after
processing. In conclusion, the study successfully quantified and compared these bioactive compounds, demonstrating clear compositional differences and establishing a basis for further
biochemical and application-focused research.

The rising prevalence of Hypertension has increased the search for functional foods that provide both nutritional and therapeutic benefits. This study focused on the production and evaluation of functional biscuits made from selected plant materials including Cardaba Banana, Beetroot, Tigernut, Justicia carnea, and Soybean. The aim was to determine their antioxidant scavenging abilities and evaluate their potential as a natural antihypertensive snack.

Composite flours were prepared from the selected plant materials and incorporated into biscuit formulations. The resulting products were analyzed for phytochemical profile, mineral content, and proximate composition to determine their nutritional value and bioactive components. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH Radical Scavenging Assay and the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power methods.

The findings revealed that the formulated biscuits contained appreciable levels of dietary fiber, potassium, nitrates, betalains, phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, and other phytochemical compounds known for their antioxidant properties. The antioxidant evaluation demonstrated notable free radical scavenging activity, suggesting that the biscuits possess significant functional potential.

The study concludes that the developed biscuits have considerable antioxidant capacity and may serve as a functional snack with potential antihypertensive benefits. Their consumption may therefore contribute to dietary strategies aimed at the management and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

This study evaluated the proximate composition and in vitro antioxidant capacity of Max GLP-1, a nutraceutical supplement marketed for enhancing Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 activity, improving glucose control, and regulating appetite. The product is formulated with sorghum polyphenols, citrus flavonoids, and postbiotic compounds. Despite its increasing consumer use, limited scientific evidence exists regarding its nutritional and biochemical properties. Proximate composition, including moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and carbohydrate content, was determined using standard Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH Radical Scavenging Assay and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power techniques.

Results from the proximate analysis revealed that Max GLP-1 is predominantly carbohydrate-based (53.84%) with high moisture content (42.74%), while containing very low levels of crude protein (1.42%), crude fiber (0.42%), crude fat (0.01%), and ash (1.57%). These findings indicate a low nutrient density and suggest that the product’s functional properties are primarily derived from phytochemicals rather than macronutrients. Antioxidant evaluation showed moderate activity, with 44.61% DPPH radical inhibition and 41.56% FRAP reducing capacity, compared with the significantly higher antioxidant activity of the reference standard Ascorbic Acid, which recorded 95.44% and 89.25% respectively.

The findings confirm the presence of moderately active antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoids within the supplement. However, the study does not provide sufficient evidence to support claims related to GLP-1 enhancement, weight regulation, or metabolic benefits. Further investigations involving phytochemical quantification, bioactivity profiling, and clinical trials are recommended to validate the broader health claims associated with Max GLP-1.

Sodium arsenite is a toxic metalloid compound widely distributed in the environment through contaminated water, industrial effluents, and pesticides. Exposure to arsenic compounds has been associated with severe oxidative damage, particularly affecting the liver and kidneys. This study investigated the protective effect of rutin, a natural flavonoid with potent antioxidant properties, on sodium arsenite–induced hepato-renal toxicity in Wistar rats. Thirty-five (35) male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups of seven animals each. Group 1 served as the control and received corn oil only; Group 2 received 50mg/kg of rutin dissolved in distilled water; Group 3 received sodium arsenite (10 mg/kg body weight) dissolved in distilled water; Group 4 received rutin (25 mg/kg) and sodium arsenite (10 mg/kg) and; while Group 5 received rutin (50 mg/kg) and sodium arsenite (10 mg/kg). After the treatment period, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis of liver and kidney function biomarkers- aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), urea, and creatinine. The results showed that sodium arsenite administration caused a significant increase (p < 0.05) in serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, urea, and creatinine compared to the control group, indicating hepatic and renal impairment. However, co-administration of rutin led to a dose-dependent decrease in these biomarkers, bringing their values closer to the normal range. This suggests that rutin effectively mitigated the biochemical alterations induced by sodium arsenite. In conclusion, the findings demonstrate that rutin possesses potent antioxidant and protective properties capable of ameliorating sodium arsenite–induced liver and kidney toxicity in Wistar rats. This implies that rutin may have potential therapeutic applications in preventing heavy-metal-induced oxidative damage in humans.

Phenolic compounds are important phytochemicals naturally present in plant seeds and oils, where they play significant roles in antioxidant defense, oxidative stability, and overall nutritional quality. This study evaluated and compared the Total Phenol Content (TPC) of soybean (Glycine max) and palm kernel (Elaeis guineensis) seeds and their corresponding oil extracts using the Folin–Ciocalteu spectrophotometric method, with tannic acid serving as the standard. Soybean and palm kernel seeds were processed, extracted using appropriate solvent systems, and analysed at 760 nm. Statistical evaluation was carried out using SPSS version 21. Results showed that the dried seeds of both plants contained appreciable phenolic levels, with soybean seeds recording 98.4 ± 1.60 g TAE/kg and palm kernel seeds showing a higher but statistically non-significant value of 135.6 ± 15.9 g TAE/kg (P>0.05). In contrast, their oil samples demonstrated markedly reduced phenolic concentrations. Soybean oil contained 0.83 ±0.17 g TAE/kg, while palm kernel oil exhibited significantly higher phenolic content of 2.71 ± 0.12 g TAE/kg (P<0.05). This notable reduction from seed to oil indicates that oil processing particularly heat treatment, solvent extraction, bleaching, and refining results in substantial loss of heat-sensitive phenolic compounds The findings reveal that although both soybean and palm kernel seeds are naturally rich in phenolic compounds, their refined oils contribute minimally to dietary phenolics. Palm kernel oil retained more phenolics than soybean oil but still exhibited drastic reduction compared to the seeds. This underscores the impact of extraction and industrial processing on the phytochemical quality of edible oils. The study suggests that adopting less-intensive extraction techniques, such as cold-pressing or minimal refining, may help preserve phenolics and improve the antioxidant capacity of plant-derived oils. Overall, this research provides valuable biochemical insight into the phytochemical composition of two widely consumed oil sources and highlights the importance of processing conditions in determining their nutritional and functional value.

The consumption of dietary supplements for cellular health and detoxification is increasing globally, yet many proprietary formulations lack rigorous safety evaluation measures . CellifeIQ is a polyherbal supplement marketed to enhance intracellular glutathione levels; however, its subacute toxicity profile remains unknown . To address this gap, this study evaluated the subacute (28-day) oral toxicity of CellifeIQ on kidney function, hematological parameters, and glucose homeostasis in male Wistar rats. Twenty adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=5) consisting of a Control group receiving distilled water and three treatment groups receiving CellifeIQ at 20, 80, and 600 mg/kg body weight, respectively. The protocol was conducted in accordance with OECD Test Guideline 407, with body weight, feed, and water consumption monitored weekly.After 28 days, blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical analysis. No mortality or overt clinical signs of toxicity were observed. However, the high dose (600 mg/kg) caused significant reductions in feed consumption and body weight gain, alongside a significant increase in water intake. .Renal function assessment revealed a significant decrease in serum potassium (K+) across all treated groups and reduced creatinine levels at 80 and 600 mg/kg, indicative of metabolic alteration rather than renal filtration failure. Hematological parameters and fasting blood glucose levels remained largely stable. In conclusion, CellifeIQ was welltolerated at lower doses but induced signs of hepatotoxicity and metabolic disruption at the highest dose tested, establishing the No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level (NOAEL) at 80 mg/kg. These findings suggest that high-dose supplementation may pose health risks, validating the need for strict dose regulation of antioxidant-boosting formulations.

Although Elaeis guineensis (Palm kernel) oil is a dietary staple across West Africa, the antioxidant properties of locally processed, unrefined varieties remain under-researched. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant capacity of locally extracted palm kernel oil using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay. The oil was obtained via mechanical pressing and its efficacy was benchmarked against ascorbic acid. The findings revealed a concentration-dependent rise in antioxidant activity. Specifically, inhibition rates grew from 14.13% at the lowest concentration (50 µg/mL) to a peak of 44.15% at 250 µg/mL. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) was calculated at 285.77 µg/mL. While the unrefined oil displayed lower scavenging potential than the standard ascorbic acid, the results confirm that locally extracted palm kernel oil retains bioactive compounds, such as tocopherols, capable of reducing oxidative stress. These findings validate the oil's traditional value and suggest it has promise as a functional food ingredient.