DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY

Azadirachta indica (Dongoyaro) leaves are widely recognized in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which are largely attributed to its diverse phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity. However, limited studies have systematically correlated its phytochemical abundance with its antioxidant bioactivity to better explain its therapeutic mechanisms. This research aimed to profile the phytochemical constituents of Azadirachta indica leaves, evaluate their antioxidant properties, and determine how specific phytochemicals contribute to observed antioxidant activity. Fresh Azadirachta indica leaves were subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening to determine the presence and concentrations of major secondary metabolites. Methanolic extracts were analyzed for steroids, flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides (Keller–Killiani test), saponins, and terpenoids. Antioxidant activity was assessed using standard in-vitro assays, and statistical correlation was carried out to evaluate the relationship between phytochemical concentrations and antioxidant performance. Quantitative results showed high concentrations of flavonoids (862.21 µg/mL) and cardiac glycosides (527.75 µg/mL), while steroids (282.50 µg/mL) and terpenoids (305.48 µg/mL) were present in moderate amounts. Tannins (77.13 µg/mL) occurred in lower quantities. Antioxidant evaluation revealed strong free-radical scavenging activity, with inhibition values increasing proportionally with the concentration of flavonoids. Correlation analysis identified flavonoids as the major contributors to antioxidant capacity. These findings support the documented antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions of neem (Dongoyaro) leaves, as flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, and glycosides are known to disrupt microbial membranes, modulate inflammatory pathways, and reduce oxidative stress. Overall, this study provides biochemical justification for the therapeutic relevance of Azadirachta indica leaves by establishing a clear relationship between its quantified phytochemicals and antioxidant activity

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, or elevated blood glucose levels, resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. This study focused on the severe metabolic imbalance caused by Streptozotocin (STZ) induction in male Wistar rats . Diabetes mellitus was induced in male Wistar rats by a combination of a 2-week high-carbohydrates diet, followed by double doses (60 and 40 mg/kg respectively) of intraperitoneal injection of STZ. Diabetic rats were then treated for two weeks with either distilled water (control), Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg, positive control), or picralima nitida extract at two doses (200 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg). The findings revealed that all groups treated with Picralima nitida showed a decrease in α-amylase levels compared to the diabetic group that received no treatment. However, this reduction was not sufficient to bring the enzyme activity back to the levels observed in non-diabetic (control) rats. Among the doses tested, the low dose produced the most stable regulatory effect, showing results that were comparable, though slightly less effective, than glibenclamide

This study investigated the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical composition of
CELLIFEIQ, a commercially available polyherbal supplement. The work addressed the lack of scientific data on the product’s chemical profile by using standard phytochemical screening and spectrophotometric methods to identify and quantify major secondary metabolites. The qualitative results showed the presence of steroids, coumarins, flavonoids, tannins, and cardiac glycosides, while saponins were not detected. Quantitative analysis further revealed that steroids were the most abundant constituent (23.93 ± 0.05 mg/g), followed by coumarins (15.53 ± 0.16 mg/g), flavonoids (13.29 ± 0.18 mg/g), tannins (12.93 ± 0.09 mg/g), and cardiac glycosides (12.32 ± 0.18 mg/g). These findings show a phytochemical pattern consistent with extracts obtained using organic solvents, which tend to favor lipophilic compounds. The study fills an important knowledge gap by providing evidence-based information about a product commonly promoted for health and wellness but rarely subjected to scientific scrutiny. The identified constituents suggest that CELLIFEIQ contains compounds with known antioxidant and physiological effects, although their actual biological impact requires further investigation. The results form a foundation for future pharmacological and toxicological studies, highlight the need for standardized quality control in herbal supplement production, and support regulatory efforts to ensure product safety and transparency

Sphenocentrumjollyanumislocallyknownandwidelyutilizedintraditionalmedicineforthe treatmentofawiderangeofailments,including diabetes,wounds,feverandgastrointestinal issues.Otherusesoftheplantincludesituseformalaria,highbloodpressure,coughs,andbreast tumors.Thoughthemedicinalusesbymodernsciencehasnotbeenfullystudied,thetherapeutic functionbytraditionaluserscan’tbeseenasvoid ThepurposeofthisstudyisthescreeningandGC-MSprofilingofcyclitolsandsugaralcoholin theaqueousextractofsphenocentrumjollyanumtoresolveandquantifytheconstituentsofit polyolfractionwhichincludeCYCLITOLSandSUGARALCOHOLasthe maincompoundof focusseeingthatdespiteitrecognizedpharmacologicalimportance,acomprehensive chemical profile,particularlyofhighlypolarmetabolites,remainincomplete Theprocedurefortheprofilingandthescreenofthepolyolofstudyinvolvesfirstlythe preparationoftheaqueousextractfromtheairdried,pulverizedstemmaterialoftheplantand subjectingittotrimethylsilylderivatizationbeforeanalysiswithGC-MS(GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASSSPECTROMETRY)Whichisananalyticaltechniquesusedtoseparate,identifyandquantifychemicalconstituentsin a mixture and is used in drug testing, foodanalysis,environmentalmonitoring,forensicinvestigationsandstudies and also for detectionofcontaminant.Theseinvolvetheuseofgaschromatographyfortheseparationofthe variousconstituentsintheplantandtheuseofmassspectrometryfortheidentificationofthe variouscompoundsinthemixtureaccordingtotheirmassandtheirfragmentation Thisanalysisoftheaqueousextractoftheplantrevealedthepresenceofacyclitolderivative (inositol,1-deoxy-)whichisfor43.45%ofthetotalidentifiedextractcompoundsandanegative resultforatruesugaralcoholandthisindicatethatthepolyolchemistryintheplant (S.JOLLYANUM)is heavilyskewedtowardsthecyclicform

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) seed, a major agricultural by-product, remains an under-explored source of natural antioxidants, which are increasingly sought after as alternatives to synthetic compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant potential of an aqueous extract of cotton seed by assessing its DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity. An aqueous extract was prepared from dried, powdered cotton seeds. Its free radical scavenging capacity was determined spectrophotometrically at concentrations ranging from 50 to 250 µg/mL and compared against ascorbic acid as a standard. The cotton seed extract exhibited dose- dependent activity, with inhibition ranging from 29.11% to 46.37%. Linear regression analysis was used to calculate the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀), which was found to be 288.88 µg/mL for the extract, compared to 86.12 µg/mL for the highly potent ascorbic acid standard. The findings demonstrate that aqueous cotton seed extract possesses moderate antioxidant properties, likely attributable to its inherent phytochemicals. This study validates the potential of cotton seed as a viable, low-cost source for natural antioxidants, supporting the valorization of this agricultural by-product for applications in the food and nutraceutical industries.

The study focused on the Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry of phenolic compounds and antioxidant related constituent in the aqueous extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum stem, a medicinal plant commonly used in traditional healthcare across Nigeria. The stem samples were sourced from Iwo Market in Osun State. The analysis was carried out using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) at LEEDEX Laboratory in Lagos to identify the major bioactive constituents responsible for antioxidant activity. A total of 33 compounds were detected in the aqueous extract. Among these, four major compounds were identified due to their relevance to phenolic and antioxidant properties. Peaks 2 and 4 were confirmed as phenolic compounds—Phenol, 2,6-dimethoxy- and Phenol, 3,4,5-trimethoxy—indicating the presence of significant phenolic content in the extract. Peaks 32 and 33 were identified as Squalene and di-α- Tocopherol, respectively. Although non-phenolic, both compounds are well-documented antioxidants that contribute to the overall antioxidant capacity of the extract. The presence of both phenolic and non-phenolic antioxidant compounds suggests that the aqueous extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum possesses strong antioxidant potential. These findings support the medicinal value of the plant and align with its traditional use for managing oxidative stressrelated conditions. The results highlight the importance of further research to explore additional therapeutic properties, optimize extraction methods, and understand the stability of its bioactive constituents.

This study aimed at evaluating and comparing the total phenolic content (TPC) of manually extracted and commercially made sesame seed oil, alongside manually extracted cottonseed oil. Phenolic compounds are recognized for their antioxidant properties, which enhance the nutritional quality, oxidative stability and shelf life of edible oils. Oil samples were analyzed using the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method and statistical evaluation was performed with SPSS to determine mean values and standard errors. Results revealed that manually extracted cottonseed oil contained a greater TPC than sesame seed oil extracted using the same methods, while commercially made sesame seed oil expressed the lowest phenolic levels. These findings indicate that traditional extraction methods better preserve bioactive compounds compared to commercial refining, which tends to reduce antioxidant content. The elevated phenolic content in manually extracted oils suggests improved oxidative stability and potential health benefits, positioning them as favorable options for health-conscious consumers. Overall, this research underscores the importance of minimally processed oils, supports the use of TPC as a quality indicator and highlights the need for improved commercial processing techniques in order to retain beneficial phytochemicals

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycaemia due to impaired insulin secretion or action. Inhibiting carbohydrate- digesting enzymes such as α-amylase and α-glucosidase is a recognized strategy to reduce postprandial glucose spikes. Lonchocarpus cyanescens is a medicinal plant widely used in West African ethnotherapy with reported antidiabetic activity. This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effects of the water fraction of L. cyanescens on α-amylase and α- glucosidase and compare its efficacy with acarbose. The water fraction of L. cyanescens leaves was prepared and tested at concentrations of 0.1–0.5 mg/mL using standard in vitro enzyme inhibition assays, and the results were statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA followed by LSD post hoc tests to compare treatment groups and assess significance relative to acarbose. The water fraction demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of both enzymes, with α-amylase inhibition ranging from 76.79% to 89.26% and α- glucosidase inhibition from 36.60% to 61.22% (p < 0.01).

Anaemia remains a major nutritional and public health concern, particularly in developing countries, where limited dietary diversity contributes to inadequate micronutrient intake. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate an anti-anaemic snack bar produced from Justicia carnea (blood leaf), Bambara groundnut, (Vigna subterranea), millet (Pennisetum glaucum), soyabeans (Glycine max) and dates (Phoenix dactylifera), focusing on its mineral composition. The raw materials were cleaned, processed and incorporated into a composite flour, after which snack bar samples were prepared using standard baking procedures. The formulations underwent mineral analysis to determine levels of iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc and other relevant micronutrients using established analytical methods. Results showed that the snack bar samples contained appreciable amounts of essential minerals, particularly iron and calcium, indicating their potential contribution to improving haematological status

Herbal medicines are increasingly used globally, yet comprehensive safety data for many traditional preparations remain limited. This study evaluated the sub-acute toxicity of Miracle Seed Ultima® (MSU), a commercially available herbal product, on kidney function, hematological parameters, and glucose metabolism in male Wistar rats. Twenty male Wistar rats weighing 120-170g were randomly divided into four groups (n=5): Group 1 (control) received distilled water, while Groups 2, 3, and 4 received MSU at 100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 1000 ix mg/kg body weight respectively via oral gavage daily for 28 days. Blood samples were collected at the end of the study for assessment of renal function markers (urea, creatinine, electrolytes), complete blood counts, red cell indices, and fasting blood glucose levels. Key findings revealed significant reductions in plasma urea concentrations in groups receiving 300 mg/kg (74.85±6.3 mg/dL) and 1000 mg/kg (68.62±2.9 mg/dL) compared to controls (102.72±5.7 mg/dL), with p < 0.05. Plasma creatinine showed significant differences in the 100 mg/kg group (2.12±0.1 mg/dL) compared to controls (2.79±0.1 mg/dL). However, all electrolyte parameters (sodium, potassium, chloride) remained within normal physiological ranges across all groups. Non-statistically significant differences were observed in all hematological parameters (p > 0.05). Fasting blood glucose levels remained normal across all treatment groups. The findings indicate a relatively favorable safety profile for MSU at the tested doses, with no evidence of overt nephrotoxicity, hematotoxicity, or metabolic disturbances. The observed reductions in plasma urea and creatinine may reflect enhanced renal clearance rather than toxicity. These results support the short-term safety of MSU at therapeutic doses.