DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY

Chasmanthera dependens is commonly used in Africa traditional system for the management of several pathologies. This research was designed to asses the phytochemical and antioxidant activity of the methanol extract of Chasmanthera dependens roots. The result of the qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoid, tannins, Terpeniods, reducing sugars, saponins and proanthovyanindins in the extract. The quantitative phytochemical screening further confirmed the concentration of flavonoid(8.61±0.74) tannins(87.05±1.27), proanthoncyanidins (45.1±1.5) and phenols(199.1±1.9). In vitro antioxidant properties of the extract has antioxidant properties as revealed by it's ferric acid antioxidant power (FRAP), and reducing potential. The phytochemicals in the extract was further identified and quantified by HPLC screening. The HPLC fingerprinting revealed a reported activity of Phytochemical with rich medicinal value. The study also shows that Chasmanthera dependens scavenged DPPH (16.59) reducing power increases in absorbance as the concentration of the plant increased. Conclusively this study provide more information on the medicinal use of Chasmanthera dependens and its good antioxidant properties.

Miracle Seed Ultima® (MSU) is widely used as a natural supplement, yet scientific evidence on its safety profile remains limited. This study therefore evaluated the sub-acute toxicity effects of MSU on liver function and lipid metabolism in male Wistar rats. Twenty rats were randomly assigned to four groups and administered 0 mg/kg (control), 100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg of MSU orally for 28 days. Liver biomarkers including ALT, AST, ALP, total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin were analysed, while lipid profile parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and VLDL) were assessed.The results showed no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) in AST, ALP, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, or albumin levels across all doses. However, ALT increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the 300 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg groups compared with the control, with mean values of 147.35 ± 12.9ᵃ (control), 135.00 ± 8.7ᵃᵇᵈ (300 mg/kg), and 200.56 ± 22.2ᵃᶜᵉ (1000 mg/kg), indicating a dose-related biochemical change. Total protein decreased significantly in the 100 mg/kg group 4.06 ± 0.1ᵃ (control) and 3.39 ± 0.1ᵇᶜ(100mg/kg), although values remained within physiological ranges. Lipid parameters showed no statistically significant alterations, indicating that the observed slight increase in total cholesterol in Group 3 and reduced triglycerides in Group 2 were not biologically meaningful since they were not statistically supported.Overall, the findings indicate that MSU did not produce broad hepatic or lipid toxicity within the 28-day period. Although ALT increased at higher doses, a single enzyme elevation without corresponding changes in other hepatic markers does not conclusively indicate liver damage. Nevertheless, the dose-dependent rise suggests a potential early biochemical response that warrants further attention. The study highlights the need for additional investigations involving histopathology, oxidative stress markers, and long-term exposure to more conclusively establish the safety profile of MSU

Traditional medicine plays a crucial role in global healthcare, particularly in developing countries where plant-based remedies remain widely used. However, scientific validation of their safety and efficacy is necessary. This study examines the effects of a plant extract on liver and renal function in Wistar rats, focusing on its potential physiological impacts. Despite its traditional use, limited scientific data exist regarding its influence on hepatic and renal biomarkers.
This study investigates the impact of the extract on liver and kidney function in Wistar albino rats. A total of 40 rats were divided into control and experimental groups, with the test groups (B–E) receiving increasing doses of the extract, while Group A served as the control. The
experiment monitored changes in body weight and evaluated liver function markers, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin levels. Additionally, renal function was assessed through creatinine, urea, and electrolyte levels. The study aimed to determine the extract’s potential hepatotoxic or nephroprotective effects.
The findings of this study provide critical insights into the physiological effects of the plant extract, revealing its implications for liver and kidney health. The results contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the pharmacological properties of medicinal plants and their potential integration into modern therapeutic applications.

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- mylase
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.

This study evaluated the effects of Yoyo cleanser bitters on male Wistar rats fed with a high fructose diet. Yoyo Cleanser Bitters, a traditional herbal preparation, is purported to possess potential therapeutic properties for metabolic disorders. Twenty (20) male Wistar rats weighing
an average of 220grams each were randomly divided in four groups of five. The rats were fed ad-libitum with the feed and clean tap water during the entire course of the experiment (56 days). A basal diet of a standard pelleted grower’s marsh was given to the control group (group1), while the treatment diet of 60% high fructose diet along with 20% fructose water was fed to the other three cages. Atorvastatin (0.57mg/kg) was administered daily to group 3 and Yoyo cleanser bitters (1200 mg/kg) was administered to the rats in group 4. The treatment were administered using an oro-gastric gavage. Using standard methods, the weekly weight of the rats, their daily food consumption, feed efficiency were determined at the end of the 56days of study. Comprehensive biochemical assessment of lipid profile was performed. The data was analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey’s test of significance. A p value of less than 0.05 (p<0.05) was accepted as statistically significant (p<0.05). The results of the study revealed that High Yoyo cleanser bitters posses preventive properties related to metabolic disorders in male Wistar rats when compared with both control and Atorvastatin groups as it significantly reduced (p<0.05) the levels of Triglycerides, Low density lipoprotein, Very Low-density Lipoprotein levels yet increasing the high density lipoprotein levels. This is an indication that the mechanism of action of Yoyo Cleanser Bitters can be added as a preventive intervention for individuals at the risk of dyslipidemia

Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schum. and Thonn) Taub, is a leguminous multipurpose tree (Mimosoideae) indigenous to tropical Africa. The plant has long medicinal significance as a molluscide, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. This study evaluated the effect of Tetrapleura tetraptera saponins on cardiac histology of Streptozotocin diabetic Wistar rats. Saponin fraction of T. tetraptera stem bark was orally administered to streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats at 10, 20 and 40mg/kg body weight (Group 4, 5 and 6). The effect of saponins on cardiac histology of the treated diabetic rats were compared with untreated control rats (Group 1), untreated diabetic control rats (Group 2) and metformin treated diabetic rats (Group 3) after 12 weeks of treatment. Treatment with graded doses of Tetrapleura tetraptera saponins and standard drug metformin resolved the lesions remarkably in the heart tissue with 20mg/kg body weight extract comparing favorably with metformin. There was an additional beneficial effect of vasodilation and increase in blood flow by the extract. The results from this study revealed that Tetrapleura tetraptera saponins ameliorated Streptozotocin induced pathology of heart tissues and may have resolved the lesions remarkably in the heart, with 20mg/kg body weight dose proving to have the best therapeutic effect.

Reports have shown that extracts of Detarium Microcarpum possess potent pharmacological properties. The aim of this research was to investigate the in vitro antisickling property of ethyl acetate extracts of Detarium Microcarpum stem bark. The stem bark was first ground to powder and soaked in ethyl acetate to obtain an ethyl acetate soluble fraction. The sickling of the red blood cells (RBCs) was introduced using sodium metabisulphite followed by treatment with ethyl acetate extract, Phosphate buffer saline and p-hydroxybenzoic acid. Sickling of red cells occur as a result of polymerization of deoxygenated HbS molecules, so that, they become stacked linearly. In vitro studies have revealed that plant extracts altered the polymerization of deoxyHbS molecules. Therefore, the present study was aimed at determining the effect of Detarium microcarpum stem back on haemoglobin polymerization. About 5ml of venous blood was collected from each Sickle cell patient with a sterile syringe. The blood samples were washed thrice with Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) using standard procedures and the resulting packed cell was used for haemoglobin polymerization assay. Detarium microcarpum is a legume tree shrub belonging to the family of Fabacae. Its roots, stem bark, leaves and fruits are known to possess medicinal properties. The in vitro haemoglobin polymerization properties of Ethyl Acetate (EA) fraction of D. microcarpum stem bark was evaluated using blood samples obtained from forty confirmed sickle cell disease patients using standard techniques. At the end of the research it was observed that D. microcarpum extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced polymerization of haemoglobin at t/90min with a reduction of about 46.05% when compared to the control (PBS+HbSS Blood sample) which was 90%. This was most significant (p<0.05) at t/40min which was 20% and t/90min which was 46.05% against the control which was 25% and 90%. A similar trend was also observed when D. microcarpum extract was compared to the standard (p-hydrozybenzoic acid; reference antisickling drug) with a significant xi (p<0.05) percentage reduction of 70% at t/90min when compared to the Control. This result shows an inhibition of haemoglobin polymerization in the test group treated with D. microcarpum. Conclusively, the study showed that the extract of Detarium Microcarpum exacerbated polymerization of deoxyHbS molecules in a concentration and time dependent manner. The Ethyl Acetate extract of Detarium Microcarpum demonstrated the most significant antisickling effect with a potential for use in the clinical management of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).

A large number of people, when they fall sick, do not consult the physician. We have noticed that right from popular magazine editors to our domestic servant everyone thinks that he or she is a medical authority, and if we have a fever, cold, cough, constipation or indigestion, our friends or even total strangers volunteer advice on medicines to take like expert physicians. Almost everyone we meet has an excellent remedy for whatever ails we have. In short, this is what is meant be self-medication (Balbuena et al., 2009). May be most of the times nothing untoward happens on following such advice, but it can be dangerous. Medicines are important to help us get cured at the right time. But popping medicines on our own, without the doctor’s consult can become fatal.

Hypertension and diabetes are major global health problems that often occur together, worseningcardiovascular and hematological complications. Standard therapies such as Lisinopril andGlibenclamide are effective but can alter normal blood parameters during prolonged use. Thisstudy compared the effects of Lisinopril/Glibenclamide (50 mg/kg) and the methanol fractionofSida acuta and Cleome rutidosperma (50 mg/kg) on hematopoietic modulation in hypertensiveand diabetic male Wistar rats. Hypertension and diabetes were induced using L-NAMEandStreptozotocin. Rats were divided into seven groups, including normal, untreatedhypertensive/diabetic, and treated groups. Treatments were administered orally for five weeks. Blood samples were analyzed for red and white cell indices, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and platelet parameters. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at p ≤ 0.05. Inductionofhypertension and diabetes caused elevated monocyte and granulocyte counts, indicating systemic 11 inflammation. Both treatments significantly reduced monocyte levels (p < 0.001), but onlytheplant extract reduced granulocyte percentage (p = 0.003), suggesting stronger anti-inflammatoryaction. Lisinopril/Glibenclamide treatment lowered hemoglobin concentration (p = 0.016), whilethe Sida acuta/Cleome rutidosperma extract maintained normal red cell values, showinghematoprotective effects. The drug combination increased platelet count and size, whereas theplant extract preserved normal platelet balance. The methanol extract of Sida acuta andCleomerutidosperma demonstrated comparable—and in some areas superior—hematopoietic andantiinflammatory effects to Lisinopril/Glibenclamide. Its ability to maintain erythroid and immunebalance suggests potential as a natural adjunct or alternative therapy for managing hypertension–diabetes comorbidity. Keywords: Hypertension, diabetes, Sida acuta, Cleome rutidosperma, Lisinopril/Glibenclamide, L-NAME and Streptozotocin

A female mosquito of the species Anopheles that has been infected with the Plasmodium parasites that causes malaria will bite a human victim. Malaria continues to be the biggest cause of death worldwide, although undesirable results can be avoided with early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Parasites on several vertebrates, some in tissue and others in red blood cells. Five of the 172 Plasmodium species that exist can infect people. P. malariae, P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. knowlesi are among them. The zoonotic malaria P. knowlesi is known to exist in South- East Asia. While malaria occurs as an imported disease from endemic places in the industrialized world, it is the most prevalent disease in Africa and several countries of Asia. The fight to eradicate malaria began on a global scale in 1955. A global malaria control program is run by the World Health Organization, with an emphasis on strengthening primary healthcare locally, early disease detection, prompt treatment, and disease prevention.