DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY

This research examines the effect of ethanol leaf extract of Acalypha wilkisenia on malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels in wistar rats with 1,2 dimethylhydrazine(DMH) induced colon tumors. Colon cancer is a leading cause of cancer related mortality ,is often characterized by elevated oxidative stress markers such as MDA and altered antioxidant enzyme activities, including GPx. Alcalypha wilkisenia, a plant commonly known for its antioxidant properties, was evaluated for its potential therapeutic effects. Wistar rats were divided into six groups: Control, DMH treated only, Xeloda, DMH plus ethanol leaf extract of Alcalypha wilkisenia . Over the experimental period, MDA and GPx levels were measured using standard biochemical assays. Results indicated that DMH significantly increased MDAlevels and decreased GPx activity, indicative of oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant defense. Conversely administration of Acalypha wilkisenia extract to DMH treated rats resulted in a significant reduction in MDA levels and restoration of GPx activity , suggesting a protective effect against colon carcinogenesis through the modulation of oxidative stress markers, highlighting its potential as a complementary therapeutic agent in colon cancer management .Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and confirm these effects in clinical settings

There has been a notable increase in the use of herbal medicine over the past twenty years. Moreover, there is still a tremendous lap of proper research data in the field of traditional herbal medicine. Enantiachloranthais a plant belonging to the Annonacoae family. Its common name is Africa Yellow Wood. It contains some phytochemicals which confer anti-diabetic properties. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-diabetic and anti- inflammatory effects ofEnantiachlorantha stem bark on STZ induced type 2 diabetes in adult wistar rats. Forty-nine (49) male Wister rats of 170-180g weight were used for this experiment. They were grouped into seven groups; Group 1 (Normal control), Group 2 (HFD+STZ), Group 3(HFD+STZ+ metformin 500mg/kg bwt), Group 4 (HFD +STZ+ 200mg/kg bwt crude hydro-ethanol extract), Group 5 (HFD + STZ+ 400mg/kg bwt crude hydro-ethanol extract), Group 6 (HFD + STZ+ 200mg/kg bwt ethyl-acetate fraction),Group 7 (HFD+STZ+ 400mg/kg bwt ethyl-acetate fraction). The results showed a marked decrease in blood glucose level in thr treated groups. Rats administered the extract crude and ethyl acetate fractions showed high expression ofNrf-2.In group 4, at 200 mg/kg body weight of thereextract crude and ethyl acetate fractions was increased activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme.This study concluded that Enantiachloranthahas positive anti-diabetic and anti- inflammatory effects.

The study investigated the impact of daily intake of aqueous fruit pulp extract of Picralima nitida on the total antioxidant capacity in experimental rats. Picralima nitida, known for its rich phytochemical composition, was chosen for its potential health benefits. Thirty- five rats were divided into control and experimental groups, with the latter receiving daily doses of the aqueous fruit pulp extract. After a specified duration, blood samples were collected for the assessment of total antioxidant capacity. The results revealed a significant increase in the total antioxidant capacity in the experimental group B and compared to the control, suggesting a positive influence of Picralima nitida extract on the antioxidant defense system. This enhancement in antioxidant capacity may be attributed to the diverse bioactive compounds present in the fruit pulp extract, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, and zinc known for their antioxidant properties

The nutritional composition and phytochemical content of the leaf of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. were investigated using standard analytical methods in order to access the numerous potential of the plant. The qualitative phytochemical screening of aqueous extract of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. leaves revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, eugenols, phenols, and reducing sugars; with saponins being highly present. Glycosides, terpenoids, steroids and tannins were seen to be absent. Variation in this composition was observed in the ethanol extract which showed that glycosides, saponins, phenols, eugenols, terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids and reducing sugars were present in moderation, whereas tannins were seen to be absent. The medicinal value of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. is influenced by the presence and levels of these secondary metabolites. The proximate analysis revealed that Plumbago zeylanica Linn. leaves are rich in carbohydrates (34.990 ± 1.088%), have high content of Ash (8.606 ± 0.73%), crude protein (19.942 ± 0.154%), crude lipids (9.194 ± 0.258%), and crude fibre (27.267 ± 1.62%); but low content of moisture (4.993 ± 0.035%). Vitamin C content was also determined to be 4.724 ± 0.095%. The presence of high carbohydrates, protein, crude lipids and fiber contents of the leaves may be responsible for their nutritive value.

There has been a notable increase in the use of herbal medicine over the past twenty years. Moreover, there is still a tremendous lap of proper research data in the field of traditional herbal medicine. Enantiachloranthais a plant belonging to the Annonacoae family. Its common name is Africa Yellow Wood. It contains some phytochemicals which confer anti-diabetic properties. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-diabetic and anti- inflammatory effects of Enantiachlorantha stem bark on STZ induced type 2 diabetes in adult wistar rats. Forty-nine (49)male Wister rats of 170-180g weight were used for this experiment. They were grouped into seven groups; Group 1 (Normal control), Group 2 (HFD+STZ), Group 3(HFD+STZ+ metformin 500mg/kg bwt), Group 4 (HFD +STZ+ 200mg/kg bwt crude hydro-ethanol extract), Group 5 (HFD + STZ+ 400mg/kg bwt crude hydroethanol extract), Group 6 (HFD + STZ+ 200mg/kg bwt ethyl-acetate fraction), Group 7 (HFD+STZ+ 400mg/kg bwt ethyl-acetate fraction). The results showed a marked decrease in blood glucose level in thr treated groups. Rats administered the extract crude and ethyl acetate fractions showed high expression of Nrf-2.In group 4, at 200 mg/kg body weight of thereextract crude and ethyl acetate fractions was increased activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme.This study concluded that Enantiachloranthahas positive anti-diabetic and anti- inflammatoryeffects.

Salvia species have been traditionally used in the treatment of colds, aches and pains, infections, wounds, bronchitis, flu, tuberculosis, haemorrhage, insomnia, some cardiovascular and
menstrual disorders, stomach, liver, and rheumatism pain. This is due to their bioactive
constituents such as terpenoids, phenolics, essential oils, and fatty acids) that give them their
medicinal properties. The aim of the study was to evaluate the anti-obesity of Salvia hispanica
seeds (chia seeds) by investigating the anti-pancreatic lipase activity of the seed. The objective of
the study was to determine the anti-pancreatic lipase activity of Salvia hispanica. The standard
anti-obesity drug (Orlistat) was used as a control. The data obtained was analysed using a
Graphpad prisim version 8.0.3.The results showed that the ethanol extract had a greater anti- pancreatic lipase activity (IC50:870.47µg/ml) when compared to the aqueous extract (IC50:
2866.58µg/ml) and the standard (Orlistat) (IC50:2338µg/ml) making it a viable management
option for obesity and related metabolic syndrome.

Salvia species have been traditionally used in the treatment of colds, aches and pains, infections, wounds, bronchitis, flu, tuberculosis, haemorrhage, insomnia, some cardiovascular and
menstrual disorders, stomach, liver, and rheumatism pain. This is due to their bioactive
constituents such as terpenoids, phenolics, essential oils, and fatty acids) that give them their
medicinal properties. The aim of the study was to evaluate the anti-obesity of Salvia hispanica
seeds (chia seeds) by investigating the anti-pancreatic lipase activity of the seed. The objective of
the study was to determine the anti-pancreatic lipase activity of Salvia hispanica. The standard
anti-obesity drug (Orlistat) was used as a control. The data obtained was analysed using a
Graphpad prisim version 8.0.3.The results showed that the ethanol extract had a greater anti- pancreatic lipase activity (IC50:870.47µg/ml) when compared to the aqueous extract (IC50:
2866.58µg/ml) and the standard (Orlistat) (IC50:2338µg/ml) making it a viable management
option for obesity and related metabolic syndrome.

ABSTRACT
Diabetes mellitus is a degenerative disease that has deleterious effects on male reproductive function, possibly through an increase in oxidative stress and protection against this damage can be offered by antioxidant supplementation. This study investigated the effects of oral administration of Tetrapluera tetraptera saponins (TTS) on concentrations of lipid peroxide (as malondialdehyde; MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the testes of rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ). Six groups were used (7 animals each) and these animals were allocated to different groups: normal control group, diabetic group. The diabetic group was subdivided into five groups as follows: diabetic control (DC), metformin treated group, 10mg TTS treated group, 20mg TTS treated group and 40mg TTS treated group. The metformin and TTS were also administered for 12 consecutive weeks. The MDA and GSH levels in the harvested testes were determined with comparison made between groups. Although MDA concentration in the testes increased in diabetic control, the TTS administered significantly reduced the pro-oxidant levels (P<0.05) to normal levels.. However, in the testes and serum, the reduced glutathione significantly (p<0.05) decreased in the diabetic treated groups compared to the diabetic untreated group. The results indicated that increased lipid oxidation may compromise the oxidant-antioxidant balance in the experimental animals.