DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

Urinary tract pathogens are increasingly resistant to conventional antibiotics, prompting interest in plant-derived bioactive agents. This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and antibacterial potential of Cinnamomum tamala bark extracts against selected clinical isolates. Dried bark samples were subjected to aqueous and ethanolic extraction, followed by phytochemical screening using GC–MS analysis. Antimicrobial activity was carried out using ditch plate and agar well diffusion methods, while minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were determined via agar dilution techniques. The ethanolic extract demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition, with zones of inhibition ranging from 8.25 ± 4.8 mm at 50 µg/mL to 21.75 ± 2.93 mm at 800 µg/mL, showing significant differences across concentrations (p = 0.034). The aqueous extract exhibited no effect at low concentrations but was active at higher concentration, producing inhibition zones up to 6.50 ± 3.77 mm, significantly different across groups (p < 0.001). MIC results indicated stronger activity for the ethanolic extract, particularly against E. coli (12.5 µg/mL), compared to the aqueous extract, which required higher concentrations (100–200 µg/mL) across organisms. Similarly, ethanolic MBC values ranged between 25–100 µg/mL, significantly lower than the consistent 200 µg/mL required for the aqueous extract. Phytochemical screening revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and phenols in both extracts, while saponins and glycosides were exclusive to the aqueous extract, and steroids and resins were unique to the ethanolic extract. GC–MS analysis identified major constituents including Squalene (21.13%), 9-Octadecenoic acid (17.62%), and 13-Octadecenal (16.89%) in the ethanolic extract, while the aqueous extract was dominated by 9-Borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (28.24%) and Cyclopropane derivatives (17.04%). These findings highlight the potent antibacterial efficacy of C. tamala ethanolic extract, particularly against E. coli, with activity linked to its terpenoid and fatty acid constituents. The results suggest that C. tamala may serve as a promising source of natural antimicrobials.

Annona muricata is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments; however, its safety profile on vital organs remains insufficiently documented. This study investigated the histopathological effects of Annona muricata leaf extract on the liver, kidney, testis, and ovaries of albino rats. Twenty-four healthy albino rats (180–200 g) were obtained from the Animal House, Department of Anatomy, University of Benin, and maintained under standard laboratory conditions. The animals were divided into four groups: Group A (control) received feed and distilled water, while Groups B, C, and D were administered 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg of the extract respectively via oral gavage for 28 days.

Annona muricata (soursop) is a tropical plant widely used in traditional medicine for various ailments, yet comprehensive safety data on its effects on vital organs remain limited. This research aimed to investigate the histopathological effects of Annona muricata leaf extract on liver, kidney, testis, and ovaries of albino rats. Twenty-four healthy albino rats weighing 180- 200g were procured from the Animal House of the Department of Anatomy, University of Benin, and maintained under standard conditions with unrestricted access to feed and water. The rats were divided into four groups: Group A (control, n=2) received pelleted feed and distilled water; roup B (n=4) was administered 250mg/kg soursop extract; Group C (n=4) received 500mg/kg; and Group D (n=4) was given 1000mg/kg extract orally via gavage for one month. Following treatment, animals were euthanized, blood samples collected for biochemical analysis, and organs harvested for histopathological examination. Results revealed no significant changes in hematological parameters, liver function tests, or reproductive hormone levels across all groups (p > 0.05). However, kidney function analysis showed significant elevation in sodium (143±3.8 mEq/L) and chloride (107.3±0.5 mEq/L) levels in the highest dose group compared to controls (p < 0.05). Histopathological examination revealed normal architecture in the control group organs. Groups B and C exhibited hepatic steatosis with microvacuolar degeneration, while Group D maintained normal liver histology. All kidney, testis, and ovary sections demonstrated preserved normal architecture across treatment groups. The findings suggest that Annona muricata leaf extract exhibits a complex dose-response relationship, with intermediate doses causing hepatic steatosis while higher doses appear protective. The preservation of reproductive organ integrity
and absence of significant biochemical toxicity support the traditional use of soursop, though careful dose optimization and electrolyte monitoring are recommended for therapeutic applications.

Sodium nitrate is used as a preservative in processed meats and poultry products across the country. Though, production of nitric oxide and nitrite may prevent various types of cardiovascular disease including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and stroke.
However,health concerns relating to cancer andleukaemia have not been ruled out. Therefore, this project was to examine histological changes inliver and kidney of white rats treated withsodium nitrate salt. Other objectives were to determine its
effects on liver enzymes, and electrolytes and urea.Twenty (20) in-bred white rats of both sexes, aged: 2-4 months and weighed 160-200g were randomly picked to form five (5) groups (n=4) labeled A to D as test while E served as control. Rats were
housed in plastic cages with saw dust as beddings and acclimatize for 2 weeksat temperature (25±5ºC), humidity (54-59%) and periodicity (12:12hrs) in a clean environment while Standard top feed® and water were provided regularly. Five gram
(5g) of nitrate salt was measured with a weighing balance into a sterile conical flask while 1L of distilled water was added with a standard measuring cylinder and agitated vigorously with the GFL shaker for 5minutes until all dissolved. Rats in groups A to
D were treated orally for 30days at 2days interval in this order: 5mg/kg, 10mg/kg, 15mg/kg and 20mg/kg body weight. Each rat was picked with a hand towel and administeredadequate dosages using the oro-gastric tube. After experimentation,
animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation while 4mL of blood was collected from the cardiac region for liver and kidney function test. The corresponding parameters were assayed with a spectrophotometer at varying wavelengths. The liver
and kidney were excised, grossedand processed histologically.Sections were cut at 3 5um and stained according to H&E method. Sections were examined using Swift(R) binocular microscope with an in built light system and photographed with an Olympus
photomicroscope. Data were presented as Means ± SD and analyzed with one way ANOVA and Duncan post hoc test whiletest of significance was set at p <0.05 withSPSS version 16. All animals showed signs of partial anorexia, dullness and
developed reduced activities but were pronounced in high dose treated rats (C and D) for the 30 days treatment. High dose treated ratslost more weight than those on lesser treatment regime while the control gained more weight. All parameters (K, Na, CL, HC03, urea and creatinine) for renal profile were within normal range. They were significantly expressed (P ≤ 0.003) across all groupsincluding liver function test (TB, CB, TP, ALB, AST, ALT and ALP)indices (P ≤ 0.05). No variation in colouration by
gross examination while and histopathology findings were in keeping with normal histology of the liver and kidney. From the results so far,sodium nitrate has no deleterious effects on histology of the visceral organs studied but daily intake abuse of
the salt particularly in a large concentration may be injurious to human health