DEPARTMENT OF PLANT BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

This study was carried out to examine the effect of salt stress on germination and seedling growth of Jute’s mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.) between two landraces (Ondo & NIHORT Research Institute). Several parameters were measured, including germination percentage, shoot length, number of branches, leaf area, number of leaves, stem girth, internode length and leaf loss for eight days to day fifty-six. The experimental treatments included various concentrations of Nacl; 10g/L(Z), 5g/L(Y), 2g/L(X), 0.2g/L(W) and the control (V). Germination was observed on the eight day for V,W,X with W having the highest germination percentage (86.6±1.15%), followed by V(70.00±1.00%). Treatment X recorded moderate germination (40.00±1.00% ), while treatment Y and Z had no germination. Low concentrations of salt (V,W and X) stimulated germination in Corchorus olitorius L.. Shoot length and number of branches were significantly higher in W (6.50±1.00, 2.00±3.46) by day 21, performing better than other treatments. The number of leaves and stem girth were also higher in W(1.67±2.89, 6.33±0.57), while X, Y and Z had no number of leaves and stem girth. W recorded the highest leaf area (9.06±15.68, 30.25±2.36). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that there was no significant difference between W, control and other treatments for all parameters. The results suggest that W (with moderate salinity) enhanced germination and growth, whereas higher salinity (Y and Z) inhibited germination and growth, indicating an adverse effect of salinity stress on Corchorus olitorius L. physiology

Medicinal plants are reliable and effective in treating various health issues, ranging from minor to major health issues. This study examined the effect of Acanthus montanus leaf aqueous extract on the lipid profile of male Wistar Rats. Various standard methods were used to determine the effect of the aqueous extract of A. montanus leaf on lipid levels. The aqueous extract of the plant was administered orally at different dosages of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg to the animals. The 100 mg/kg of Sildenafil Citrate was the positive control, while 1ml of distilled water was administered as the negative control. Treatments were administered for 14 days. The results obtained from this experiment showed that the plant extract can slightly reduce cholesterol levels (130-140 mg/dl), triglyceride levels (52-96 mg/dl), high-density (39.5-44.5 mg/dl) and low-density lipoprotein (77-88 mg/dl), and balance testosterone levels (3.15-3.70 mg/ml). This research supports the potential use of the extract as a therapeutic or preventive agent for hypertriglyceridemia while preserving lipoprotein balance and reproductive hormone homeostasis.

Moringa oleifera Lam, a plant renowned for its medicinal and nutritional properties, has been widely consumed globally. However, its ethanol root extract, though utilized in traditional medicine, has not been extensively characterized for its anti-nutritional composition. This study aimed to quantify the levels of anti-nutritional properties present in the ethanol extract of M. oleifera Lam and to validate the health implications of consuming this extract. Using standardized analytical techniques, the ethanol root extract was assessed for its content of cyanide, oxalate, and phytate. The results showed significant levels of these anti-nutrients, with 0.32133333 mg/g of cyanide, 2..2 mg/g of oxalate, and 0.74255 mg/100g of phytate.These findings suggest that excessive consumption of the ethanol root extract may pose health risks due to the potential toxicity of these compounds. However, this study also highlights the potential benefits of these anti-nutrients in moderation, including their antioxidant properties, ability to regulate calcium levels, and support blood sugar control. The results of this study provide valuable insights into the antinutritional composition of the ethanol root extract of M. oleifera Lam and emphasize the need for proper processing and dosage to maximize its nutritional benefits while minimizing its potential health risks

The study accessed and documented plants used by Igbanke people. The study area was delimited into 6 sites which were selected using the geographical assortment of the villages found in the community. The 6 sites where within the following villages Omolua, Ottah, Idumuodin, Ake, Olije, and Igbontor. Within the six site three areas where randomly selected for sampling. A reconnaissance visit was first made to the sample area and questionnaire were administered to key informants. Data collected via questionnaire were retrieved from the informants and analyzed quantitatively and documented. Descriptive statistics was used
to present the results using Microsoft Excel 2019. A total of 70 (Seventy) plant species from 33 families were observed in the sampled area. This number comprises 49 (72%) cultivated
and 21 (31%) semi-wild. Among these plants, life form observed include herbaceous life from 26 (38%), 13 (18.0%) shrub, 24 (35.0%) trees and 6 (9.0%) climbers. Omolua and Ottah had the highest diversity of plant species. Solanaceae was the most dominant, comprising seven species, reflecting its significance in both symbolic and practical contexts, including use as food, medicine, and in spiritual offerings. This was followed by Euphorbiaceae, Rutaceae and Malvaceae with six species; Dioscoreaceae had four; Poaceae had three species and others had two and one species. About 80% of the plants had food use while 20% had non food use is the study area. The group of fruits and nuts included 25% of the species which was the highest use. This This was closely followed by Medicinal and Vegetable use accounting for 14% each. 9% of the species were used for traditional worship and other cultural / deity. while 6% of the species were used as Roots and tubers. It is recommended that further studies be carried out in different locations in other to enhance conservation efforts globally.

Salt stress is an abiotic factor which poses significant threat to plant growth and productivity. A variety of plants are sensitive to salinity, one of which, is Corchorus olitorius. This study investigated the effect of salt stress on the germination, seedling growth, and physiological responses of Corchorus olitorius seeds collected from Benin (Landrace B) and National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) designated as Landraces C. This experiment was conducted to determine how different concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) influenced germination percentage and the various growth parameters namely shoot height, number of leaves, leaf area, stem girth, number of branches, internode length, and leaf loss. The seeds were subjected to five treatments including control (5 ppm NaCl solution) and other varying salt concentrations (200 ppm, 2000 ppm, 5000 ppm, and 10000 ppm). Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to determine the level significance of the treatments. The results revealed significant differences in the parameters investigated. Increasing salinity levels significantly reduced germination rate, shoot elongation, and overall seedling establishment. The treatments with concentrations below 2000ppm recorded the highest mean values for germination percentage and growth parameters, while the treatments with the highest concentration of salt exhibited severe inhibitory effects leading to reduced germination rate, stunted growth, and poor seedling development. These findings demonstrated that C. olitorius is sensitive to high salinity levels, and salt stress adversely affects its early growth stages. It also reveals that C. olitorius seeds from Benin city were more sensitive to salt stress compared to C. olitorius seeds from NIHORT as higher germination percentage and growth were observed in landrace C.

Musanga cecropioides R. Br. ex Tedlie (Family Urticaceae) is a tree distributed across some parts of Africa including Nigeria. Ethno-medicinal surveys shows that its leaves, root and root sap are used in the management of several health conditions, but there is a dearth of information on the biological activities of these parts of the plant to substantiate the ethno-medicinal claims. This study was aimed at evaluating the phyto-constituents and phytomedicinal properties of Musanga cecropioides leaf extracts, root extracts and root sap. The elucidation of phyto-constituents was done by carrying out qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening, proximate analysis, and screenings for vitamins, carotene, amino acids and mineral elements using standard protocols. Acute and sub- acute toxicity assessments of the samples were carried out in experimental an mals using established protocols. Musanga cecropioides leaf extracts, root extracts and root sap were screened for antioxidant activities using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrozyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging models, while the DNA protective effect was investigated on DNA damage caused by Fenton’s reagent. The antitussive activity was analyzed using the citric acid-induced cough model and mucus expectoration experiment, while anti- asthmatic properties were elucidated using the ovalbumin-induced asthma model. Antidiarrheal and anti-diabetic properties were elucidated using the castor oil-induced diarrhoea and Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes models respectively. The screening of Musanga cecropioides leaf extracts, root extracts and root sap for the phyto-constituents revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, moisture, fat, proteins, vitamins, carotene, essential and non-essential amino acids and micro and macro mineral elements in considerable quantities. The median lethal dose (LD50) for the aqueous and methanol leaf extracts, methanol root extract and crude root sap were indeterminable as no adverse effect was observed at the highest dose of 10000 mg/kg body weight, while the aqueous root extract caused absolute mortality at 5000, 7500 and 10000 mg/kg body weight leaving the LD50 at 2236 mg/kg body weight. The sub-acute toxicity study revealed that the extracts did not significantly alter the body weight and haematology parameters at 500, 1000, 2500 mg/kg. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrozyl and 2,2’-azinobis-3- ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid scavenging assays revealed the presence of antioxidants in all samples with the leaf extracts showing the best activity. The leaf and root extracts protected pCAMBIA 1301 DNA from damage by Fenton’s reagent. Musanga cecropioides leaf extracts, root extracts and root sap showed significant anti-diarrhoeal activities, significantly increased mucus expectoration and suppressed cough bouts in guinea pigs at all doses in the antitussive study. In the anti-asthmatic study, the leaf extracts significantly increased the latency to pre-convulsive dyspnoea. The anti-diabetic study revealed significant reduction in glucose level by the aqueous leaf extract (50 mg/kg), methanol leaf extract (200 mg/kg), aqueous root extract (200mg/kg) and the root sap (2 ml/kg). Musanga cecropioides leaf, root and root sap possess antitussive, anti-asthmatic, anti-diarrheal and anti-diabetic activities. In conclusion, the therapeutic properties elicited by these plants extracts on selected diseases validated its ethnomedicinal reports.

Ferruginous soils pose challenges for plant growth as their high iron content can lead to iron toxicity and reduced crop yields. Copper nanoparticles show promise in alleviating iron toxicity in plants. This project assessed maize plants treated with varying copper nanoparticle concentrations in ferruginous soils with elevated iron. The goal was to evaluate maize tolerance to different iron stress levels and resultant yield. The results revealed enhanced maize growth with copper nanoparticles, especially at 35% and 100% concentrations, in both initial and subsequent growth stages. This indicates a dose-dependent relationship between nanoparticle concentration and maize growth, with higher concentrations conferring increased maize survivability against iron toxicity. Temporal dynamics emerged in the maize response to nanoparticles, underscoring the need to consider exposure duration in applications. During week 2, plants treated with a 35% Cu nanoparticle concentration in soils contaminated at 4 ESV displayed smaller leaf areas than those in 2.5 ESV soils. This suggests higher contamination may hinder the nanoparticles' positive leaf area effects. Overall, the intricate effects of copper nanoparticles on maize morphological characteristics depended on concentration, soil contamination, and specific parameters. Plant height, leaf length/width/area, and sheath length were influenced by treatment, while blocks significantly impacted plant height, leaf length, and sheath length. Copper nanoparticles show the potential to enhance maize survivability in ferruginous soils, offering a promising sustainable agriculture avenue in iron-rich environments.

immunocompromised patients. Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans is found mainly in temperate climates and is often isolated from pigeon droppings. It is the causative agent of Cryptococcosis and is believed to arise after inhalation of yeast cells or basidiospores from environmental sources. For the purpose of this research, two strains of Cryptococcus neoformans; one clinical FBC and one environmental NBM5 were selected and confirmed using urease medium, based on their melanin production on Niger seed agar and ability to grow at 37oC. An antifungal susceptibility test was carried out on the clinical and the environmental isolates using Fluconazole as the antibiotic agent. Fluconazole is an antifungal therapeutic agent used in the treatment of Cryptococcosis. Responses of both isolates to Fluconazole showed similar results. Both isolates were also subjected to environmental stressors using sodium nitrate (NaNO2) to induce nitrosative stress and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce oxidative stress. The response of both isolates to this environmental stressors were similar. The selected isolates; clinical isolates FBC and environmental isolates NBM5 were determined to be of the same mating types based on their responses to antifungal susceptibility test and environmental tressors. DNA was isolated from both strains for detailed genetic analysis in the near future. This study provides new insights into how the mating type can greatly influence responses of Cryptococcus neoformans to genetic and environmental factors. Thus, serve as a possible instrument for further study of the genetics of C. neoformans.

Coconut oil has a unique role in human nutrition, it clinical studies reveal an effect on human health. Herbal plants are traditionally used in folklore medicine for various diseases. This work aimed at investigating the immunoprotective effects of cold-pressed coconut oil in immunosupressed Wistar rat. A standard procedure was used to carry out immunomodulatory properties of the extract with modifications. The immunomodulatory properties of coconut oil were investigated by testing the immune responses to the antigen challenges with sheep red blood cells (SRBCs). The animals were placed into six groups of five rats per group. Coconut oil was given orally at the dosage level of 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0ml/kg for 21 days; also 0.3ml i.p of SRBCs. Evaluation was carried out by testing the hematological parameters. The result obtained showed a significant increase in 0.25ml dose after twenty-one (21) days. White blood cell (11.70 ± 1.25) had same value with control and HGB (15.57± 0.67), increase significantly when compare with control. The CD4 and CD8 had better result with coconut oil when compared with the control. The Anti-Oxidant activities had a positive response in 0.25ml. Histological result reveals a healthy heart, lungs, spleen, liver and kidney in lower dose of oil extract. In conclusion, Coconut oil can be said to contain immunomodulatory effect in accordance with folklore report

This research aimed to investigate the cytomorphological aspects of Picralima nitida (Stapf) T. Durand & H, Durand and Hunteria umbellata (K.Schumann) H. Hallier, both belonging to the Apocynaceae family, within Edo State. The objectives included studying cytological details, potential evolutionary rates, and distinguishing differences between the two species. Matured plant samples were collected from the University of Benin's botanic garden and various locations in Benin City. Morphological characteristics, leaf length and width, and plant height were examined. Cytological techniques involved observing meiosis in flower buds and obtaining epidermal peels for microscopic analysis. The study revealed various stomatal types and their distribution, contributing to taxonomic insights. Chromosome numbers were assessed, with 2n=22 confirmed for Picralima nitida. The chromosome count for
Hunteria umbellata couldn't be confirmed due to pollen production interference. The constancy of chromosome numbers was emphasized as a crucial species trait. Epidermal characteristics, including cuticle, shape of subsidiary cells, and stomatal wall patterns, were explored for taxonomic and systematic significance. Stomatal abnormalities, such as contiguous stomata in Hunteria umbellata, were observed, suggesting ongoing evolutionary processes.