DEPARTMENT OF PLANT BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

Herbs are useful in the management of diseases due to the reduced level of toxicity and antioxidant capacity as reported from folklore uses. Toxins harmful effect have been proven to be dose-dependent in relation to drug effects. Tetracarpidium conophorum belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae, with several therapeutic benefits (anti-diarrhea, constipation, antimicrobial, pain ). This study investigated the acute toxicity of T. conophorum seeds aqueous extract using standard procedure. Graded doses (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) of T. conophorum seeds aqueous extract, the standard drug (2 mg/kg diazepam orally) and the negative control were administered at a single dose to evaluate the antioxidant activities using standard protocol. The result of the acute toxicity revealed no abnormal physical signs and recorded no mortality across the doses. The aqueous extract of T. conophorum seed at 25 and 50 mg/kg showed a significant decrease in the level of Malondialdehyde compared to the untreated control (distilled water) (p<0.05). The results obtained from catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase assays showed a significant increase in their scavenging capacity against free radicals. In conclusion, no adverse effect was observed with no mortality. This study scientifically validate the in-vivo scavenging property and acute untowards effect of T. conophorum.

The study was conducted to investigate the possibility that growth-promoting rhizobacteria would enhance plant growth capacities of Amaranthus hybrisus and A. viridis in ferruginous ultisols, comparative to their humus counterparts; given the negative impact the former has on cultivation of the plant species. To achieve this, the setup was divided into two groups; the first comprised of 2 weeks old plants that were inoculated the test rhizobacteria – Pseudomonas putida, P. fluorescence and a combination of both in the ratio of 1:1, in both humus (HMS) and ferruginous red (FRS) soils. The second consisted of seeds of the test plants bioprimed with the bacteria in filtrates of HMS and FRS respectively. Growth responses were observed and measured. Plant species sown in the ferruginous red soils (FRS) did not survive beyond 45 days notwithstanding the kind of microbial inoculant. They also did not attain a plant height of 3cm and as such were not reasonable for harvest. For plants sown in humus soil (HMS), height ranged from 30.1 – 39.2 cm in A. hybridus (p=0.293) and 35.3 – 41.6 cm (p=0.072) in A. viridis, notwithstanding the rhizo-inoculant used. For A. hybridus, Leaf area was significantly higher in the inoculated plants sown in HMS. No significant changes in leaf area was reported for A. viridis irrespective of exposure to rhizoinoculation (11.5 – 17.5 cm2, p=223). No significant differences in number of leaves per plant, stem girth, and internode was reported in both species irrespective of treatment. Qualitative assessment of phytochemicals showed presence of saponins, phenolic, tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids in both species notwithstanding inoculation. The presence of glycosides in plants inoculated with P. pseudomonas was reported. Glycosides were absent in the control plants. Significant reduction in total phenols upon inoculation of plants with P. putida was also reported. Following the failure of FRS-exposed plants to subsist, in-vitro growth studies were conducted to compare seed growth response. Results showed that seeds sown in FRSfiltrates grew as better as those in HMS-filtrates. Germination percentage in the Pseudomonas- exposed seeds was better when seeds were primed for 24hthan ofr 3 h in both plant species

Moringa oleifera lam is a tree species belonging to the family moringaceae. It is widely appreciated for its ornamental and medicinal attribute. This study was carried out to determine the acute toxicity of M. oleifera in Swiss mice to determine the LD50 and observe any physiological and behavioral changes. Fresh roots of the M. oleifera were prepared by soaking dried
powdered roots of the plant species in absolute ethanol for 72 hours. After filtering and concentrating, various doses of the extract were prepared for administration. Twenty-eight adult male Swiss mice weighing between 30-35 g were used. In phase I, twelve mice were randomly assigned into four groups (I – IV) of three mice each. Groups I - III received single oral
doses of 10, 100, 1000 mg/kg respectively of M. oleifera ethanol root extract, and the control (Group IV) received distilled water. After 24 hours observation, Phase II experiment was conducted with three mice per group receiving single doses of 1600, 2900, 5000 and 10000 mg/kg of the extract respectively, control was given distilled water. They were observed for 14 days after administration. There was no mortality in both phases and no observable alterations in the mice treated with the M. oleifera ethanol root extract. Even at a high dosage of 10000 mg/kg, no observable alterations such as Writhing, Pilo-erection, Jerking, Lacrimation, Salivation, Hemorrhage and Nausea were observed. The lethal dosage (LD50) of the ethanol root extract was determined to be >10000 mg/kg, which implies a relatively high safety limit.

Fungi plays a significant role in the deterioration of pepper. Pepper is a widely used and valued spice and is susceptible to fungal contamination, factors such as temperature, and storage conditions can influence the fungal load of stored pepper. This study shows the fungal dynamics of pepper (Capsicum annum and Capsicum chinense) when stored in room temperature, 15⁰C and alternations between 15 ⁰C and room temperature. In this research, healthy pepper samples (cayenne pepper and scotch bonnet pepper) were purchased from the market and stored in room temperature which was properly ventilated, they were also stored in at 15 ⁰C, and also alternated in 15 ⁰C and room temperature. They were monitored for 14 days and the observations recorded. Results revealed that lower temperature (15 ⁰C) had a higher amount of unaffected peppers and room temperature also had a lesser impact of spoilage than alternating temperatures. It highlights the importance of maintaining consistent temperature condition for long-term food preservation, it emphasizes the significance of implementing effective storage strategies to minimize fungal contamination in pepper. Ultimately, this study aids in enhancing optimal temperatures for maintaining the quality of stored pepper.

This research was conducted with sole aim of investigating the effect of crude oil on the group, morphology and plant based compound of Eichornia crassipes. Samples of the macrophyte were obtained from Ologbo pond in Edo State and transported to the Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, where they were used for the experiment conducted in the screen house. The experimental treatments consisted of 0 (control), 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 % v/v. Using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and three replicates per treatments, the plants were exposed to the treatments for 8 days. E. crassipes samples grown in crude oil showed significant decrease (p<0.01) in all morphological parameters observed. When compared with the control. Wilting, chlorosis and necrosis were observed in some of the plants treated with 0.8 % v/v and 0.6 % v/v.
The plants showed remarkable increase in the accumulation of heavy metals with concentration being more in the roots than in the shoots. Observations obtained in this study revealed that crude oil impact macrophyte parameters at higher concentration levels. The study has shown that E. crassipes can be employed as a tool for biomonitoring of crude oil in fresh water habitats. The study further suggests the need for more intensive research to fully understand the impacts of crude oil pollution on aquatic plants.

Ruderals are plants that have capacity to strive and grow in disturbed and polluted environment such as roadsides. Eleusine indica is an example of a ruderal found along the roadside. It is very widely distributed and very invasive weed. It has shown to have ability to withstand pollution created by vehicles. Automobiles usage in cities has greatly increase with development and urbanization. These pollutions include air pollutants such as NOx, SO2, O3and particulate matters like Pb, Hg and other heavy metals. The experiments were carried out to investigate the impact of these aggravated pollution as a result increase in traffic in Benin city, Edo state, Nigeria. In carrying out the experiment samples were collected along the major roads in Benin city. Ten sites were selected and these were Aduwawa market road sides, Auchi bypass roadside, Agbor road market roadside, Asaba bypass roadside, S and T Barracks market roadside, Lagos bypass roadside, Santana market roadside, Sapele bypass road, Ekenwan bypass roadside, Okhokhugbo market roadside. The comparative analysis between the sizes, numbers and structure of the stomata and epidermal cells of Eleusine indica found in polluted environment (roadsides) and less or zero polluted environment (farmland) was carried out. It was observed that an increase in the number of stomatal in the adaxial layer of the leave at sample site as against the control whereas in the abaxial layer of the cell there was a decrease in the number of stomata as compared to the control. The size of the guard cells diameter of the epidermal cells and thickness of the stomata found at both the lower and upper layers of the polluted samples decreased in relation to the samples from the less polluted environment. The anatomical modification of the epidermal cells are the potentials used by the Eleusine indica for extraction of pollution from automobile, improving the capacity for phytoremediation.

A branching, annual plant with lance-shaped green leaves that grows to a height of 60 to 70 cm, Andrographis paniculata is an example of this (Mishra et al, 2007).( Kabeeruddin & Kitabul,1937) wrote in their journal that in Asian nations including India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Java, Malaysia, and Indonesia are among those where it thrives frugally. The name Kalmegh is the most popular one in India. One of the widely employed medicinal herbs in the country, and it may be found in the plains. Additionally, the plant is referred to as the “king of bitters”( Kabeeruddin & Kitabul,1937; Shahid, 2011). Since the entire plant, including the leaves, has a very bitter flavor. It has a long history of medicinal use In conventional Chinese, Indian, and Ayurvedic medicine, as well as Western medicine

A branching, annual plant with lance-shaped green leaves that grows to a height of 60 to 70 cm, Andrographis paniculata is an example of this (Mishra et al, 2007).( Kabeeruddin & Kitabul,1937) wrote in their journal that in Asian nations including India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Java, Malaysia, and Indonesia are among those where it thrives frugally. The name Kalmegh is the most popular one in India. One of the widely employed medicinal herbs in the country, and it may be found in the plains. Additionally, the plant is referred to as the “king of bitters”( Kabeeruddin & Kitabul,1937; Shahid, 2011). Since the entire plant, including the leaves, has a very bitter flavor. It has a long history of medicinal use In conventional Chinese, Indian, and Ayurvedic medicine, as well as Western medicine. (Pawar et al, 2016; Liu et al, 2016; Sivananthan & Elamaran, 2013). A.paniculata Is frequently prescribed in Ayurveda to treat gonorrhea, malaria, dermatitis, intestinal worm infestation, jaundice, sore throat, fever, liver diseases, and jaundice (Pawar et al, 2016; Thokchom et al, 2018) . While treating diarrhea, laryngitis, gastrointestinal infections, and inflammation, the plant is also used in Chinese medicine to eliminate body heat from the body, including that caused by fevers and toxins (Hu et al, 2017; Yang et al, 2020) . A. paniculata serves as an immune system according to modern pharmacology anticancer, antibacterial, stimulant, cures myocardial ischemia, pharyngotonsillitis several more (Dai et al, 2019; Hidalgo et al, 2013) including anti-HIV, anti-inflammatory, etc. Additionally, recent research has found a treatment for SARS-CoV-2 using A. paniculata is possible (Banerjee et al,2021).

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 typesand 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. Theconstancy 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