DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOG

This study investigated the chemical composition of Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaf) essential oils collected from Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, and Ovia-North East Local Government Areas of Edo State, Nigeria. The aim was to comparatively evaluate the bioactive constituents and determine variations in phytochemical profiles that influence the plant’s medicinal and industrial applications. Essential oils were extracted using Soxhlet extraction with n-hexane and analyzed by Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC – MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The GC–MS results revealed a complex mixture of aromatic hydrocarbons, monoterpenoids, phenolics, long-chain alkanes, fatty acids, esters, and sterols. Major bioactive compounds identified included thymol, caryophyllene oxide, o-cymene, neophytadiene, phytol, and squalene, with thymol emerging as the dominant bioactive constituent. Among the samples, Oredo extract showed higher concentrations of oxygenated terpenes and hydrocarbons, indicating stronger antimicrobial and antioxidant potential, while Ikpoba-Okha and Ovia-North samples exhibited broader chemical diversity. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups such as hydroxyl (–OH), carbonyl (C = O), and carbon – carbon double bonds(C = C), characteristic of phenolics, terpenoids, and aromatic compounds. These findings validate the therapeutic and aromatic relevance of O. gratissimum, highlighting its potential applications in medicine, cosmetics, and food industries. The study concludes that environmental and geographical factors significantly influence the chemical variability and quality of O. gratissimum essential

The improper disposal of waste engine oil poses significant environmental challenges causing serious pollution to the eco system and contaminating both land and groundwater. In this study the recycling/treatment of waste engine oil using different chemical method was investigated. The waste engine oil was first treated with glacial acetic acid and thereafter treated with kaolin. The treated oil was then neutralized with alcoholic potassium hydroxide and then filtered. The procedure was repeated using sulphuric acid and kaolin and glacial acetic acid with bentonite. The filtrate was characterized determining specific gravity, viscosity and flash point. The results showed that the flash point was within a range of 147°C - 177°C. viscosity with a range of 96.5 – 104.6mm2s -1 . However, all properties tested were close in value to the commercial lubricating oil

Groundwater serves as a vital source of drinking water for millions worldwide, particularly in regions with limited access to treated surface water. However, its quality is increasingly compromised by contamination from heavy metals (HMs), which originate from both geogenic and anthropogenic sources. These metals pose significant non-carcinogenic health risks due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity even at trace concentrations. This study evaluates the non-carcinogenic health risks associated with the ingestion of groundwater contaminated by heavy metals in the selected study area. Concentrations of key heavy metals including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) were determined using standard analytical techniques. Spatial distribution patterns were analyzed to identify contamination hotspots. Health risk assessments were conducted for both children and adults using established models that calculate hazard quotients (HQ) and hazard indices (HI). The findings reveal varying degrees of exposure risk across age groups and sampling locations, underscoring the urgent need for targeted public health interventions and sustainable groundwater management strategies. This research contributes valuable data to environmental health science and supports policy development aimed at mitigating heavy metal exposure through ingestion pathways.

Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, and lack of motivation. Antidepressant drugs are not rare to find and they are not addictive however, some people may experience discontinuation (withdrawal-like) symptoms if they stop taking antidepressants suddenly especially SSRIs and SNRIs emphasizing the need for safer alternatives. Icacina trichantha Oliv. It is a medicinal plant that belongs to the family Icacinaceae, used traditionally in the treatment of depression. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting such claims. This study evaluates the
antidepressant potential of I. trichantha in mice. Fresh leaves were collected, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted using a 1:1 water and methanol solvent to obtain H-MLE of I. trichantha after concentrating to dryness. Phytochemical screening was carried out using Sofowara 1993 and Harborne 1973. For antidepressant activity, 25 mice were randomly allotted into 5 groups of n = 5. Group I received 10 ml/kg deionized water, groups II – IV received graded doses of the plant extract 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, and group 5 received 25 mg/kg imipramine for both FST and TST. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, phenolics, saponins, and carbohydrates. Results obtained revealed that H-MLE had a significant increase at 400 mg/kg when compared to control (P < 0.05) for both TST and FST. This study supports its use in the treatment of
depression in traditional medicine which could be due to the presence of secondary metabolites.

The research evaluates the potential health hazards arising from the inhalation of dust contaminated with heavy metals emitted during sand mining operations in Jattu, Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria. Ten surface soil samples were systematically collected
from active mining sites and analyzed for Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Mn, Ni, Cr and Co using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry following aqua regia digestion. The results revealed that Fe (52.619mg/kg), Zn (25.586mg/kg), and Cu (21.978mg/kg) were the most abundant metals, while Cd (0.731mg/kg) and Co (2.39mg/kg) occurred in lower concentrations, with all measured values below (WHO, 2010) and (USEPA, 2001) permissible limits, indicating moderate contamination. Risk assessment followed (USEPA, 2011) guidelines to determine the Average Daily Dose (ADD) and Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) for both children and adults through the inhalation pathway. Findings showed that children experienced higher exposure levels and greater carcinogenic risk than adults due to physiological factors and activity patterns, with chromium contributing the most significant cancer risk. Although the overall ILCR values were within acceptable limits (<1 × 10⁻⁴), the cumulative risks suggest potential long-term health implications, especially for vulnerable populations near mining sites. The study concludes that while non-carcinogenic risks remain low, continuous exposure could elevate cancer risk over time. It recommends the
implementation of dust control measures, periodic monitoring of soil and air quality, stricter regulation of mining operations and further research on heavy metal speciation
and multi-pathway risk assessments to safeguard public health and promote
sustainable sand mining practices.

Arthritis basically means inflammation of the joints (Pirotta, 2010; Athanasiou et al., 2013). Even so, joint inflammatory disease is more like a clinical signs than a precise diagnosis. All conditions that have an impact on the joints are commonly referred to as having arthritis (Pirotta, 2010). These illnesses are included in the larger category of rheumatic diseases (Athanasiou et al., 2013). Arthritic pain is likely the most well-known type of pain in both primary and secondary care (Athanasiou et al., 2013; Pirotta, 2010). Arthritis is a condition in which a joint becomes inflamed. When joints become inflamed, they can cause stiffness, warmth, swelling, redness, and discomfort (Athanasiou et al., 2013). Gout, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, and spondylitis are only a few of the many kinds of arthritis.

Heavy metal contamination in soils has become a critical environmental and public health
concern, particularly in regions affected by anthropogenic activities such as mining, industrialization, and poor waste management. This study evaluates the potential non- carcinogenic health risks associated with the inhalation of heavy metals in contaminated soils within Imeke , Etsako-West Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. Soil samples were
systematically collected from varying depths across the study area and analyzed for selected
heavy metals, including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe), using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Standard geochemical indices such as the Enrichment Factor (EF), Geo-accumulation Index
(Igeo), and Pollution Load Index (PLI) were employed to assess the extent of metal contamination. Health risk assessment was conducted following the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA,1989;2004) guidelines, focusing on non-carcinogenic exposure pathways through inhalation. Parameters such as the Average Daily Dose (ADD), Hazard
Quotient (HQ), and Hazard Index (HI) were computed for both adults and children populations to quantify potential health impacts. The results revealed varying degrees of heavy metal
enrichment, with some metals exceeding permissible limits, indicating moderate to considerable
contamination. The calculated hazard indices for certain metals exceeded the acceptable
threshold (HI > 1), suggesting potential adverse health effects, particularly among vulnerable
populations. The study underscores the significance of continuous monitoring, effective land-use planning, and implementation of remediation measures to mitigate the health implications of soil-borne heavy metals in the study area

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and associated complications such as dyslipidemia and organ dysfunction. The limitations of synthetic anti-diabetic agents and their side effects have heightened interest in medicinal plants. This study investigated the hypoglycemic and anti-diabetic potentials of the leaves of Irvingia
gabonensis (Bush mango) and Ocimum gratissimum in normoglycemic and Streptozotocininduced diabetic Wistar rats. Ethanol extract of the combined leaves of Irvingia gabonensis and Ocimum gratissimum was obtained through cold maceration and subjected to acute toxicity and efficacy studies. No signs of toxicity were observed at doses up to 5000 mg/kg, suggesting a
wide safety margin. The extracts significantly reduced blood glucose levels, improved lipid profiles by lowering triglycerides, LDL, and total cholesterol while increasing HDL, and restored liver function markers (AST, ALT, ALP, and total protein) towards normal values. These effects were comparable to glibenclamide, a standard Antidiabetic drug. These findings provide scientific evidence supporting the ethno medicinal use of Irvingia gabonensis and Ocimum gratissimum in diabetes management. This study concludes that these plants exhibit potent anti- diabetic properties, and may serve as safe, natural alternatives or complementary therapies for diabetes and related complicationDiabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and associated complications such as dyslipidemia and organ dysfunction. The limitations of synthetic anti-diabetic agents and their side effects have heightened interest in medicinal plants. This study investigated the hypoglycemic and anti-diabetic potentials of the leaves of Irvingia gabonensis (Bush mango) and Ocimum gratissimum in normoglycemic and treptozotocininduced diabetic Wistar rats. Ethanol extract of the combined leaves of Irvingia gabonensis and Ocimum gratissimum was obtained through cold maceration and subjected to acute toxicity and efficacy studies. No signs of toxicity were observed at doses up to 5000 mg/kg, suggesting a wide safety margin. The extracts significantly reduced blood glucose levels, improved lipid profiles by lowering triglycerides, LDL, and total cholesterol while increasing HDL, and restored liver function markers (AST, ALT, ALP, and total protein) towards normal values. These effects were comparable to glibenclamide, a standard Antidiabetic drug. These findings provide scientific evidence supporting the ethno medicinal use of Irvingia gabonensis and Ocimum gratissimum in diabetes management. This study concludes that these plants exhibit potent anti- diabetic properties, and may serve as safe, natural alternatives or complementary therapies for diabetes and related complication

Inflammation is a protective biological response, but when uncontrolled it contributes to chronic diseases. Conventional anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDs and corticosteroids, although effective, are often limited by adverse effects with long-term use. This study evaluated the synergistic anti-inflammatory activity of pineapple (Ananas comosus) and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) juice as a potential safer alternative. Fresh juices were prepared and administered to albino mice at doses of 10 and 20 ml/kg after acute toxicity testing. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using formalin-induced paw oedema, egg albumin-induced oedema, and carrageenan induced oedema models. The combination significantly reduced inflammation in a dose-dependent manner across all models, with effects in some cases comparable to ibuprofen and aspirin. No signs of severe toxicity or mortality were observed. The observed activity is attributed to the combined actions of bromelain, lycopene, and Lcitrulline, which modulate oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. These findings suggest that pineapple and watermelon juice may serve as a safe and affordable functional food-based intervention in managing inflammatory conditions

Epilepsy, a brain disorder associated with recurrent seizure. Although, epileptic drugs exist, about 30% of patient have drug-resistants or experience adverse effects, emphasizing the need for safer alternatives. Icacina trichantha Oliv.is a medicinal plant which belongs to the family Icacinaceae, used traditionally in the treatment of epilepsy. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting such claims. This study evaluates the anticonvulsant potential of I. trichantha.in mice. Fresh leaves were collected, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted using 1:1 water and methanol solvent to obtain H-MLE of I. trichantha after concentrating to dryness. Phytochemical screening was carried out using Sofowara 1993 and Harborne 1973. For anticonvulsant activity, 25 mice were randomly allotted into 5 groups of n = 5 for both MES and PTZ induced seizures. Group I received 10 ml/kg deionized water, groups II – IV received
graded doses of the plant extract 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg and group 5 received 100 mg/kg phenobarbitone for MES and 5 mg/kg diazepam for PTZ and was observed for the presence of seizures. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, phenolics, saponins, and carbohydrates. Results obtained revealed that H-MLE had a significant P < 0.001 at 400 mg/kg in onset of seizure and P < 0.0001 at 400 mg/kg in duration of seizure in the PTZ induced seizure. However, there was no significant result P > 0.05 in the MES. This study supports its use in the treatment of epilepsy in traditional medicine which could be due to presence of secondary metabolites.