DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY

Medicinal plants have been an integral part of human healthcare since ancient times, serving as the foundation of traditional medicine systems across the world. The increasing global prevalence of dyslipidaemia and its associated cardiovascular risks has intensified the search for safer, plant-based therapeutic alternatives. This study evaluated the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum on serum lipid profile parameters in Wistar rats after 28 days of daily oral administration. Fresh leaves of S. jollyanum were collected; authenticated, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted using distilled water. Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of five animals each: a control group and three treatment groups administered 500, 1000, and 2500 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous extract. At the end of the experimental period, serum samples were analyzed for total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) using standard biochemical methods. Results revealed a dose-dependent reduction in serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in all treated groups compared to the control. Cholesterol decreased from 248.26 ± 62.65 mg/dL in the control to 74.67 ± 4.91 mg/dL at 2500 mg/kg, while triglycerides dropped from 169.91 ± 39.80 mg/dL to 85.35 ± 7.62 mg/dL. LDL concentrations also declined markedly, from 171.57 ± 57.45 mg/dL in the control to −7.82 ± 13.31 mg/dL at 2500 mg/kg, indicating enhanced lipid clearance and inhibition of hepatic cholesterol synthesis. Conversely, HDL levels increased significantly at the highest dose (70.94 ± 7.82 mg/dL), suggesting improved reverse cholesterol transport. These biochemical changes reflect a strong lipid-lowering and cardioprotective effect of the extract. The hypolipidaemic activity of S. jollyanum is attributed to its phytochemical constituents particularly flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids, which may act synergistically to inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, enhance bile acid excretion, and strengthen antioxidant defenses. The findings align with previous reports validating the plant’s traditional use for detoxification and metabolic regulation. In conclusion, the aqueous leaf extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum demonstrates potent lipid-regulating and cardioprotective potential without apparent toxicity, supporting its ethnomedicinal use as a safe, natural remedy for managing dyslipidaemia and related cardiovascular disorder.

Security is needed more and becoming more important in today's world. Sometimes, physical security and access control is not always the best solution, especially in instances with large crowd or systems that requires round-the-clock security. For this reason, an Arduino-based access control system using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Technology) was created to provide security and access control to buildings and physical spaces, and this eliminated the need for physical security at all times. The device makes use of RFID technology and Arduino to complete its work. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a communication technology commonly known as electronic tags. Radio transmissions can identify targets and transfer data without direct communication. Advancements in radio frequency recognition technology have led to its widespread usage in identity documents, defense, and industrial control. When the RFID scanner recognizes a tag, it checks its UID to the stored database to ensure accuracy. Access is granted if the captured user's UID matches a previously saved UID; otherwise, access is denied.

Heavy metal contamination poses significant ecological and health risks in aquatic ecosystems due to its persistence and bioaccumulation potential. This study assesses heavy metal contamination in Brycinus macrolepidotus from the Ovia River, Nigeria, using non-invasive techniques. Iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) levels were examined in muscle tissues, caudal fins, and scales. The research begins with an in-depth background study emphasizing the
environmental and health implications of heavy metal contamination. Non-invasive techniques are prioritized to accurately assess contamination levels while minimizing harm to fish populations. Ovia River, chosen for its freshwater ecosystem supporting diverse aquatic life and human activities, serves as the study area, with sampling locations representing both upstream and downstream conditions affected by various human activities. Sample collection involved careful handling of Brycinus macrolepidotus specimens to preserve their physiological state. Noninvasive methods collected muscle tissue, caudal fin clips, and scales for heavy metal analysis, ensuring minimal harm to the fish. Results reveal varying heavy metal concentrations, predominantly iron and zinc, in different fish tissues. Non-invasive techniques effectively assessed contamination levels, providing insights crucial for environmental monitoring and conservation efforts.

The fungus Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal mushroom that belongs to the family Ganodermataceae and mainly grows in the tropics. The effect of carbon and nitrogen sources on the mycelial growth of the fungus Ganoderma lucidum was investigated, and the best carbon and nitrogen sources were determined. Using standard potato dextrose agar (PDA) media as the growth medium, the mycelial growth of Ganoderma lucidum was observed. Subsequently, the sugar from PDA was then replaced with the selected nitrogen and carbon sources and used alternatively for each source inoculated with the fungus Ganoderma lucidum. The daily mycelial growth of each source was recorded. After 5 days of inoculation, the mycelial cells fully colonised the petri dishes. 10 days after inoculation, the fungus mycelial was harvested, dried, and the biomass recorded. Six selected carbon ources, which include glucose, lactose, starch, maltose, cellulose, and sucrose, were employed as nutrient supplements for the fungus Ganoderma lucidum's growth. All the sources promoted its growth, but maltose (66.88±1.44mm) and lactose 88±4.71mm) were most suitable for Ganoderma lucidum growth. Sucrose (55.0±1.87mm), and cellulose (37.88±1.44mm), was east suitable for Ganoderma lucidum's growth due to their growth rates. The most suitable carbon source for the biomass production of Ganoderma lucidum was sucrose (0.29±0.03g) and lactose (0.26±0.04g), while the least suitable was cellulose 5±0.02g) and glucose (0.15 ±0.06g). Six selected nitrogen sources were also employed as supplements in this study. They include ammonium sulphate, ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, yeast, and urea. All nitrogen sources promoted the fungus' growth with the exception of urea, which showed no growth. Among the selected nitrogen sources used, yeast (69.25 ± 2.33mm) and ammonium sulphate (61.25±3.01mm) were most suitable for Ganoderma lucidum growth. The least suitable were ammonium nitrate (36.35± 0.96mm), sodium nitrate (47.13±0.48mm), and urea, which promoted no growth. The most suitable nitrogen sources for the biomass production of Ganoderma lucidum were yeast (0.52± 0.03g) and sodium nitrate (0.83±0.16g)
and the least suitable was ammonium sulphate (0.19 ±0.09g) and ammonium nitrate (0.16±0.02g). The morphological characteristics and density pattern of the mycelial of Ganoderma lucidum were also observed in the course of the study. Nutritional factors have been noted to be responsible for the growth and development of fungi. From this study, it is concluded that the most suitable carbon source for the growth of Ganoderma lucidum is maltose and lactose, while the most suitable carbon source for the biomass production of Ganoderma lucidum is sucrose and lactose.

The device described in this study can be used in hospitals to verify prescriptions, maintain patient data, and protect patient privacy. In this study, patient databases are tracked using RFID tags and a web server. This method can prevent prescription drug abuse in addition to capturing precise and current information on patients' prescriptions. Real-time patient data can assist clinicians in reducing medication errors and provide the best care possible. In this paper, a medical mechanism that uses the modified grouping proof process is suggested in order to improve medication safety for inpatients. The medical staff could verify the authenticity and integrity of a group of Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags that are embedded on inpatient bracelets and drug containers by using the grouping proof protocol. RFID authentication is the ideal option for automated patient medication systems since it requires mutual authentication between the medication server and the tag.

Over population has become a problem worldwide thus the need for drugs with fewer sideeffects compared to known orthodox drugs. At present there are reports from pregnant women who used the bi-herbal formulation during early pregnancy and noticed that it caused abortion, thus the need to scientifically investigate the safety of the bi- herbal formulation of Carica papaya leaf and Vernonia amygdalina on pregnant and non- pregnant albino Wistar rats. The n hexane extract of bi- herbal formulation of Carica papaya leaf and Vernonia amygdalina was administered to the female animals orally at the doses of 30, 60 and 120 mg/kg per day for 14days before mating and after confirmation of pregnancy respectively. Twenty four hours after the last administered dose, all the animals were sacrificed, uteri and blood were collected for examination and hormonal assay respectively. The results revealed that the reproductive hormonal assays (progesterone, estrogen, follicle stimulating hormones and luteinizing hormones) of tested animals significantly decreased within the tested period compared to the control. The pregnancy outcome results revealed there were signs of resorption and abortion in the uterus of the supposed pregnant rats compared with the control which had fetus in their uteri. This result revealed that the extract can be used as a contraceptive and an abortificent agent.

Polyherbal teas, also known as herb-herb combinations, have been used in Chinese medicine practice, but scientific evidence of their therapeutic benefit is lacking. This study aims to examine the nutritional composition, characterization of some phytochemical constituents, and hepatoprotective activity of a poly-herbal tea formulation comprised of Moringa olifera, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and lemon in CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. Proximate and mineral compositions were analyzed by the method described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The characterization of some phytochemical constituents was analyzed using HPLC. CCL4 induced hepatotoxicity was used for hepatoprotective activity. The proximate composition of poly-herbal formulated tea indicated carbohydrate (64.66 %), protein (19.25 %), fat (6.35 %), moisture content (6.12 %), ash content (0.24 %) and fibre (3.36%). Mineral compositions present include potassium (1356.0 mg/kg), calcium (821.3 mg/kg), magnesium (380.8 mg/kg), phosphorus (331.4 mg/kg), and iron (221.4 mg/kg).nt). Luteolin, Arbutin, Kaempferol, Apigenin and Quercetin were the most abundant phenolic compound, Quinine was the most abundant alkaloid, Diosgenin and Ergocalciferol were the most abundant steroid, Epigattotechin and Catechin were the most abundant tannins in polyherbal formulated tea. The body weight of animals given 10 mg/kg of the formulated tea extract, 5 mg/kg of the tea extract + CCL4, 10 mg/kg of tea extract + CCL4 and CCL4 without treatment significantly reduced compare to control (*p<0.05) in CCL4-induced nephrotoxicity. There was liver weight reduction in the animals that were given distilled water, 5 mg/kg of the formulated extract, 10mg/kg of the formulated extract, 5 mg/kg of the extract + CCL4, 10 mg/kg of extract + CCL4 when compared with CCL4 without treatment (***p<0.001; *p<0.05). ALP, AST and ALT levels in the animals were reduced by 5 mg/kg of the formulated tea extract, 10 mg/kg of the formulated extract, 5 mg/kg of the extract + CCL4, 10 mg/kg of extract + CCL4 when compared with CCL4 without treatment (**p<0.01; *p<0.05). Superoxide dismutase and catalase values were increased, and the molondialdehyde level was reduced by the formulated xv tea extract when compared with CCL4 without treatment (****p<0.0001; ***p<0.001; **p<0.01; *p<0.05). Conclusively polyherbal tea formulation (Moringa olifera, garlic, ginger, turmeric and lemon) possesses hepatoprotective activity

Medicinal plants have long been essential in traditional and alternative medicine due to their accessibility, affordability, and minimal side effects. Combining two or more herbs can provide diverse health benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a polyherbal formulated tea comprising Anthocleista djalonensis, Zingiber officinale, Allium sativum, Ageratum conyzoides, and Thespesia garckeana on haematological indices in Wistar rats with hyperlipidaemia induced by an atherogenic diet. Twenty-five rats were divided into five groups of five: group 1 served as the normal control, group 2 as the cholesterol control, groups 3 and 4 received polyherbal tea at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg, respectively, and group 5 was treated with atorvastatin (5 mg/kg). Hyperlipidaemia was induced in groups 2 to 5 by administering 10 mg/kg of 1% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid. Treatments and the cholesterol diet were administered orally for 28 days. Blood samples were collected and analysed using a haematology auto analyser. The polyherbal tea at both 20 and 40 mg/kg doses significantly reduced platelet counts compared to the cholesterol control group (p < 0.01), while other haematological parameters remained unaffected (p > 0.05). These results suggest that the polyherbal tea may have antiplatelet and cardioprotective effects.

Clays have been utilized for centuries across various cultures for their therapeutic and medicinal properties, ranging from wound healing to antibacterial applications, owing to their adsorptive and chemical properties that inhibit pathogens and support tissue regeneration. This study was aimed at investigating the physicochemical and antibacterial properties of Okpepe clay, Uzala black clay and the combined effect of both clays on clinical isolates against some clinical isolates. Clay samples were processed into suspensions, physicochemical analysis was carried out to determine the pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), heavy metal content and organic carbon. Uzala black clay had a higher pH (7.85), CEC (25.90 cmol/kg), and organic matter (2.80 %), while OKC was more acidic (pH 6.12) with higher EC and TDS. Antibacterial activity was tested against some clinical isolates such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus spp. using agar well diffusion at concentrations of 100 %, 75 %, 50 % and 25 %. Uzala black clay demonstrated superior antibacterial activity with larger zones of inhibition and lower MIC values (6.25 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus) compared to Okpekpe clay. Uzala black clay was bactericidal (MBC/MIC ≤ 2) against all isolates, while Okpekpe clay was often bacteriostatic. The clay combination (1:1) showed a remarkable synergistic effect, particularly at 75 % concentration, producing the largest zones of inhibition (42 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Uzala Black Clay is a potent, broad-spectrum bactericidal agent. The combination with Okpekpe Clay results in a significant synergistic enhancement of antibacterial efficacy. Its efficacy against clinical isolates, including those resistant to common antibiotics, highlights its potential as a source for developing new antimicrobial strategies against drug-resistant bacteria and its novel antimicrobial strategies

This study investigated the antidiabetic potential of a bi-herbal aqueous leaf extract in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male Wistar rats. Thirty-two rats were divided into six groups: normal control, diabetic untreated control, a group treated with glibenclamide (10mg/kg), and three groups treated with the bi-herbal extract at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg. Treatments were administered orally for 14 days. Blood glucose levels and lipid profiles were monitored. The results showed that the bi-herbal extract significantly (p < 0.05) reduced blood glucose levels in a manner comparable to glibenclamide. Furthermore, the extract significantly ameliorated diabetes-induced dyslipidemia, as evidenced by reduced levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) in the treated groups compared to the untreated diabetic control. The study concludes that the bi-herbal extract possesses significant antihyperglycemic and lipid-lowering properties, validating its traditional use in diabetes management.