DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY

This study investigated the anticoagulant activity of a heparin-like compound extracted from crude palm oil and compared its biochemical effects with standard sodium heparin and EDTA using bovine blood samples stored for seven days. Fresh bovine blood (50 mL) was collected into pre￾dosed containers with each anticoagulant, centrifuged to obtain plasma, and analyzed on days 1, 3, and 7 respectively using standard spectrophotometric methods: Reitman-Frankel for transaminases, King-Armstrong for ALP, biuret for total protein, BCG for albumin, and Jendrassik￾Grof for bilirubin. The plant-derived isolate was obtained through alkaline saponification, ethanol precipitation, and chloroform bleaching, and its anticoagulant concentration was determined as 0.0006 mg/mL using Howell’s clotting time assay, showing potency comparable to heparin (0.002 mg/mL). Enzymatic analysis revealed that alkaline phosphatase (ALP) values ranged from 259.00 xiv ± 1.07 – 252.50 ± 0.50 IU/L for the isolate, 254.20 ± 0.67 – 249.40 ± 0.55 IU/L for heparin, and 234.00 ± 0.51 – 229.80 ± 0.45 IU/L for EDTA. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels ranged from 78.93 ± 0.04 – 76.00 ± 0.30 IU/L for the isolate, 95.92 ± 0.10 – 91.80 ± 0.55 IU/L for heparin, and 80.30 ± 0.24 – 75.60 ± 0.67 IU/L for EDTA. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ranged from 85.78 ± 0.20 – 92.20 ± 0.44 IU/L for the isolate, 70.40 ± 0.68 – 280.40 ± 0.34 IU/L for heparin, and 67.50 ± 0.51 – 250.30 ± 0.32 IU/L for EDTA. Total protein ranged from 5.90 ± 0.10 – 5.60 ± 0.10 g/dL for the isolate, 5.60 ± 0.10 – 5.40 ± 0.14 g/dL for heparin, and 5.10 ± 0.10 – 4.90 ± 0.12 g/dL for EDTA. Albumin levels were 5.89 ± 0.08 – 5.56 ± 0.11 g/dL for the isolate, 5.56 ± 0.11 – 5.40 ± 0.14 g/dL for heparin, and 5.40 ± 0.14 – 5.20 ± 0.10 g/dL for EDTA, while globulin ranged from 4.00 ± 0.10 – 3.80 ± 0.09 g/dL for the isolate, 3.80 ± 0.09 – 3.60 ± 0.12 g/dL for heparin, and 3.50 ± 0.08 – 3.20 ± 0.11 g/dL for EDTA. Conjugated bilirubin ranged from 1.392 ± 0.01 – 1.280 ± 0.02 mg/dL (isolate), 1.222 ± 0.02 – 1.100 ± 0.03 mg/dL (heparin), and 0.952 ± 0.01 – 0.900 ± 0.02 mg/dL (EDTA). The plant-derived heparin-like isolate showed effective anticoagulant activity, however, improvements in sample handling are required for better results

This study scientifically validated the traditional therapeutic use of Allium sativum by comparing the extraction yield, phytochemical composition, antimicrobial activity, and antioxidant potential of aqueous and ethanol extracts. Although the aqueousss extract
produced a higher yield (22.87%) than the ethanol extract (14%), biological activity was greater in the ethanol extract, highlighting the importance of solvent polarity in selectively extracting bioactive compounds. Both extracts showed concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity against selected bacterial and fungal isolates, with greater susceptibility observed in Gram-positive bacteria and Candida albicans; however, the ethanol extract demonstrated superior efficacy, supported by lower Minimun Inhibitory Concentrattion(MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration(MBC), and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration(MFC) values.
Antioxidant assays 2,2 – diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power(FRAP) revealed significant activity in both extracts, with the ethanol extract exhibiting higher ssradical scavenging ability and reducing power than the aqueous extract. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses confirmed the presence of key secondary metabolites, particularly phenolics and flavonoids, which were more abundant in the ethanol extract and strongly associated with enhanced antibacterial and antioxidant effects. Overall, despite its lower extraction yield, the ethanol extract of A. sativum showed greater biological
potency, providing strong scientific support for the medicinal use of garlic and its potential application in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical development.

Anthocleista grandiflora has a history of traditional herbal use and has been reported to possess a wide range of therapeutic properties. This current study aimed to explore the effect of chronic administration of a methanol seed extract of Anthocleista grandiflora on the biochemical indicators of renal function in male rats. For this study, twenty male rats were randomly divided into four groups, each consisting of five rats. The extract was administered orally at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg of body weight for a duration of 28 days. The kidney was harvested and processed histologically and blood samples were taken for biochemical assays. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA with Graph Pad Prism. The findings revealed that there were no significant differences in the sum of the means of all the parameters measured across the groups (P>0.05) when compared with control. Based on the absence of elevated urea and creatinine levels in the blood and the absence of any abnormalities in the histological examination of kidney tissues across all treatment groups, it can be inferred that Anthocleista grandiflora, administered at varying doses over a four-week period, does not appear to have any adverse effects on kidney function.

The study investigated the immunomodulatory effect of a biherbal formulation consisting of Bryophyllum pinnatum and Ocimum gratissimum in Wistar albino rats. The plants were collected, air-dried, powdered, and extracted with methanol. Twenty-five healthy rats were divided into five groups: control, two extract-treated groups (50 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg), a positive control (Vitamin C 50 mg/kg), and a negative control (Cyclophosphamide 30 mg/kg). Treatments were administered orally for seven days prior to immunization with sheep red blood cells (SRBC). Immunomodulatory activity was assessed using delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), hemagglutination antibody titer, total and differential leukocyte counts, CD4 T-cell count, and organ weight indices. Results showed that the biherbal formulation significantly (p < 0.05) increased body weight, thymus and spleen indices, total white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils compared to the control. Serum protein, hemoglobin, and albumin
globulin ratio were also elevated, while Cyclophosphamide markedly reduced these parameters. The extract enhanced CD4⁺ T-cell and B-cell populations, indicating stimulation of both humoral and cellular immune responses. Additionally, the formulation reduced paw edema in DTH assay, demonstrating anti-inflammatory potential. The methanolic extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum and Ocimum gratissimum possesses potent immunomodulatory properties, acting as both an immunostimulant and an anti-inflammatory agent. These findings provide scientific evidence supporting its traditional use and suggest that the formulation may serve as a natural, affordable alternative for immune enhancement and regulation

Traditional medicine encompasses manual therapies, exercises, and spiritual therapies in addition to medical therapies, theories, and practices that involve medications derived from plants, animals, and minerals. This investigation aims to assess the ability of Azanza garckeana in treating diarrhea in Swiss mice. Castor oil-induced diarrhea and gastrointestinal transit models in mice were used to assess the antidiarrheal effects of various dosages of the plant extract (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg). According to the study’s findings, the extract significantly (p < 0.05) reduced both the frequency of wet feces being defecated and the amount of feces produced overall when compared to the control group. In comparison to the untreated control, the extract triggered a substantial (p < 0.05) antimotility activity at higher doses. In conclusion, this study validated the ethnomedicinal report of Azanza garckeana as an efficacious anti-diarrhoea property, thereby required further study for compound elucidation and evaluation

Studies and advancements in neuroscience have been sparked by the prevalence of CNS diseases. Consequently, variety of therapies, medications and treatments with the goal of improving the lives of those affected have been created with an emphasis on herbal medicine. Major research has been done on different parts of Icacina trichantha such as the tubers, stems and leaf. It is traditionally used to treat hypertension, asthma, fever and neurological disorders. Pharmacological studies on the medicinal potential of the plant tuber, leaf and stem have been conducted, however there has been little research done on the leaves of the plant regarding CNS activity. Fresh leaves of Icacina trichantha were harvested, cleaned, dried and extracted over the course of 72 hours by cold maceration using (1:1) distilled water and methanol. Pentylenetetrazole induced seizure, Maximum electroshock induced Seizure, Rota-rod test and static- rod test was carried out in mice using graded doses 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg orally of the plant extract. Results from the experiment revealed that mice administered with 200 mg/kg of the plant extract was protected from pentylyenetetrazole induced seizure. While no protection in maximal electro-shock induced seizure was observed, had no effect on the animal models
used to evaluate skeletal muscle relaxation across all groups treated with the plant extract as compared to the control. This indicates that the plant possesses anti-convulsant activity but not effective on skeletal muscle relaxation.

Environmental pollution by cadmium poses significant cardiovascular health risks, particularly in developing nations experiencing rapid industrialization.
This study investigated the ameliorative effects of watermelon peel extract on cadmium-induced cardiac
histopathology in Wistar rats. Twenty-five Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: control (distilled water), cadmium only, cadmium plus Vitamin C, cadmium plus 250mg/kg watermelon peel extract, and cadmium plus 500mg/kg watermelon peel extract. Animals received oral administration thrice weekly over 60 days following a two-phase induction and treatment protocol. Cadmium exposure resulted in elevated cardiac cadmium accumulation (0.240 mg/g versus 0.117 mg/g in controls) and suppressed body weight gain. Watermelon peel extract provided dose-dependent cardioprotection, with the 500mg/kg dose achieving 58% reduction in cardiac cadmium levels (0.102 mg/g) and improved body weight gain (74.44%), approaching the efficacy of Vitamin C (63% reduction, 0.089 mg/g). The 250mg/kg dose demonstrated moderate protection with 39% cadmium reduction.
Histopathological examination revealed preserved myocardial architecture across all groups with intact cardiomyocyte arrangement and well-defined cross-striations, suggesting the exposure period represented an early phase where biochemical changes occurred without microscopic structural damage.
The findings demonstrate that watermelon peel extract provides significant dose-dependent protection against cadmium bioaccumulation in cardiac tissue, supporting its potential as a locally accessible natural intervention for populations at risk of environmental cadmium exposure.

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.

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 ishes. 10 days after inoculation, the fungus mycelial was harvested, dried, and the biomass recorded. Six selected carbon sources, which include glucose, lactose, starch, maltose, cellulose, and sucrose, were employed as nutrient supplements for the fungus anoderma lucidum's growth. All the sources promoted its growth, but maltose (66.88±1.44mm) and lactose (64.88±4.71mm) were most suitable for Ganoderma lucidum growth. Sucrose (55.0±1.87mm), and cellulose (37.88±1.44mm), was least suitable for anoderma lucidum's growth due to their growth rates. The most suitable carbon source for the biomass production of anoderma lucidum was sucrose (0.29±0.03g) and lactose (0.26±0.04g), while the least suitable was cellulose (0.15±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

This study evaluated the effect of N-hexane leaf extract of bi-herbal formulation of Carica papaya and Vernonia Amygdalina on the reproductive system of male reproductive system. A total of 25 Wistar rats were used in total for the conduction of the experiment. The animal was distributed into six groups comprising of five rats and fed with grower feed for a period of 28 days. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and subjected to laparotomy after which the testes, prostate, seminal vesicles and right epididymis were isolated, blood and sperm samples were also collected for hormonal assay, sperm analysis and histopathology analysis. The study revealed no mortality, loss of cognitive/ loss of agility or any physical morphology associated with toxicity in any of the treatment group. A significant reduction in weight index was recorded in the extract treated groups. Previous studies done on this plant showed Vernonia amygdalina and Carica papaya exhibiting weight loss properties individually, hence, the reduction can be attributed to the rich mileu of phytochemicals in both plants. Another mechanism suggested for the weight loss, is the interference of pancreatic lipase by the extract. This causes inhibiting or delay in the digestion and absorption which consequently result in a reduction in body weight. However, there was no significant difference in the organ weight and relative organ weight of the extract when compared to that of the control group. Total sperm count was significantly lowered in all treatment groups. Decrease in the progressive motility and normal cell counts were respectively recorded. The result of the study shows that the bi-herbal
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