DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY

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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Candida species are reportedly the most common human fungal pathogens. The incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by Candida species has increased in recent decades. However, such infections rarely occur in the absence of any predisposing factors. The development of Candida species infection depends on several factors such as age, sex, and immunity of the host-pathogen relationship. Regarding this, the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of candida species in urine of female. The current study was conducted on fifty (50) urine samples collected from female students within the age of 17 to 24 residing in university of Benin using a sterile universal container. Each of the collected samples was diluted serially and incubated in petri dish containing Sabourad Dextrose Agar (SDA) at 37 0C for 72hours. After subculturing, Candida species were diagnosed differentially using the germ tube test, colony staining, sugar fermentation test and microscopic morphological examination. Result shows that, the color of a urine sample is not an indicating factor of the presence of candida (infection) as candida growth were significantly present in all color types. According to the results, 40%, 20%, 17.1%, 5.7%, 5.7%, 5.7% and 5.7% of the isolates were identified as Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida guilliermondii, Candida krusei, Candida parasiliosis, Candida pseudotropicalis and Cadida glabrata, respectively. Our result showed no significant correlation between age and prevalence of Candida in the urine. Based on the obtained results, Candida albicans species was the most prevalent Candida species. Hence, Candida. albicans are the main course of urinary tract infections in female.

Over population has become a problem worldwide thus the need for drugs with fewer side effects 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 14 days 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.

Engineered materials with at least one dimension between 1 and 100nanometer are known as nano-materials. The energy, cosmetic, aerospace, in addition medicinal industries, among many others, all stand to benefit from the unique features of nano-fluids in addition colloidal suspensions made up of different nanomaterials. Nanoparticles are regarded as excellent candidates for the creation of smart drilling fluids, i.e., fluids with specifically tailored rheological in addition flow characteristics, owing to their distinct physio-chemical features. The capacity of the drilling mud to sustain cuttings is represented by its rheological properties (gel- strength, viscosity, in addition yield points), which is a crucial drilling mud feature. Failure to utilize mud with the required rheological property could lead to formation damage from excessive circulation pressure that breaks gel in additionclogged pipes from poor cutting suspension. This project is aimed at defining magnesium oxide effect on nanoparticles on the gel-strength of water base drilling mud, comparison of the gel-strength property of magnesium Oxide nano-base mud to conventional water mud, comparison of the gel-strength property of magnesium oxide nano-base mud to conventional water base containing Banana peel which improves the gel- strength of drilling mud. Laboratory preparation of the various samples of drilling mud at l0sec, 5min, l0min, 15min, 20min, 25min, 30min, 40min after 600rev/min agitation produced enough gel-strength data for each samples for graphical representation in addition analysis of gel-strength of the prepared samples of the drilling mud. The prepared samples are Sample 1 (bentonite clay mud (blank)), Sample 2 (bentonite mud + 0.5g Magnesium oxide), Sample3(bentonite mud + lg Magnesium oxide), Sample4(bentonite mud + 2g Magnesium oxide), Sample5 (bentonite mud + 0.5g Magnesium oxide + 2g of banana peel), Sample6 (bentonite mud + lg Magnesium oxide + 2g of banana peel), Sample7 (bentonite mud + 2g Magnesium oxide + 2g of banana peel), Sample8 (bentonite mud + 2g of banana peel). From the laboratory data in addition gel-strength vs time plot it was observe that the The sample formed a progressive type gel that began flat at llbf/100ft3 with the gel strength at l0sec in addition l0min being the same but rapidly improved as the static time increased. Sample 2 generated a flat-type gel that began flat at 21 bf/100 ft3 with the gel strength at 0 sec in addition 0 min remaining constant, but did not increase consistently as the static time increased. Sample3 - sample8 produced either a high-flat gel or a high- progressive gel, Sample3 in addition Sample4 which produced a high-flat gel as compared to the Sample4 - Sample8 which Also produced a high-progressive mud.

This project work focused on the green synthesis of Calcium Oxide (CaO) nanoparticles using
onion peel extract as capping and reducing agent which is non-toxic and biodegradable to
stabilize and evaluate its application in the photocatalytic degradation of petroleum wastewater
(crude oil) in contaminated water. The synthesized CaO nanoparticles were characterized using
the Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. DLS confirmed the formation of nanoparticles with a primary size of 86.80 nm, XRD determined the crystalline phase of the nanoparticles, TGA measured the thermal stability and decomposition temperature, SEM examined the morphology; the particle size, shape and surface texture while FTIR analysis identified functional groups from the onion peel extract, verifying its role in capping and stabilizing the CaO nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activity of the nanoparticles was assessed by studying the degradation of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) under sunlight, investigating the effects of the green-synthesized CaO nanoparticles catalyst on dose, pH, temperature, and initial pollutant concentration. Results demonstrated that the green- synthesized CaO nanoparticles were effective in degrading petroleum wastewater components, with optimal performance observed under specific conditions. This indicates that onion peel- mediated CaO nanoparticles present a sustainable, cost-effective, and utilizable photocatalyst for remediating petroleum wastewater contaminated water, offering a potential solution for environmental cleanup, particularly in areas subject to crude oil spillage across the globe.

This study investigated the protective effects of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) rind extract against cadmium-induced toxicity,on lipid profiles in Wistar rats. Twenty rats were divided into five groups: a control, a cadmium-only group, a cadmium with vitamin C group, and two groups receiving cadmium along with watermelon rind extract at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight. The experiment lasted for 60 days. Results showed that cadmium exposure significantly suppressed weight gain and induced dyslipidemia, expressed by elevated cholesterol and triglycerides. Treatment with the hydroethanolic watermelon rind extract, particularly at the 500 mg/kg dose, ameliorated these effects, resulting in a significant increase in percentage weight gain and a normalization of the lipid profile, comparable to the protective effects of vitamin C. The extract did not significantly reduce blood cadmium levels, suggesting its mechanism is likely cyto protection through antioxidant activity rather than metal chelation. The results show that watermelon rind phytowaste possesses bioactive compounds that can mitigate cadmium induced metabolic disturbances.