DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY

Medicinal plants are presently in demand, and their acceptance is increasing progressively; hence, plants with ethnomedicinal values are currently screened for their therapeutic potential and safety profile. This study evaluated the effects of a polyherbal-formulated tea (Ageratum conyzoides, Anthocleista djalonensis, Zingiber officinale, Allium sativum, and Thespesia garckeana) on atherogenic diet-induced hyperlipidaemia and atherosclerosis in male albino Wistar rats. Twenty-five rats were divided into five groups of five: group 1 as normal control, group 2 as cholesterol control, groups 3 and 4 received polyherbal tea at 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 a cholesterol diet were given orally for 28 days. The results indicated that polyherbal tea at both doses of 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg prevented weight gain and reduced organ-to-body weight ratios when compared to the cholesterol control (P < 0.05). Polyherbal tea treatment decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels, while elevating high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (P < 0.05). Polyherbal tea had a reduction in aortic wall thickness and ALT and AST levels compared to the cholesterol control (p<0.05). Histological examination revealed normal aortic and hepatic features in treated groups compared with the cholesterol control. In conclusion, the polyherbal-formulated tea demonstrated antihyperlipidemic, anti-atherosclerotic, and hepatoprotective properties and may reduce cardiovascular risk

Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) contains bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, resveratrol, flavonoids, and phytoestrogens with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hormone-modulating potentials. Considering the rising prevalence of female and the limitations of conventional therapies, this study explored Tiger nut as a possible natural alternative to enhance reproductive health. This investigation was aimed at evaluating the pregnancy outcome study of juice formulated from cyperus esculentus (tiger nut) on pregnant albino rats. Freshly prepared Tiger nut juice was administered orally to gravid albino Wistar rats at doses of 2 ml/kg and 5 ml/kg across the three trimesters of pregnancy. Key parameters assessed included maternal weight gain, serum progesterone levels, implantation sites, uterine horn development, pregnancy outcomes, fetal biometric indices, and blood glucose levels. The results showed significant improvements in maternal weight, progesterone concentration, implantation success, litter size, and fetal development in the grape-treated groups compared to controls. Additionally, low and higher doses of the Tiger nut juice maintained normoglycemia, within normal ranges. These findings demonstrate that Tiger nut juice positively influences maternal physiology, enhances uterine receptivity, and improves pregnancy outcomes, highlighting its potential role as a nutraceutical for supporting female fertility.

Meat is a nutritive-rich food that contributes vital protein, vitamins and minerals to higher bioavailability than other food sources thereby making it a suitable medium for the growth of microorganisms which serve as a great source of meat contamination and food borne disease. Among the various microorganism that are implicated with meat contamination, staphylococcus aureus is one of the most prevalent as it a natural floral in skin and nasal cavity of humans and animal. Due to the unhygienic practices from meat handlers, from the abattoirs to the market places and also vehicles which are in most cases unclean and unfit
to convey meat and meat products. This study was conducted to access staphylococcus aureus from raw beef sold in open markets in Benin city, Edo state, Nigeria. A total amounts of 45 samples were collected from the meat, tables and knives. Where the meat samples were collected into a sterile container and the table top and knife sample were collected using a sterile swabs. From 5 different markets in benin city, 26 S. aureus isolates were obtained and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility test using the Kirby-bauer disc diffusion method . The result of the prevalence staphylococcus aureus from the meat,table ans knife sample
were [2/15 (13.3%)], [12/15 (80%)] and [12/15 (80%)] respectively. Having Gentamycin (n=5, 100%) the most effective antimicrobial where all isolates were susceptible to it. Followed by Erythromycin and Nitrofurantoin (n=5, 60%). Although, these isolates also shows resistance to Cefepime (100%) followed by penicillin (80%). Unhygienic practices of meat handlers such as dirty hands, unfit display tables and cutting tools and also improper handling of meat products triggers a very high level of S. aureus in open markets which may eventually affects the health of the consumers. Hygiene sanitary practice is recommended in meat market to prevent the consumers from the risk of acquiring these diseases.

This research focuses on the Multivariate Chemometric Classification of Ocimum gratissimum essential oils obtained from grasslands within three urban local government areas (LGAs) of Benin City Oredo, Egor, and Ovia north-east. The study aimed to determine the chemical variability and structural functional groups of O. gratissimum grown in different grassland environments and to understand how local environmental conditions influence the chemical profiles of the plant’s essential oils. The work involved plant collection, sample preparation, extraction of essential oils, analytical identification, and data interpretation. Fresh leaves of O. gratissimum were collected from uncontaminated bushy sites in the three LGAs, air dried for five days, oven-dried at 45°C for 30 minutes, blended, and stored in airtight brown bottles. Soxhlet extraction using analytical-grade n-hexane served to obtain the essential oils, which were then concentrated using a rotary evaporator. The extracts were analyzed using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). GCMS provided molecular identification and quantification of chemical compounds, while FTIR determined the functional groups present in the essential oils. Chemometric methods were employed to classify similarities and differences in the oils based on their chemical fingerprints across the study areas. A total of over forty compounds were detected across the three samples, with the most dominant being Decane (25.04%), Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (17.17%), and Thymol (12.65%), along with other bioactive components such as Caryophyllene, Squalene, Phytol, and several aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons. These compounds are known for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, indicating that O. gratissimum from all study sites retains medicinal relevance. Variations in compound concentrations were observed between locations, suggesting environmental or soilbased
influences on secondary metabolite biosynthesis. The FTIR results revealed prominent absorption peaks around 3350 cm⁻¹ (O–H), 2950 cm⁻¹ (C–H), and 1740 cm⁻¹ (C=O), indicating the presence of alcohols, alkanes, and esters common to essential oils
of Ocimum species. The results demonstrated that although the three O. gratissimum populations share core chemical identities, their quantitative differences are significant enough to allow chemometric differentiation

Point of Sale (POS) terminals have become a common feature of commercial transactions in urban environments such as Benin city, Edo State, Nigeria. This study was aimed at investigating the microbial contamination, bacterial diversity and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of microorganisms isolated from Point of Sale (POS) machines keypads within Medical Junction to New Benin Market axis of Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Twenty POS machines were randomly sampled using sterile swab sticks and the samples were analyzed using standard microbiological procedures and biochemical tests for bacterial Identification. The total heterotrophic counts ranged from 3.3 x 10³ to 9.9 x 10³. Antibiotics susceptibility pattern of the bacteria isolated was performed using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method Four main bacterial genera were isolated and identified: Escherichia coli (32.5 %), Neisseria spp. (27.5 %), Staphylococcus spp. (20 %), and Streptococcus spp. (20 %). E. coli showed the
highest prevalence with ( 32.5 % ) Antibiotic susceptibility testing, performed using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method, revealed high resistance to β-lactam antibiotics such as ampicillin, augmentin, and ampiclox, while the isolates exhibited greater sensitivity to fluoroquinolones including ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and levofloxacin. The findings confirm that POS terminals in Benin City serve as potential reservoirs for pathogenic and ugresistant bacteria, posing significant public health risks, particularly in densely populated commercial settings. Regular disinfection of POS devices, improved hand hygiene among operators and customers, and public awareness campaigns on microbial contamination are recommended to mitigate the spread of infectious agents and antimicrobial resistance.

Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly among children under ten years of age who are highly susceptible to infection. This study analyzed secondary malaria testing data from two primary health centres which are Ebelle Primary Healthcare Centre and Eguare Primary Healthcare Centre in Igueben Local Government Area (LGA), Edo State,
covering the period January 2024 to April 2025. The objectives were to determine the total number of children under ten recorded as tested, the total number recorded positive, the monthly prevalence rates, and to identify seasonal trends in malaria transmission. Data were extracted from facility registers and analyzed using descriptive statistics, with prevalence computed as (number positive ÷ number tested) × 100. Across both health centres, a total of 647 children under ten were recorded as tested, of which 517 (79.9%) tested positive for malaria parasites. At the facility level, Ebelle PHC recorded a prevalence of 73.3%, while Eguare PHC recorded 85.6%. Monthly prevalence varied between 56% and 100%, with the highest values recorded in March and April 2024 (Ebelle PHC) and June 2024 and March 2025 (Eguare PHC), corresponding to periods of intense rainfall and increased mosquito breeding. Both facilities showed sustained high transmission during the rainy and dry seasons, ndicating year-round endemicity. The findings demonstrate that malaria remains highly prevalent among children under ten in Igueben LGA. Strengthening preventive strategies such as consistent use of insecticide-treated nets, improved community awareness, environmental management to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, and continuous surveillance at health facilities are recommended to reduce malaria burden in the area.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) refers to a progressive, non-malignant enlargement of the prostate that is associated with urinary obstruction, hormonal imbalances, oxidative stress, and systemic hematological disruptions. Due to the side effects and high costs of conventional therapies, there is growing interest in medicinal plants such as Picralima nitida, which has traditionally been used to treat urinary tract disorders and inflammation. This study investigates the effects of an extract from the stem bark of Picralima nitida on hematological parameters and prostate health in male albino rats with testosterone-induced BPH. Fresh stem bark of Picralima nitida was collected, shade-dried, pulverized, and extracted using distilled water through decoction. The rats were divided into six (6) groups of five (5) rats each: a normal control group, a BPH-induced control group, a group was given Testosterone Pionate and standard, a group was treated with the standard medication finasteride, and two groups receiving different oral doses of the stem bark extract for a set treatment period. BPH was induced using subcutaneous testosterone propionate. Hematological parameters, including red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet count, and differential leukocyte indices, were measured using automated hematology procedures. Prostate weight, prostate index, and histopathological examinations were performed to assess prostate architecture and inflammation. The results showed that BPH induction led to a significant decrease in RBC indices and an increase in WBC counts and the prostate index compared to the normal control group. Treatment with the Picralima nitida extract significantly improved parameters related to anemia, reduced the elevation of inflammatory leukocyte counts, and resulted in a marked decrease in the prostate index and tissue hyperplasia, similar to the effects of finasteride, in a dosedependent manner. This study concludes that the stem bark of Picralima nitida has promising hepatoprotective and anti-BPH effects, supporting its potential as a safe and affordable phototherapeutic alternative for managing BPH and minimizing associated ematological complications

Vernonia amygdalina leaf and carica papaya leaf have been employed to cure infections in traditional medicine, the plants have demonstrated a significant effect on microorganisms of bacteria, fungi and virus in various studies. The work aims to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of the decoction on the day old broiler chicks. The study decoction of pawpaw leaf and bitter leaf extract was extracted in ratio 1:1 in 5 liters of drinking water. Fifty (50), day old broiler chicks were used for the experiment. The study lasted for 4 weeks. Feed, drinking water and the decoction were provided ad libitum and standard routine management practices were followed. The chicks were divided into two treatments with 25 chicks per treatment. The first set labelled as T1 as control which were given plain water while the second set were labelled T2 as the treated chicks given the decoction as their drinking water. The result showed that there were distinct differencea in weekly weight gain and the final live weight p<0.05. Haematological indices showed that RBC, WBC, PCV, Lymphocytes and monocytes volume increased in the body of the chicks. Data were collected for body weight, (p<0.05). The results depict that there was significant (p< 0.05) differences observed in the body weight between T1 and other T2. In conclusion AVECAPA Decoction can be used in replacement of antibiotics.

Groundwater and borehole water remain a vital source of drinking water in many Nigerian cities, yet their quality is often compromised by physicochemical and microbial contamination. This study assessed the physicochemical and bacteriological analysis on water sources in University of Benin Ekenwan Campus Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of eighteen water samples
were collected from six hostel locations including Notre Dame, Uniben Table Water, Bore-hole source Water, Boy’s hostel, Postgraduate hostel, and Girl’s hostel, and analysed using the method of A.O.A.C. The microbiological analysis was analysed using standard microbiological methods. The results revealed that physicochemical analysis revealed that pH values of the
water ranged between 4.58 and 6.38, falling below the FEPA acceptable limit of 6.5–8.5. Most physicochemical parameters analysed were below permissible limits, however, iron (0.56–1.06 mg/L) and chromium (0.10–0.25 mg/L) exceeded the FEPA limits of 0.3 mg/L and 0.05 mg/L respectively. Microbiological results showed high contamination across hostel water samples. Presumptive coliform counts ranged from 6.67×10³ cfu/ml (Notre Dame) to 2.83×10⁴ cfu/ml (Boys hostel), aerobic bacterial counts ranged from 6.67×10³ cfu/ml (Notre Dame) to 8.67×10⁴ cfu/ml (Postgraduate hostel), while fungal counts ranged from 1.00×10¹ sfu/ml (Notre Dame) to 2.00×10² sfu/ml (Boys hostel). The microbial results exceeded WHO and FEPA permissible
standards. Identified bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium spp., Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Klebsiella aerogens, Enterobacter aerogens and Chromobacterium violaceum, Penicillium notatum, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Microsporum audouinii. Among bacteria, K. aerogens had the highest occurrence (21.9 %)
while A. hydrophila had the least occurrence (9.4 %). Among fungi, A. flavus (35.7%) was the most frequently occurring, while M. audouinii (14.3 %) had the lowest occurrence. Antibiotic sensitivity testing before plasmid curing showed multidrug resistance across isolates. Staphylococcus aureus displayed resistance to amoxicillin, augmentin, pefloxacin, azithromycin, and ceftriaxone, with the highest multidrug resistant index (MDRI) of 0.8. Pseudomonas fluorescens and Enterobacter aerogens each had an MDRI of 0.5, while Corynebacterium spp. and Chromobacterium violaceum exhibited MDRI values ranging from 0.2 to 0.3. After plasmid curing, resistance was lost in several isolates, with A. hydrophila, S. aureus, Corynebacterium spp., P. fluorescens, K. aerogens and C. violaceum showing susceptibility to tested antibiotics. This study demonstrated that while physicochemical parameters of water sources in Ekenwan Campus were largely within permissible limits except for iron and chromium, the
microbiological quality was grossly compromised. The detection of multidrug resistant organisms, both plasmid-mediated and chromosomal, highlights the public health risk associated with these water sources. The findings confirm that water supplied in these hostels is unsafe for direct consumption and requires adequate treatment and disinfection to reduce risks of waterborne infections and antibiotic-resistant outbreaks in the student community

Cadmium and lead represent hazardous heavy metals that present substantial threats to environmental quality and human health worldwide. These metallic contaminants undergo bioaccumulation in living tissues, triggering oxidative damage and multiple pathological manifestations in vital organs. Given the extended biological retention periods of these toxicants, there exists an urgent requirement for efficacious and environmentally sound therapeutic approaches. This research examined how Annona muricata phytowaste extracts influence lead and cadmium tissue accumulation in Wistar rat models.Thirty male Wistar rats (80-100g) were allocated randomly across five treatment cohorts over 90 days. Group I received distilled water (control), Group II was administered lead acetate with cadmium chloride, Group III received zinc (1mg/kg) and selenium (1.5mg/kg), while Groups IV and V were treated with ethanol- based Annona muricata extract at 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg respectively. Heavy metal quantification in splenic, cerebral, and skeletal tissues was performed via atomic absorption spectrophotometry.Results revealed marked metal deposition in untreated subjects, with cadmium elevated by 189% in brain, 115% in spleen, and 102% in bone. Lead increased by 79% in bone, 55% in brain, and 115% in spleen. Zinc-selenium intervention reduced cadmium by 76% (spleen), 67% (brain), and 65% (bone), while lead decreased by 64%, 67%, and 54% respectively. The 250mg/kg EEAM dosage decreased cadmium by 73% across all tissues, with lead reductions of 66%, 46%, and 64%. The 500mg/kg dosage demonstrated superior protection in soft tissues, reducing cadmium by 80% in brain and lead by 75% in spleen, though skeletal tissue showed paradoxical increases suggesting metal mobilization.This investigation validates the therapeutic utility of Annona muricata phytowaste for ameliorating heavy metal intoxication, with protection equivalent to conventional supplementation. The transformation of agricultural by-products into therapeutic resources aligns with sustainable development objectives while addressing environmental contamination.