DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY

Rauvolfia vomitoria is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional African medicine for the management of hypertension, mental disorders, and various other ailments. However, the safety profile of its leaf extracts, which are commonly used, remains inadequately scientifically validated. This study was designed to investigate the acute toxicity of the methanol leaf extract of R. Vomitoria in mice. Fresh leaves were collected, authenticated, air-dried, and macerated in 70% methanol. The extract was concentrated using a rotary evaporator. Phytochemical screening was conducted to identify the bioactive constituents. The acute oral toxicity study was carried out according to the OECD Guideline 425 (Up-and-Down Procedure). Twenty adult albino mice were used and administered single oral doses of the extract ranging from 10 mg/kg to 5000 mg/kg. The mice were observed for behavioural changes and mortality over 24 hours, followed by a 14-day monitoring period. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and saponins. In the acute toxicity test, no mortality was recorded at any of the administered doses, including the limit test dose of 5000 mg/kg. Observed behavioural effects such as scratching, restlessness, and sedation were mild and transient. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of the methanol leaf extract was therefore determined to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. The findings indicate that the methanol leaf extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria is practically non-toxic following acute oral administration in mice. This high safety margin provides a scientific basis for the relative safety of its traditional use and supports further investigation into its pharmacological potential. It is recommended that sub-chronic and chronic toxicity studies be conducted to fully elucidate its long-term safety profile.

Medicinal plants have long been integral to healthcare, forming the foundation of traditional medicine across many cultures. This study evaluated the in vivo antioxidant activity of the aqueous root extract of Anthocleista djalonensis (Loganiaceae) in the livers of adult Wistar rats. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into four groups of six. Group I served as the control and received 2 ml of distilled water orally. Groups II, III, and IV were administered 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg of the aqueous root extract, respectively, for 28 days. After sacrifice, livers were isolated, weighed, and homogenised in cold normal saline. Catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured. The extract had no significant effect on CAT and SOD activities compared to control (p > 0.05), but significantly reduced MDA levels (p < 0.05). Liver weight remained unchanged (p > 0.05). These results indicate that Anthocleista djalonensis root extract exhibits promising antioxidant properties, particularly through direct free radical scavenging

This study investigated the effects of 28-day oral administration of the aqueous leaf extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum on haematological parameters in wistar rats. The plant which is widely used in West African traditional medicine, is known for its therapeutic benefits, yet its prolonged safety on blood indices remains scarcely explored. Twenty-four male wistar rats were randomly distributed into four groups: a control group and three treatment groups receiving 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg of the extract, respectively. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were analyzed for red and white blood cell indices, as well as platelet parameters, using standard hematological techniques. The results revealed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in total white blood cell, monocyte, and granulocyte counts at the lowest dose (250 mg/kg), while higher doses maintained values comparable to the control. Red blood cell indices—including haemoglobin, packed cell volume, and mean corpuscular volume—remained within normal physiological limits, suggesting no adverse effect on erythropoiesis. Platelet counts were greatly unaffected, though a temporary decrease in plateletcrit and platelet distribution width was observed at low dose. Overall, the extract did not produce any clinically significant haematotoxic effect but demonstrated mild dose-dependent immunomodulatory influence. These findings suggest that aqueous extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum is relatively
safe on haematological profiles within the tested range, supporting its traditional use while emphasizing the need for dose regulation in prolonged administration.

Inflammation is a vital biological defense mechanism against harmful stimuli, yet excessive or chronic inflammation contributes to many diseases. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of pineapple (Ananas comosus) and coconut (Cocus nucifera) juice, focusing on their potential synergistic activity. Fresh fruit juices were extracted, combined in varying concentrations, and administered orally to albino rats using standard experimental models of inflammation; including carrageenan- egg albumen- and formaldehyde- induced paw edema. The effects of the juice were compared with a standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (Ibuprofen, 10 mg/kg). Acute toxicity studies revealed no mortality or observable toxic effects at doses up to 5 ml/kg, indicating safety of juice. Results showed that treatment with pineapple and coconut juice produced significant dose-dependent reductions in paw edema across all models, comparable to the standard drug. The observed antiinflammatory activity may be attributed to bioactive compounds such as bromelain in pineapple and lauric acid and polyphenols in coconut, which possess antioxidant and cytokine- modulating properties. These findings support the traditional use of these fruits in managing inflammation and suggest that their combined juice could serve as a natural, safe and effective alternative to synthetic anti-inflammatory agents. Further studies on molecular mechanisms and clinical applicability are recommended.

This study evaluated the effect of ethanol leaf extract of Pleurotus ostreatus on the weekly body-weight changes and organ weights of Wistar rats under sub-chronic oral administration. Twenty male rats (159–230 g) were divided into four groups: control, and three treatment groups receiving 100 mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of the extract for 28 days. The extract was prepared through ethanol maceration of air-dried P. ostreatus leaves, and animal handling followed institutional ethical standards. Weekly body weights were recorded, and organ weights (liver, kidneys, heart, testes, and spleen) were assessed post-sacrifice. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at P ≤
0.05. The results revealed a dose-dependent, progressive increase in body weight across treatment groups compared with control, with no mortality or observable toxicity. Organ-weight analysis indicated normal physiological ranges, suggesting that the extract did not induce adverse metabolic effects. The observed steady growth pattern indicates that ethanol extract of P. ostreatus may enhance nutrient utilization and metabolic efficiency without compromising safety during sub-chronic exposure. These findings support the nutritional and pharmacological potential of P. Ostreatus as a functional food and safe metabolic enhancer

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 infertility 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.

The issue of managing solid waste in cities across Nigeria is becoming increasingly concerning. There has been a significant rise in the amount and variety of solid waste produced on a daily basis in the country, mainly due to population growth, urbanization, industrialization, and overall economic development. In order to evaluate the impact of solid waste management, a study was conducted using a cross-sectional design, focusing on the Lagos Municipal area.The study found that households primarily disposed of their solid waste in communal skip containers followed by dumpsites and private waste management firms. Additionally, it was discovered that residents expressed a desire to dispose of their waste properly but faced obstacles in doing so. The study's results suggest that it is crucial to address the solid waste management issue in Nigerian cities. This can be done by implementing measures such as educating residents, providing skip containers and dustbins, and enhancing the local authority's policies to ensure effective solid waste management

The pervasive use of Point of Sale (POS) machines in Nigeria, while facilitating economic convenience, presents a potential public health risk as high-touch surfaces for microbial transmission. This study was to investigate the antibiogram pattern of bacteria isolated from POS machines around Iguosa Environs to Ovbiogie, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of twenty (20) POS terminals were randomly selected for the study. Microbial samples were obtained from the screens and keypads using sterile swabs that were moistened with peptone water. The samples were analyzed in the lab through serial dilution, cultured on Nutrient Agar, and incubated at 37°C for a period of 24-48 hours. Bacterial isolates were purified and identified following standard cultural, morphological, and biochemical methods. The antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the isolates were assessed against a range of commonly used antibiotics employing the disc diffusion technique. The findings indicated a significant microbial presence, with bacterial counts between 1.2 × 10⁴ cfu/mL and 9.0 × 10⁴ cfu/mL. Five genera of bacteria were identified, with their percentage distribution as follows: Micrococcus spp. (23.80%), Bacillus spp. (22.22%), Corynebacterium spp. (22.22%), Staphylococcus spp. (15.87%), and Streptococcus spp. (15.87%). A considerable number of isolates displayed multi-drug resistance (MDR), with high levels of resistance noted against first-line antibiotics such as Ampicillin (AM) and Azithromycin (AZ). Specifically, Bacillus spp. Exhibited extensive resistance to several classes of antibiotics. Some isolates, however, were susceptible to antibiotics like Erythromycin € and Levofloxacin (LEV). In summary, this study indicates that POS terminals in the examined area are heavily contaminated with a variety of bacteria, including potential opportunistic pathogens, along with serious antibiotic resistance issues. These results highlight the potential of POS machines to act as spreading agents for infections within the community and the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance.

Typhoid fever remains a significant public health concern in developing countries, particularly among adolescents who are highly exposed to poor sanitation and unsafe water sources. Typhoid fever is a systemic infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, transmitted primarily through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the feces or urine of infected persons. This study examined the prevalence of typhoid fever among teenagers in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for data analysis. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents demonstrated a high level of knowledge about the causes, symptoms, and prevention of typhoid fever. However, the prevalence of typhoid fever among teenagers was considerably high, as over 60% reported having contracted the disease at least once. Preventive practices such as regular handwashing, proper waste disposal, and consumption of treated water were moderately observed, though vaccination uptake remained low. Statistical analysis indicated a significant positive relationship between knowledge level and preventive practices, implying that improved awareness enhances health behavior among teenagers. The study concludes that while knowledge of typhoid fever is relatively high, poor sanitation and inconsistent preventive measures contribute to its continued prevalence

This study assessed the carcinogenic risks of heavy metals in groundwater from Akoko-Edo, Edo State, with a focus on ingesting exposure. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS)
was used on fifteen groundwater samples to detect lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and zinc (Zn). The measured amounts were compared to WHO (2017) and EPA (2009) limits. Chromium
values (0.0135-1.1015 mg/L) above permitted limits in numerous samples, whereas lead levels (0.0009-0.0353 mg/L) marginally exceeded norms in several areas. Zinc levels (0.0020-1.9683 mg/L) remained within acceptable ranges. TCR levels for adults (2.96 ×
10⁻ ³) and children (6.10 × 10⁻ ⁴ ), indicating increased lifelong cancer risks, particularly from chromium exposure. The study suggests that heavy metal contamination has a major impact on the area's groundwater, which poses possible health risks through consumption. Continuous monitoring and the supply of alternative clean water sources are advised to reduce public health hazards.