DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common endocrine disorder, affecting over 100 million people worldwide, which accounts for approximately 6% of the global population. It is caused by either a deficiency in insulin production or the body’s inability to effectively use insulin, leading to abnormal blood glucose levels. This condition can damage multiple body systems, particularly
the blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, heart, and nerves (Ismail, 2019). Diabetes mellitus is classified into two main types: insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM, Type I) and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM, Type II). Type I diabetes is an autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation and destruction of insulin producing cells in the pancreas, while Type II diabetes is marked by insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion

Clean water is essential for the health and survival of all life forms. Surface and underground water polluted by microbes and chemicals exacerbates issues of water scarcity. This continues to negatively affect the well-being of most people in developing countries like Nigeria and K-Vom, in Plateau State. Thus, this study aimed to determine the microbial contamination of tap water, well water and river water associated with water sources at ikpoba hill environs Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Five (5) samples were collected and analysed using standard microbiological procedures. Isolates were identified by microscopic, biochemical and carbohydrate fermentation characterizations. The nutrient agar (NA) count, which indicates the total heterotrophic bacterial population, showed that river water had the highest bacterial load (60–61 cfu/ml), followed by tap water samples (46–57 cfu/ml), while well water samples had comparatively lower bacterial counts (30–44 cfu/ml) and The bacterial count on MacConkey agar (MCA), which is selective for Gram-negative enteric bacteria, was generally lower compared to the total heterotrophic count. Tap water recorded the highest counts (19–27 cfu/ml), while well and river water had very low counts (3–5 cfu/ml)

Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are a vital food crop in Nigeria, valued for their rich protein content and contribution to food security. However, challenges in seed germination and early seedling establishment often limit productivity. This study examined the effects of three growth regulators Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA), Sodium Nitroprusside (SNP), and Vitamin C (Vit C) on the germination, early growth, and field performance of brown and white bean varieties. Seeds were primed with 100, 500, and 1000 ppm concentrations of each regulator, germinated on cotton wool, and later transplanted to nursery and field conditions. Parameters such as germination rate, shoot and root length, root number, biomass, and moisture content were evaluated. Results showed that SNP treatments produced the best overall growth, significantly enhancing germination rate, shoot elongation, and field performance. Vitamin C improved vegetative growth and seedling vigor, while high concentrations of IAA negatively affected germination and early development. The study concludes that moderate SNP concentrations can effectively promote seedling establishment and growth, and recommends further research on long-term yield impacts and varietal responses. These findings provide insight into optimizing bean production through the targeted use of plant growth regulators

Pain is a complex sensory and emotional experience managed with analgesics. These drugswhich has adverse effects and addiction potential have driven the search for safer alternatives from medicinal plants. Icacina trichantha oliv. is a plant used in West African for managing pain and inflammation. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting such claims. This study evaluates the antinociceptive potential of the hydro-methanol leaf extract of Icacina trichantha in mice. Fresh leaves of I. trichantha was obtained, air-dried, pulverized and extracted using 1:1 methanol and deionized water to obtain H-MLE and then concentrated to dryness in an oven at 40°C. Phytochemical screening was carried out using standard methods. The antinociceptive experiment was conducted using two murine models: the hot water immersion test for and acetic acid-induced writhing test. Swiss albino mice “25” were divided into five groups of n = 5. Group I was administered deionized water, group II–IV was administered the extract at graded doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, and group V, morphine (2mg/kg) for hot water immersion and aspirin, 100 mg/kg for the acetic acid-induced writhing. Phytochemical
screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenolics, alkaloids and carbohydrates. Results obtained revealed that H-MLE had a significant result (P<0.001) in the acetic acid-induced writhing test, but had no significant result (P>0.05) in the hot water
immersion test. This study supports its use in alleviating pain and inflammation in traditional medicine which could be due to the presence of its secondary metabolites

Inflammation is a protective biological response; however, when uncontrolled it contributes to the development of chronic diseases. Conventional anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are effective but often associated with adverse effects during prolonged use. This study evaluated the synergistic anti-inflammatory activity of juices from Pineapple and Watermelon as a potential safer alternative for managing inflammation.

Fresh juices were prepared and administered to albino mice at doses of 10 and 20 ml/kg following acute toxicity testing. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using formalin-induced paw oedema, egg albumin-induced oedema, and Carrageenan-Induced Paw Edema models. The combination of pineapple and watermelon juice significantly reduced inflammation in a dose-dependent manner across all experimental models. In some instances, the anti-inflammatory effects were comparable to those produced by standard drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin. No signs of severe toxicity or mortality were observed during the experiment.

The observed anti-inflammatory activity is attributed to the combined effects of bioactive compounds such as Bromelain, Lycopene, and L-Citrulline, which are known to regulate oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. The findings suggest that pineapple and watermelon juice may serve as a safe, affordable, and natural functional food-based intervention for managing inflammatory conditions.

This study investigated the isolation and characterization of Lactobacillus species
isolated from Mason’s Natural Probiotics and the production of bacteriocin with
antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The isolate was identified as a Gram-positive, catalase- and oxidase-negative rod that fermented galactose, lactose, and D-fructose without gas formation. Bacteriocin activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method, while enzyme (trypsin) and hydrogen-peroxide neutralization (sodium pyruvate) tests confirmed the proteinaceous nature of the compound. The absence of blue-black coloration in the potassium iodide–starch assay indicated that no hydrogen peroxide was produced. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of bioactive phenolic and flavonoid compounds, including catechin, naringenin, and caffeic acid, which may contribute synergistically to antimicrobial activity. The bacteriocin demonstrated notable inhibition of S. aureus comparable to some standard antibiotics. These findings indicate that bacteriocin from Lactobacillus sp. possesses strong antibacterial potential and could serve as a safe, natural bio-preservative and alternative to synthetic antimicrobials

This study evaluated the non-carcinogenic health risks associated with dermal exposure to heavy metals chromium (Cr), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in groundwater from Ikpeshi, Edo State, Nigeria. The research aimed to quantify metal concentrations, assess health risks across population groups, identify contamination sources and propose mitigation strategies. Groundwater samples were analyzed and risk assessment models were applied using Chronic Daily Intake (CDI), Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI) frameworks as outlined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA, 2004). Results revealed that chromium exhibited the highest mean concentration (0.177 mg/L), followed by zinc (0.257 mg/L) and lead (0.016 mg/L). Both Cr and Pb levels exceeded the permissible limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2017) and USEPA, primarily due to artisanal and small-scale mining, mine tailings leaching and oxidation of metal-bearing minerals within the Igarra schist belt. Risk assessment outcomes indicated that children are more vulnerable to dermal exposure than adults, given their higher skin surface area-to-body weight ratio and frequent water contact. Chromium was identified as the dominant contributor to non-carcinogenic risks, followed by lead, while zinc showed minimal contribution. Some HI values for children exceeded unity, indicating potential chronic health effects and the mean carcinogenic risk (CR) for Cr approached the USEPA threshold of 1 × 10⁻⁴. The study concludes that chromium and lead pose significant public health concerns in Ikpeshi groundwater. The findings emphasize the need for effective groundwater monitoring, regulation of mining effluents and community-based mitigation strategies such as the use of affordable household filtration systems, rainwater harvesting and public health education to reduce dermal exposure risks and safeguard water quality.

This study explored the isolation and identification of Lactobacillus species from Piping rock women Probiotics and the production of bacteriocin with germ-fighting power against Escherichia coli. The bacteria were found to be Gram-positive, rod-shaped, and negative for catalase and oxidase tests. They fermented galactose, lactose, and D-fructose without forming gas. The bacteriocin’s effect was tested using the agar well diffusion method, and enzyme (trypsin) and hydrogen peroxide neutralization (sodium pyruvate) tests confirmed that it was protein-based. The lack of blue-black color in the potassium iodide-starch test showed that no hydrogen peroxide was made. HPLC results showed the presence of active compounds such as catechin, naringenin, and caffeic acid, which may help boost its germ-killing action.

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of biherbal leaf aqueous extract in Streptozotocin induced anaphrodisiac male Wistar rats. Thirty two Wistar rats were divided into six groups: a normal control group received 0.5ml/kg of distilled water, another group received gibenclamide
at 10mg/kg, the negative control received 50mg/kg of STZ, the treatment groups were divided into three each receiving 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of the biherbal extract only for 28days. Mating
behaviour and testosterone levels were assessed. The results showed an increase in testosterone levels and mating behaviour of the albino rats when administered 50mg/kg and also showed that higher doses of the biherbal leaf extract had negative effects on the Wistar rats. The findings suggests that the combination of Alstonia boonei and Vernonia amygdalina has aphrodisiac properties without adverse effects on organ integrity making it a perfect candidate for further research as an aphrodisiac agent.

Airborne fungi are microscopic organisms that disperse through the atmosphere in the form of spores or fragmented hyphae. These spores are naturally present in both indoor and outdoor environments and play essential ecological roles in organic matter decomposition and nutrient recycling. This study examined the Isolation, Identification and Characterization of Airborne Fungi in the Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) classroom and library of the University of Benin. Air samples were collected using the open plate sedimentation method and cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Fungal isolates were identified through macroscopic and microscopic examinations. The species obtained included Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium spp., Mucor spp., Fusarium spp., and Neurospora crassa. The library recorded a higher fungal load than the classroom, likely due to poor ventilation and dust accumulation. The dominance of Mucor and Aspergillus species indicates that humidity and airflow significantly influence indoor fungal growth. This study concludes that classrooms and libraries can serve as reservoirs for airborne spores, and recommends improved ventilation, regular cleaning, and routine monitoring to ensure a
healthier learning environment and protect educational materials.