FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCE

Lecture theatre tables serve as potential reservoirs for bacterial contamination, posing a risk of microbial transmission among students and staff. This study aimed to isolate and identify bacterial species from tables in lecture theatres within the Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin. Total heterotrophic bacterial counts were determined over two weeks, with values ranging from 1.88 ± 1.00 × 10⁴ cfu/cm² to 3.80 ± 0.53 × 10⁴ cfu/cm². The highest bacterial load was recorded in the Microbiology Lecture Theatre (3.80 ± 0.53 × 10⁴ cfu/cm² in Week 2), while the lowest was observed in the Optometry Lecture Theatre (1.88 ± 1.00 × 10⁴ cfu/cm² in Week 1). Biochemical characterization and standard taxonomic references identified six bacterial genera: Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus. Among these, Staphylococcus spp. (31%) exhibited the highest occurrence, while Pseudomonas spp. (10%) had the lowest. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed varying resistance patterns, with Bacillus spp. being the most sensitive, whereas Pseudomonas spp. and Escherichia coli displayed resistance to multiple antibiotics. The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index ranged from 0.2 to 0.4, with Pseudomonas spp. and Escherichia coli exhibiting the highest resistance. The findings underscore the need for regular sanitation of lecture theatre surfaces to mitigate the risk of bacterial transmission and potential health implications.

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal with a long biological half-life that accumulates in vital organs, particularly the liver, causing oxidative stress and liver damage. Conventional treatments are expensive and often have side effects, creating a need for safer, affordable alternatives. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective potential of hydro-ethanolic extract of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) rind against cadmium-induced liver toxicity in Wistar rats. Twenty-five Wistar rats (104-196g) were divided into five groups: negative control (distilled water), positive control (cadmium chloride), standard treatment (cadmium + vitamin C), and two treatment groups receiving cadmium plus watermelon rind extract at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg respectively. After 60 days of oral administration, liver tissues were examined for histopathological changes, and body weight, hepatic cadmium levels, and relative liver weights were measured. Histological examination revealed normal liver architecture in all groups, with hepatocytes showing normal appearance without necrosis or inflammation. Extract-treated rats, especially at 500 mg/kg, maintained body weights similar to controls, suggesting protection against cadmium induced weight loss. Hepatic cadmium levels were lowest in the 500 mg/kg extract group, indicating enhanced metal elimination. Relative liver weights in extract-treated groups were similar to controls, preventing cadmium-induced liver enlargement. These findings demonstrate that watermelon rind extract provides hepatoprotection against cadmium toxicity, likely through antioxidant activity and metal chelation. The study supports watermelon rind as a cost effective, sustainable natural alternative for managing heavy metal toxicity and promotes the use of agricultural waste for therapeutic purposes.

This study examines the influence of maize cultivation on weed diversity and abundance in a ferruginous soil. A potted experiment was conducted to assess the effects of varying maize densities and soil iron amendments on weed population dynamics. The results indicate that increasing maize density significantly reduces weed population through competition for essential resources such as light, water, and nutrients. Conversely, soil iron amendments had a dual effect, with lower iron concentrations suppressing weed growth and higher concentrations favoring the proliferation of iron-tolerant species. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed statistically significant differences in weed populations across the different treatments (F = 7.99, p = 0.00117 for maize density; F = 6.27, p = 0.0169 for iron amendments), confirming the substantial impact of these factors. These findings align with previous research on crop competition and nutrient-mediated weed dynamics. The study highlights the importance of optimizing maize density and soil nutrient levels as an integrated weed management strategy.

Biopesticides, often known as biological pesticides, are compounds made from biological agents that control agricultural pests to increase crop yields. The general aim of using the term biopesticide is to suggest a biological rather than a synthetic origin of the active agent, and implicit is a level of environmental and mammalian safety resulting from the use of naturally derived active. Telfairia occidentalis is an edible vegetable that is high in protein, vitamins, iron, calcium, and other nutrients that are necessary for a healthy diet. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of biopesticides on Telfairia occidentalis. This study was grouped into seven (7) biopesticides options compared to the control which no biopesticide was applied to. The biopesticides includes (Grinded pepper, garlic, and soap), (Grinded pepper and garlic), (Pepper, garlic and soap), (Pepper and garlic), (Neem oil and soap), (Neam oil) and lastly (Firewood ash). This study was carried out within 13 weeks, and the study was on different aspects of the plant growth which includes the plant height, the number of primary branches, leaf area, petiole length, tendril length, number of leaves, internodes, leaf chlorosis occurrence, and percentage of forage leaves. Across all aspects of the growth the Telfairia occidentalis treated with the biopesticides had significant increase compared to the control, which simply indicates positive effects across all. This study indicates that the biopesticides used are good pest control agents as a result of the growth and the good health of the plant. Asides from the fact that most of these biopesticides are good pest controlling agents, some are also a good agent for soil PH correction such firewood ash, and this also contributed to the growth and healthy profile of Telfairia occidentalis in the study.

Non-communicable diseases such as glaucoma, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus present growing health and economic challenges, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated the individual and combined effects of Sorghum bicolor and Hibiscus sabdariffa leaf extracts on intraocular pressure (IOP), blood pressure (BP), and blood glucose (BG) levels in adults. The increasing prevalence of these metabolic and ocular disorders highlights the need for safer, affordable, and accessible interventions, particularly in resource-limited settings. A prospective cross-sectional experimental study was conducted among 182 normotensive adults aged 25–60 years at the University of Benin. Participants received standardized single oral doses of Sorghum bicolor, Hibiscus sabdariffa, and their combination on separate days. Baseline and fourhour post-administration measurements of IOP, BP, and BG were obtained and analyzed using paired t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVA at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results showed that both Sorghum bicolor and Hibiscus sabdariffa significantly reduced IOP and BG levels (p < 0.05) but had no significant effect on systolic or diastolic BP after acute administration. The combined extract produced a modest additional reduction in diastolic BP and IOP, though no synergistic effect was observed for BG lowering compared to individual extracts. These findings provide scientific support for the ethnomedical use of these botanicals in promoting ocular and metabolic health. However, their antihypertensive benefits may require prolonged administration or may be more pronounced in hypertensive individuals. The study concludes that Sorghum bicolor and Hibiscus sabdariffa are safe, culturally acceptable, and potentially beneficial adjuncts for improving glycemic control and reducing glaucoma risk in resource-limited populations. Further research should explore chronic effects, optimal dosing, mechanisms of action, and their possible integration into public health strategies.

Soy milk, sometimes referred to as soybean milk, a staple of the Asian diet is a plant-based beverage made by crushing, boiling, and soaking soybeans, the leftovers are then filtered to create a smooth liquid. However, because of its affordability, growing awareness of its health advantages, and improved public acceptance particularly among those who wish to reduce their intake of animal products its consumption ratio has been rising in other areas. It is also a component of other goods such dressing, soy cheese, and soy yoghurt. Among those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to cow’s milk proteins, it is one of the most popular dairy substitutes consumed globally. Soymilk samples were collected from five major locations; Boundary, Newton, Edo Street, JB, and Backgate and analyzed using standard microbiological methods for total heterotrophic and coliform counts, as well as for the isolation and identification of bacterial species. The total bacterial counts ranged from 1.095 × 10⁷ to 9.5 × 10⁷ CFU/ml, while total coliform counts ranged from 1.0 × 10⁶ to 2.3 × 10⁷ CFU/ml, indicating a high microbial load exceeding recommended limits for ready-to-drink beverages. Three bacterial species were consistently isolated across all samples: Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Antimicrobial testing showed that chitosan exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones ranging from 21 mm to 50.5 mm. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most susceptible (MIC = 6.25 µg/ml; MBC = 12.5 µg/ml), while Bacillus subtilis showed the least sensitivity (MIC = 12.5 µg/ml; MBC = 25 µg/ml). These findings reveal significant microbial contamination of locally sold soymilk due to poor hygiene and handling practices and demonstrate the potential of chitosan as a natural biopreservative to enhance the microbial safety and shelf life of soy-based beverages. The study emphasizes the need for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems among local soymilk producers to safeguard public health.

Diabetes is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia or elevated blood sugar proven to be a major health problem. This study was aimed at evaluating in vitro inhibitory activities of methanol, n-hexane, dichloromethane, and aqueous extracts of Canavalia ensiformis seed on alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase at varying concentrations. Extraction of methanol, n-hexane, dichloromethane and aqueous extracts of Canavalia ensiformis seed was carried out in this study. Phytochemical screening of the extracts of Canavalia ensiformis seed was carried out using standard methods. Dichloromethane and n- hexane extracts of Canavalia ensiformis seed were used for GC-MS analysis. Five different concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80, 100µg/ml) of each extract were used in this experiment. The standard drug acarbose was prepared using the same concentration range. The alpha amylase inhibition assay showed that the methanol with IC50 value of 13.03 µg/mL was the most potent in inhibiting alpha amylase while for the alpha glucosidase inhibition assay it was the aqueous extract with IC50 value of 43.78 µg/mL when compared to the other extracts. The Phytochemical screening results of methanol, n-hexane, dichloromethane and aqueous extracts of C. ensiformis seed revealed the presence of starch, glycosides, terpenoids, saponins, alkaloids, and phenols. GC-MS analysis of dichloromethane extract showed the presence of anti-diabetic compounds such as n-Hexadecanoic acid, 3-Eicosene and p-xylene. The results obtained in this study indicate that the extract of the C. ensiformis possesses alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase inhibitory activities, thus supporting the traditional use of C. ensiformis seed extract by traditional healers for management of type II diabetes. In addition, the alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase activities of C. ensiformis seed extracts observed in this study, may be one of the mechanisms of action of the seed in reducing elevated blood glucose levels as observed in diabetes mellitus.

The study investigated the sub-chronic effects of methanol leaf extract of Anthocleista grandiflora on the weekly body weight and organ weight indices of Wistar rats. A. grandiflora, commonly known as the Giant African Cabbage Tree, is widely used in African traditional medicine for treating malaria, liver disorders, and metabolic diseases. Despite its extensive ethnomedicinal applications, limited toxicological data exist regarding its long-term physiological effects. Fresh leaves of A. grandiflora were extracted with methanol, and twenty male Wistar rats were orally administered graded doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg body weight for 28 days, with a control group receiving distilled water. Weekly body weight measurements and post-treatment organ weights (liver, kidneys, heart, spleen, and testes) were recorded. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA with significance at p ≤ 0.05. Results showed no significant adverse effect on body or organ weights across all doses compared to control, suggesting that the methanol extract did not induce major systemic toxicity under the experimental conditions. The observed stable weight progression and normal organ-to-body weight ratios indicate a relatively safe toxicological profile of A. grandiflora at the tested doses. The findings support its ethnomedicinal use and provide baseline data for further biochemical and histopathological safety evaluations.

This study evaluated the effect of methanol leaf extract of Anthocleista grandiflora on lipid profile parameters in Wistar rats following 28 days of sub-chronic oral administration. The plant commonly known as the “Giant African Cabbage Tree,” has long been used in traditional medicine for managing fever, jaundice, and metabolic disorders. Despite its wide ethnomedicinal use, scientific validation of its lipid-modulating potential remains limited. Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of five animals each. The control group received distilled water, while the experimental groups were administered 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 800 mg/kg of methanol leaf extract daily for 28 days. Serum samples were analyzed for total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) using standard spectrophotometric methods. The results showed no statistically significant (p > 0.05) differences between treated and control groups for all lipid parameters. Mean cholesterol values ranged from 78.00 ± 3.07 to 85.60 ± 3.28 mg/dL, triglycerides from 77.60 ± 4.52 to 90.00 ± 8.83 mg/dL, HDL from 24.20 ± 0.97 to 27.60 ± 1.36 mg/dL, and LDL from 34.20 ± 4.98 to 43.60 ± 3.85 mg/dL. The slight elevation in HDL with a concurrent reduction in LDL at higher doses indicates a potential cardioprotective and hypolipidaemic effect of the extract. These findings suggest that A. grandiflora did not disrupt lipid metabolism but may support lipid balance through its antioxidant phytochemicals such as flavonoids, saponins, and phenolics. Overall, the methanol leaf extract of A. grandiflora demonstrated safety and mild lipid-regulating potential during sub-chronic exposure, validating its traditional use in promoting cardiovascular and metabolic health

The growing resistance of pathogenic bacteria to commonly used antibiotics has stimulated renewed global interest in medicinal plants as alternative sources of antimicrobial agents. One such plant, Ocimum gratissimum (commonly known as scent leaf), has long been utilized in traditional medicine due to its therapeutic properties. This study investigated the antibacterial activity of scent leaf extracts against selected bacterial pathogens. Fresh leaves of Ocimum gratissimum were procured, air-dried, and ground into powder. The powdered material was extracted using ethanol and distilled water to obtain ethanolic and aqueous extracts, respectively. The antibacterial effects of these extracts were evaluated against clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, obtained from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, using the agar well diffusion technique in accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Phytochemical analysis of both extracts confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins in varying concentrations, with the ethanolic extract exhibiting a higher abundance of these bioactive compounds. Antibacterial testing revealed a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect for both extracts, with reduced activity observed at lower concentrations. However, the ethanolic extract demonstrated superior antibacterial efficacy, producing inhibition zones of up to 15 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and 12 mm against Pseudomonas species at a concentration of 100 mg/mL. In contrast, the aqueous extract showed moderate activity, with inhibition zones ranging between 10 mm and 12 mm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the ethanolic extract was determined to be 50 mg/mL for S. aureus, E. coli, and Pseudomonas, while Klebsiella species required 100 mg/mL for inhibition. For the aqueous extract, MIC values were only observed at 100 mg/mL for E. coli and Pseudomonas. Furthermore, the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the ethanolic extract was 50 mg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas, and 100 mg/mL for E. coli, whereas Klebsiella species exhibited only bacteriostatic response. The aqueous extract showed bactericidal activity only against Pseudomonas at 100 mg/mL. Overall, the results indicate that Ocimum gratissimum possesses notable antibacterial properties, particularly when extracted with ethanol. These findings validate its traditional medicinal use and suggest its potential application in the development of plant-based antimicrobial agents.