FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCE

This study investigates the effect of Phyllanthus amarus leaf extract on apoptotic and cytokine activity in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon carcinoma in Swiss albino rats. Colon cancer remains a major global health burden, and the exploration of plant-derived bioactive compounds for safer chemoprevention has gained increasing attention. Phyllanthus amarus, a medicinal plant known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, was evaluated for its potential to mitigate colon carcinogenesis. Colon cancer was induced in rats through subcutaneous administration of DMH (20 mg/kg body weight) once weekly for 10 weeks. Experimental groups received oral doses of ethanol leaf extract of P. amarus at concentrations of 250, 350 and 450 mg/kg body weight throughout the treatment period. Biochemical, histological, and molecular assessments were performed to determine oxidative stress status, apoptotic activity, and cytokine modulation. Treatment with P. amarus significantly decreased oxidative stress by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, and reducing lipid peroxidation levels. Histopathological analysis revealed restoration of normal colon tissue architecture and reduced dysplasia in treated rats compared to the DMH control group. Molecular findings showed that P. amarus extract enhanced apoptosis by upregulating the expression of caspase-3 and caspase-9, while downregulating the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Furthermore, cytokine assays demonstrated that P. amarus modulated inflammatory signaling by lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and elevating the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. These outcomes indicate that P. amarus confers chemoprotective effects through suppression of oxidative damage, activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway via caspase-9 and caspase-3, and regulation of cytokine balance

The interaction between plant fibers and digestive enzymes is a critical aspect of gastrointestinal physiology, and plant fibers from traditional medicinal plants have attracted attention for their potential effects on digestive processes and metabolic health. However, the specific effects of Irvingia gabonensis (bush mango), Hunteria umbellata (osu), and Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) fibers on key small intestinal enzymes in a mammalian model are not fully elucidated. This study, therefore, investigated the effects of these plant fibers on the activities of disaccharidases (maltase, lactase, sucrase) and alkaline phosphatase, as well as total protein content and body weight, in the small intestinal mucosa of Wistar rats. Fifty-four (54) male wistar rats were divided into nine (9) groups of six (6) animals each, Control 1- fiber-free group, Control 2 Fybogel 1.5 %, Fybogel 3.0 %, Bush mango 5.0 %, Bush mango 10.0 %, Okra 5.0 %, Okra 10.0 %, Osu 5.0 %, and Osu 10.0 %. The animals were fed formulated diets containing different concentrations of each plant fiber for 36 days. The primary data collected were measurements of enzymatic activity, total protein content, and body weight gain. Enzyme activities (maltase, lactase, sucrase, and alkaline phosphatase) were assessed using spectrophotometric assays on the small intestinal mucosal homogenates. Statistical analysis was performed to determine significant variations in enzymatic activity, total protein, and body weight gain across the different dietary groups, with a threshold of p < 0.05 defining statistical significance. The findings demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) variations in enzymatic activity and metabolic parameters across the fiber-supplemented groups. Lactase activity was significantly elevated (122% increase) in the I. gabonensis 10.0 g group but significantly reduced by both doses of A. esculentus and the H. umbellata 10.0 g dose. Sucrase activity was consistently reduced across all plant fiber treatments, with H. umbellata showing the greatest reduction (44% decrease). Notably, alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly (p < 0.05) elevated in all fiber-supplemented diets compared to the fiber-free control (ranging from 105% to 353% increase). All plant fibers also significantly (p < 0.05) increased total protein content (up to 76% increase) and significantly (p < 0.05) reduced body weight gain (up to 35% decrease) compared to the control. These results suggested that supplementation with these plant fibers significantly modulated intestinal enzyme xi activities and influenced metabolic processes. The significant alterations in enzyme activities and weight control highlighted the potential therapeutic benefits of I. gabonensis, H. umbellata, and A. esculentus fibers in improving gastrointestinal health and metabolic function.

This study evaluated the comparative effects of standard pharmacotherapy (Lisinopril/Glibenclamide) and an aqueous extract combination of Cleome rutidosperma and Hunteria umbellata on metabolic and cardiovascular parameters in hypertensive/diabetic rats. The hypertensive/diabetic rats showed reduced body weight, elevated fasting blood glucose, and increased blood pressure indices confirming disease induction. Treatment with Lisinopril/Glibenclamide significantly restored body weight and normalized blood glucose and blood pressure. The plant extract also improved these parameters, with a more pronounced effect on weight gain, moderate glucose lowering, and significant reductions in systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures. Cardiovascular autonomic function was improved as indicated by heart rate stabilization. Lipid profile analysis revealed that, while standard therapy unexpectedly increased total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, the combined Cleome/Hunteria extract markedly improved lipid profiles by reducing total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and eliminating detectable VLDL levels, while significantly increasing HDL cholesterol. These results suggest that the plant extract may modulate lipid metabolism more effectively than standard drugs. Overall, the findings demonstrate that Cleome rutidosperma and Hunteria umbellata aqueous extract exert beneficial effects on anthropometric, glycemic, hemodynamic, and lipid parameters in hypertensive/diabetic rats. This suggests potential cardiometabolic protective properties via biochemical pathways involving glucose homeostasis, vascular tone regulation, and lipid metabolism. Further mechanistic and clinical investigations are warranted to confirm its therapeutic viability. This summary aligns with literature reporting reduced body weight gain in hypertensive and diabetic rat models due to metabolic derangement and catabolism. The plant extract’s enhancement of body weight may reflect improved anabolic state and nutrient utilization, while its lipid-lowering effect suggests modulation of lipoprotein metabolism enzymes.

Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are leading global health concerns with increasing prevalence and significant morbidity. The comorbidity of these conditions exacerbates complications, necessitating novel therapeutic interventions. Simarouba glauca, a medicinal plant with reported antihypertensive and antidiabetic properties, was investigated for its potential ameliorative effects on these conditions. This study assessed the comparative effects of hydro-methanol and acetone extracts of Simarouba glauca on gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity in L- NAME/streptozotocin-induced hypertensive/diabetic male Wistar rats. Fifty-two male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups, including normotensive/non-diabetic controls, hypertensive/diabetic controls, and treatment groups receiving either hydro-methanol or acetone extracts at 50 mg/kg body weight. Hypertension and diabetes were induced using L- NAME (40 mg/kg) and streptozotocin (50 mg/kg), respectively. Plasma and liver GGT activity were measured spectrophotometrically after a 28-day treatment period. The hypertensive/diabetic control group exhibited significantly elevated liver GGT activity (14.282 ± 3.828 U/L) compared to normotensive/non-diabetic controls (4.632 ± 0.00 U/L), indicating hepatic stress. The hydro-methanol extract resulted in a two-fold increase in plasma GGT (4.632 ± 0.00 U/L), while the acetone extract caused a more modest rise (2.6055 ± 0.500
U/L). The acetone extract demonstrated a hepatoprotective effect, reducing liver GGT activity to 11.895 ± 1.799 U/L, whereas the hydro-methanol extract did not significantly ameliorate hepatic
stress.

The study was designed to assess the concentrations of zinc and chromiumin some commercially available green and Black sold teas they include Lipton, Top tea, Richmond tea, Cinnamon Tea and Natural green tea within Benin City, Nigeria. Five of the most popular brands among consumers were purchased in the open market. They were digested, infused (coldandhot) and analyzed for their heavy metal content using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The heavy metal concentration varied among the different brands of tea in the study. In the tea samples zinc concentration ranged between 35mg/ kg to 70mg/kg while chromium gave the lowest value of 0.65mg/kg and maximum concentration of 22mg/kg. The cold and hot infusion samples revealed very low concentrations of both zinc and chromium (most of them below detectable limits) ranging between 0.03 mg/l to 0.10 mg/l. In conclusion, the risk of heavy metal exposure via the consumption of these tea is low, with no significant health implications to consumers and thus does not pose a threat to food safety.

The safety and microbiological quality of ready-to-eat (RTE) foods are essential to ensuring public health, particularly in institutional environments such as universities, where large populations rely on convenient food options. This study evaluated the bacteriological quality of selected RTE foods sold in restaurants within the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. Food samples analyzed over two weeks included Moi Moi (Bean Pudding), Fried Rice, White Rice, Egusi Soup, and Yam and Plantain Sauce. The Total Viable Bacterial Count (TVC) of the food samples ranged from 2.3 ± 0.30 × 10⁵ cfu/g to 5.1 ± 0.28 × 10⁵ cfu/g in Week 1 and 2.1 ± 0.18 × 10⁵ cfu/g to 4.7 ± 0.30 × 10⁵ cfu/g in Week 2, indicating a significant microbial load that could pose potential health risks. Cultural, morphological, and biochemical analyses were conducted to identify the bacterial contaminants in the food samples. The bacterial isolates identified included Escherichia coli, Bacillus sp., Proteus sp., Citrobacter sp., Staphylococcus sp., and Enterobacter sp. Among these, Staphylococcus sp. was the most prevalent, with the highest percentage occurrence across all food samples. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed on the isolates using a panel of commonly used antibiotics, including Cefotaxime, Ampicillin, Ofloxacin, Cefixime, Gentamicin, Levofloxacin, Cefuroxime, Imipenem, Nitrofurantoin, and Nalidixic Acid. The results showed varying levels of resistance and susceptibility, with certain isolates exhibiting multidrug resistance.

The study of the fungi associated with leaf spot disease of P. guajava (guava) was conducted in order to compare the radial mycelial growth of the isolated fungi on both potato dextrose agar (PDA) and corn meal agar (CMA). Fungi associated with the diseased guava leaves were isolated using the direct plating method while the radial mycelial growth of the isolated fungi was done using radial mycelial measurement technique. Pestalotia psidii and L. theobromae were identified as the fungi associated with the diseased guava leaves. Cultural description shows P. psidii to form whitish to grey mycelium with sparse black sporulation on PDA but grows very slowly on CMA with rarely visible mycelial growth on the culture plate. Lasiodioplodia theobromae on the other hand developed cottony mycelia that transition from white to black as the colony matures on PDA and produces less whitish to dark, septate mycelia on CMA which barely turns black as the colony matures. The results the radial mycelial growth of P. psidii and L .theobromae on corn meal agar shows an increase in the average mycelial growth of P. psidii from 3.25cm on day 3 to 5.20cm on day 7 while L. theobromae was observed to increase from 3.63cm on day 3 to 5.63cm on day 7. On PDA the average mycelial growth of P. psidii increases from 5.05cm on day 3 to 8.5cm on day 7 while L. theobromae was observed to increase from 3.90cm on day 3 to 7.45cm on day 7. Findings of this study has shown P. psidii and L. theobromae to be the major fungi associated with leaf spot disease of guava leaves and also shown the growth medium PDA to be more suitable for the in vitro radial mycelial growth study of P. psidii and L. theobromae.

In this study, prevalence of enteric bacteria in ready to eat suya and antibacterial activity of Tetrapleura tetraptera pod extract was carried out. The aim of this research was to isolate enteric bacteria from suya meats and determine the antibacterial potential of T. tetraptera against enteric bacteria. Standard microbiological methods were used to determine the total heterotrophic bacteria and coliform count of the suya samples using pour plate methods. Ethanolic extraction of pod of Tetrapleura tetraptera was done. The result of this study showed the total heterotrophic bacteria count (Log10 Cfu/g) ranged between 3.00±3.00 to 5.455606±2.50 (Log10 Cfu/g) while Total Coliform Count ranged from 3.00±0.50 to 4.921686±1.00 (Log10 Cfu/g). The bacterial
isolates isolated were Morgenella sp, Enterobacter sp, Pseudomonas sp, E. coli, Klebsiella sp and Bacillus sp. Phytochemicals screening showed the presence of saponin, te penoids, phenol, glycoside and alkanoids. Antibacterial screening showed that Tetrapleura tetraptera pod extracts possessed antibacterial activities against the test isolates with Klebsiella sp. Having 33.67mm for 100mg/ml while the minimum zone was recorded in Escherichia coli with 6.33mm for 75mg/ml concentration of extract. This finding also suggests good antibacterial potential of the pod extracts of Gum tree

Spices are food supplements or food products commonly used as flavouring and colouring agents, preservatives and/or herbs in folk medicine. Murraya koenigii (Linn, Spreng), (Family-Rutaceae) is a type of spice commonly called Curry leaves found in tropical and sub-tropical region and cultivated in China, Australia and Nigeria. It known as efirin oso in Yoruba and marugbo sanyan in Hausa. The aim of this study was to access the antibacterial activities of Murraya koenigii against Salmonella and Shigella species. Samples of commercial Murraya koenigii leaves were analysed and their phytochemical, phytocomponents and proximate components were assayed using standadrd methods. Also antibacterial activities of the olant extracts were investigated using well-in-agar diffusion methods. Data obtained for the different parameters were subjected to statistical analysis using the analysis of variance. The results of the phytochemical analysis revealed the presence flavonoid (8.81 ± 0.09 mg/100g), tannins (20.28 ± 0.53 mg/100g) and phenolic (44.83 ± 1.18 mg/100g) in aqueous extracts and flavonoid (67.1 ± 0.49 mg/100g), tannins (55.5 ± 1.98 mg/100g) and phenolic (68.0 ± 1.40 mg/100g) in ethanolic extract. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry confirmed the presence of Dodocanoic acid (0.40%), Tridecanoic acid (0.69%), Decanoic acid (0.29%), Tetramethyl-2- hexadecon-1-01 (1.65%), ctadecanoic acid (0.45%), Hexadecanoic acid (1.04%), Phthalic acid (1.14%), n-Hexadecanoic acid (29.6%), Hexadecanol (3.35%), acconic acid (6.23%), Octacosane (2.78%), Squalene (2.52%), Tetratetracontane (3.18%) and Cholesterol (1.57%). Zone of inhibition of the aqueous leave extract of Murraya koenigii on Salmonella sp and Shigella sp ranged from 0.10 ± 0.00 - 1.37 ± 0.03mm while zone of ethanolic extract ranged from 0.10 ± 0.00 - 1.67 ± 0.03mm respectively. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration ranged from 9.17 ± 2.20 - 45.0 ± 2.88 mg/ml for aqueous extract and 15.0 ± 7.64 - 90.0 ± 5.77 mg/ml for ethanolic extract. inimum actericidal Concentration (MBC) were negative in both aqueous and ethanolic extracts. The proximate analysis revealed the presence of Moisture (8.69 ± 0.52 %), Protein (19.73 ± 0.30%), Ash (1.95 ± 0.00 %), Fibre (4.31 ± 0.29 %), Lipid (6.53 ± 0.50 %) and carbohydrate (43.48 ± 1.72%). Shigella sp and Salmonella sp were resistant to septrin, ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin and perfloxacin and susceptible to sparfloxacin, augmentin and gentamycin with Salmonella sp having the highest multiple antibiotic resistance index of 0.5. The isolates were found to harbor plasmids. Plasmid profile of the bacterial isolates after curing showed that Shigella sp was totally cured while presence of visible bands was observed for Salmonella sp. signifying inherent resistance to antibiotics. The antibacterial activities observed in Murraya koenigii leaves extract is due to the presence of phytochemicals. The use of Murraya koenigii in folk medicine is therefore recommended

Anemia is a medical condition in which the concentration of circulating red blood cells is less than 13g/dL for males and 12g/dL for female adults. The leaves of Dennettia tripetala (DT) and Cola acuminata (CA) have been used to manage anemiain adults and children by herbal practitioners. This study compared the anti-anemic effects of Dennettia tripetala and Cola acuminata methanol leaf extracts on phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced hemolytic anemia in albino Wistar rats. The study was divided into four phases. In Phase I, nutritional and mineral
composition, qualitative and quantitative phytochemical content, In vitro antioxidant capacity, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) were carried out in accordance with standard methods. In Phase II, acute and subacute toxicity of each extract was determined. In Phase III, the effect of each extract on biochemical parameters for kidney, liver and splenic functions were ascertained. Histology of bone marrow, kidney, liver and spleen and hematological parameters were also determined. In Phase IV, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for mRNA expression levels of IREG, HO-1, DMT-IRE and TFR1 genes in the liver and spleen was determined. Proximate analysis reveal that both leaf extracts contain substantial amounts of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, fibre and ash, with low moisture content. Minerals present are phosphorus, calcium, sodium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and potassium. Qualitative phytochemical and HPLC analysis reveal appreciable amounts of cardiac glycosides, saponins, alkaloids, terpenoids, coumarins, tannins, phenols, amino acids, and reducing sugars. Steroids were sparingly present, while flavonoids were abundant. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of terpenoids, hydrocarbons and fatty acids. Invitro anti-oxidant analysis indicates that CA scavenged DPPH radical better thanDT. However, DT had a higher total antioxidant capacity than CA. Acute toxicity studies show that both extracts had LD50 values >5,000 mg/kg body weight, with no mortality. Sub-acute toxicity revealed modulation of biochemical and hematological parameters. The effective dose of DT and CA against PHZ toxicity were 1,500 and 500mg/kg body weight, respectively. Administration of DT and CA resulted in significant (p<0.05) improvement of antioxidant status, biochemical indices and hematological parameters when compared with the negative control.