FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCE

The rising global population, expected to surpass 9 billion by 2050, has intensified the need for sustainable animal protein sources. Traditional livestock and aquaculture feeds, such as fishmeal and fish oil, pose ecological and economic challenges, necessitating alternative protein solutions. This study evaluated the potential of Hermetia illucens (Black Soldier Fly Larvae, BSFL) as a sustainable feed alternative by examining the effects of groundnut and watermelon household waste on their growth performance. The experiment utilized three dietary treatments: groundnut, watermelon, and a 1:1 mixture of both. Growth parameters, including weight gain, food conversion ratio (FCR), and proximate compositions were assessed. Results show that larvae fed the mixed diet exhibited the highest weight gain (59.33g) and the most efficient FCR (3.37), compared to groundnut (21.67g, FCR = 9.23) and watermelon (10.67g, FCR = 18.74). Proximate analysis reveals that groundnut provides higher protein (6.88%) and fat (5.67%), while watermelon contributes moisture (33.98%) but lower macronutrient levels. It was found that the mixture of watermelon and groundnut was the best diet for feeding H.illucens larva. The lowest food conversion ratio (3.37) of mixture indicates food utilization efficiency. Proximate analysis disclosed higher value for Fat, Ash, Crude fiber, Protein and Carbohydrate (Ash 0.07, 0.32, 0.56 and 0.81) respectively. In summary, the mixture of watermelon and groundnut is appears to be a better food for raising H.illucens larva.

Estuarine ecosystems in industrial regions like the Niger Delta face increasing threats from pollution, habitat loss, and biological stress, highlighting the need for integrated environmental assessments. This study assessed the ecological and biological integrity of the Ubeji axis of the Warri River, Delta State by combining physicochemical and biological data with multivariate and environmental risk analyses. Sampling was from April to December 2024 and focused on water and sediment quality, heavy metal levels, and biological responses of five Macrobrachium species: M. macrobrachion, M. rosenbergii, M. vollenhovenii, M. equidens, and M. dux. Physicochemical parameters such as Water Temperature, pH, Electric Conductivity were measured in situ while heavy metals were tested for in the Laboratory using standard analytical methods. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) were used to examine species–environment relationships. Pollution levels and ecological risks were evaluated using Contamination Factor (CF), Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), Enrichment Factor (EF), Pollution Load Index (PLI), and Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI). The Distribution coefficient (Kd) was calculated to ascertain the bioavailability of the metals. Results revealed clear seasonal variability in surface water quality driven by rainfall and anthropogenic inputs. Dissolved oxygen (3.85–4.50 mg/L) remained below WHO, US EPA, and FMev thresholds, while pH, conductivity, and nutrients stayed within acceptable limits. Strong and species-dependent Pearson correlations demonstrated that sediment is the dominant exposure route for all Macrobrachium species. Iron (Fe) showed strong correlations in M. rosenbergii (r = 0.722, p < 0.05), M. vollenhovenii (r = 0.989, p < 0.001), and M. equidens (r = 0.661, p < 0.05), while M. macrobrachion showed a weak, non-significant association (r = 0.181, p > 0.05). Zinc (Zn) correlated significantly only in M. vollenhovenii (r = 0.917, p < 0.001); correlations in M. macrobrachion (r = 0.547, p > 0.05), M. rosenbergii (r = 0.131, p > 0.05), and M. equidens (r = 0.491, p > 0.05) were weak or non-significant. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) explained 79.88% of species–environment variation, identifying sediment texture and metal loading as the main ecological drivers. Distribution coefficients (Kd) showed strong sediment retention for chromium (55) and iron (66.89) in June, while cadmium remained predominantly mobile across months. Risk indices revealed ultra-high enrichment for cadmium (EF > 5), though the geo-accumulation index indicated sediments were unpolluted (Igeo < 0). The Pollution Load Index remained low (PLI = 0.103), and ecological risk assessment showed cadmium posed the highest but still low overall ecological risk (mean PERI = 45.67). In conclusion, the river maintains good ecological integrity with low metal contamination, but cadmium enrichment signals early anthropogenic influence. Although sediments are currently unpolluted, continuous monitoring is recommended to prevent future ecological impairment.

Medicinal plants have long served as a vital source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential against a wide range of microbial pathogens. The increasing incidence of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria has renewed scientific interest in exploring plant-derived compounds as alternative antimicrobial agents. Mimosa pudica (commonly known as the “Sensitive Plant” or “Touch-Me-Not”) is a medicinal herb traditionally used in folk medicine for its reported antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. This study evaluated the phytochemical constituents and antibacterial activity of hot and cold water extracts of Mimosa pudica against three clinically significant bacterial isolates: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, and tannins, while terpenoids and glycosides were absent. Tannins were moderately present (++) in both extracts, suggesting their possible contribution to the plant’s antimicrobial potential. The antibacterial assay demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibitory effects against all test organisms. The cold extract exhibited higher antibacterial activity than the hot extract, with Staphylococcus aureus showing a maximum zone of inhibition of 26.00 ± 5.29 mm at 2000 mg/ml, compared to 8.00 ± 5.29 mm for the hot extract. Similarly, the cold extract showed superior inhibition against Escherichia coli (27.33 ± 6.11 mm) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18.67 ± 7.57 mm) at the highest concentration. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values revealed that Staphylococcus aureus was most susceptible to the cold extract (80 mg/ml), whereas Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited the least susceptibility (175 mg/ml for both extracts). The Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) results indicated that both extracts were bacteriostatic rather than bactericidal at the tested concentrations (2000 mg/ml). Comparative antibiotic sensitivity tests showed that the bacterial isolates displayed varying degrees of resistance and susceptibility to standard antibiotics, underscoring the need for effective plant-based alternatives. Overall, the findings demonstrate that Mimosa pudica possesses promising antibacterial activity, particularly in its cold water extract, likely due to the presence of tannins, saponins, and flavonoids. These results support the traditional use of Mimosa pudica in herbal medicine and suggest its potential as a natural source of antimicrobial compounds for combating bacterial infections, especially those caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens. x

Microbiological quality is of importance to public health as it directly relates to spoilage of fish and food poisoning. This study was aimed at evaluating bacteria isolates from smoked fish sold in various location in Ekosodin. The bacterial isolates were characterized and identified using morphological and biochemical methods. The percentage distribution and frequency of the isolates were evaluated using statistical method. From the result obtained in this study, the total heterotrophic bacterial count ranged from 3.22±1.5 log10cfu/g to 4.550228±1.00 log10cfu/g. Using the cultural, morphological and biochemical test results, the bacterial isolates obtained in this study were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella sp, Enterobacter sp, Pseudomonas sp and Shigella sp The frequent of the bacterial isolation showed that E.coil has the highest percentage of 30%. The bacteria is obtained from this study were all susceptible to few antibiotics namely perfloxacin,, amoxicillin, rocephin and ciprofloxacin but were resistant to ampiclox, zinnacef, sulfamethoxazole and gentamicin. In conclusion, this study has revealed that the level of microbial contamination of dry fish roducts could either be environmentally dependent. It also revealed fish contamination is a problem and consumption of uncooked smoked fish can be hazardous and should be avoided.

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.