FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

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

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

The study accessed and documented plants used by Igbanke people. The study area was delimited into 6 sites which were selected using the geographical assortment of the villages found in the community. The 6 sites where within the following villages Omolua, Ottah, Idumuodin, Ake, Olije, and Igbontor. Within the six site three areas where randomly selected for sampling. A reconnaissance visit was first made to the sample area and questionnaire were administered to key informants. Data collected via questionnaire were retrieved from the informants and analyzed quantitatively and documented. Descriptive statistics was used
to present the results using Microsoft Excel 2019. A total of 70 (Seventy) plant species from 33 families were observed in the sampled area. This number comprises 49 (72%) cultivated
and 21 (31%) semi-wild. Among these plants, life form observed include herbaceous life from 26 (38%), 13 (18.0%) shrub, 24 (35.0%) trees and 6 (9.0%) climbers. Omolua and Ottah had the highest diversity of plant species. Solanaceae was the most dominant, comprising seven species, reflecting its significance in both symbolic and practical contexts, including use as food, medicine, and in spiritual offerings. This was followed by Euphorbiaceae, Rutaceae and Malvaceae with six species; Dioscoreaceae had four; Poaceae had three species and others had two and one species. About 80% of the plants had food use while 20% had non food use is the study area. The group of fruits and nuts included 25% of the species which was the highest use. This This was closely followed by Medicinal and Vegetable use accounting for 14% each. 9% of the species were used for traditional worship and other cultural / deity. while 6% of the species were used as Roots and tubers. It is recommended that further studies be carried out in different locations in other to enhance conservation efforts globally.

This study was aimed at assessing the effects of diesel on the growth and morphology of Eichhornia crassipes. Samples of Eichhornia crassipes were collected from Ologbo pond, Edo State, Nigeria. Diesel was purchased at the Faculty of Agriculture Cooperative gas station, University of Benin, Benin city. The plants were then exposed to different concentration of 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% (v/v ) and 0% control. Parameters used in the study include plant height, root length, stolon length, number of leaves, chlorophyll content, stolon girth, leaf diameter and determination of fresh and dry weight. Using three replicates per treatment, the plants were exposed to all concentration for 8 days. The results showed that all morphological parameters had a low mean value as compared to control, which shows that diesel was dentrimental to the plant. The effects were concentration dependent. The leaves of the test plants also showed changes in morphology. Chlorotic and necrotic lesions were noticed on the adaxial and abaxial surface. Further research should be carried to better understand the effects of diesel on E. crassipes and other aquatic macrophytes. Also adequate measures should be put in place to avoid pollution of the environment with diesel. Early response should be ensured in the case of diesel oil spillage in order to reduce the duration of exposure of ecosystems to oil pollution.

Fruits are consumed by humans as a source of nutrients which also harbour microorganisms. If not checked can lead to food spoilage. This study was aimed at investigating fungal load in
mixed fruit salads sold in Benin City metropolis. Samples of mixed fruit salads were
purchased from New Benin, Ring road, Uselu and Ugbowo areas all in Benin metropolis Edo
State and transported to the laboratory for investigation. The fruits were store at room
temperature (28+2
oC) and refrigeration temperature (4+2
oC) as control. Samples were stored
for 10 d and Fungal analysis was conducted periodically after every 2h. Samples were
cultured on potato dextrose agar medium. Changes in pH during storage was determined. Results revealed total heterotrophic fungal counts of samples stored at room temperature, (RT)
ranging from 3.50 ± 1.50 x 10
1 cfu/g (CONTROL) - 17.00 ± 1.00 x 10
1 cfu/g (UGBOWO). Samples kept under refrigeration/cool temperature, CT, (4
oC), revealed the total heterotrophic
fungal count to range from 0.50 ± 0.50 x 10
1 cfu/g (CONTROL) - 8.50 ± 0.50 x 10
1 cfu/g
(RINGROAD). The identified fungi isolates were Rhizopus spp, Penicillium spp, Aspergillus
niger and Fusanum spp. The isolate with highest frequency of occurrence was Rhizopus spp
(40%) while the lowest was Fusarium spp (10%). The presence of these fungi in the
investigated fruit salads suggests the need for stricter hygiene and quality measures and
practices to be adopted by fruit salad vendors, and enforced by relevant authority to prevent
transmission of diseases and illnesses by potentially pathogenic fungi.

immunocompromised patients. Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans is found mainly in temperate climates and is often isolated from pigeon droppings. It is the causative agent of Cryptococcosis and is believed to arise after inhalation of yeast cells or basidiospores from environmental sources. For the purpose of this research, two strains of Cryptococcus neoformans; one clinical FBC and one environmental NBM5 were selected and confirmed using urease medium, based on their melanin production on Niger seed agar and ability to grow at 37oC. An antifungal susceptibility test was carried out on the clinical and the environmental isolates using Fluconazole as the antibiotic agent. Fluconazole is an antifungal therapeutic agent used in the treatment of Cryptococcosis. Responses of both isolates to Fluconazole showed similar results. Both isolates were also subjected to environmental stressors using sodium nitrate (NaNO2) to induce nitrosative stress and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce oxidative stress. The response of both isolates to this environmental stressors were similar. The selected isolates; clinical isolates FBC and environmental isolates NBM5 were determined to be of the same mating types based on their responses to antifungal susceptibility test and environmental tressors. DNA was isolated from both strains for detailed genetic analysis in the near future. This study provides new insights into how the mating type can greatly influence responses of Cryptococcus neoformans to genetic and environmental factors. Thus, serve as a possible instrument for further study of the genetics of C. neoformans.

Heavy metal content was determined by analyzing water samples taken from Ebira camp, Akoko Edo Local Government, Edo state. In all, ten samples were taken at ten distinct Ebira camp sampling sites. With the aid of the Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS), the samples were
examined and tested for five distinct heavy metals: iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni). The average concentrations of these heavy metals are 1.0384, 0.5362, 0.2975, 0.0376, and 0.0244 mg/l for Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Ni, respectively. The acquired results
were compared to the 2011 WHO standard, which corresponds to Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Ni values of 0.3, 1.0, 2.0, 0.1, and 0.1, respectively. With the exception of iron, which has a mean iron content higher than the WHO guideline, the results indicated that the concentration of heavy metals in the area was generally lower than levels permitted by the WHO. The possibility exists that an excessive amount of iron in the groundwater could promote the growth of bacteria responsible for the foul smell. Geospatial analysis of the gathered data was done using geographic information system (GIS) software. Maps showing pollution concentrations and patterns of spatial distribution were produced using spatial interpolation techniques (kringing or inverse distance weighting).
According to the heavy metals' spatial distribution map, manganese (Mn) levels varied greatly throughout the region, with the eastern and northeastern regions exhibiting the highest values. According to the nickel concentration map, the region's southwest is where the concentration of
nickel increases most unevenly. The zinc content of the water rose non-uniformly from the community center to the boundary, according to the spatial distribution map of zinc. The spatial distribution map of copper reveals that the amount of copper in groundwater rose unevenly from
the region's center to its borders, with the community's center having the lowest level of copper and the region's northeastern regions having the highest copper value. The spatial distribution map of iron indicates that there was also a non-uniform increase in the iron content of the water.
Anthropogenic factors, such as factories or industries, agricultural practices, or geogenic processes, such as variations in the composition of the underlying rock or soil, are to blame for the irregularities in the geographical distribution maps. It may also be connected to the metallic ion
concentration and volume at each site. The groundwater in the study area, is generally less contaminated by heavy metal pollution, with little to no contamination index.Heavy metal content was determined by analyzing water samples taken from Ebira camp, Akoko Edo Local Government, Edo state. In all, ten samples were taken at ten distinct Ebira camp sampling sites. With the aid of the Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS), the samples were examined and tested for five distinct heavy metals: iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese
(Mn), and nickel (Ni). The average concentrations of these heavy metals are 1.0384, 0.5362, 0.2975, 0.0376, and 0.0244 mg/l for Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Ni, respectively. The acquired results were compared to the 2011 WHO standard, which corresponds to Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Ni values
of 0.3, 1.0, 2.0, 0.1, and 0.1, respectively. With the exception of iron, which has a mean iron content higher than the WHO guideline, the results indicated that the concentration of heavy metals in the
area was generally lower than levels permitted by the WHO. The possibility exists that an excessive amount of iron in the groundwater could promote the growth of bacteria responsible for the foul smell. Geospatial analysis of the gathered data was done using geographic information system (GIS) software. Maps showing pollution concentrations and patterns of spatial distribution were produced using spatial interpolation techniques (kringing or inverse distance weighting).
According to the heavy metals' spatial distribution map, manganese (Mn) levels varied greatly throughout the region, with the eastern and northeastern regions exhibiting the highest values. According to the nickel concentration map, the region's southwest is where the concentration of
nickel increases most unevenly. The zinc content of the water rose non-uniformly from the community center to the boundary, according to the spatial distribution map of zinc. The spatial distribution map of copper reveals that the amount of copper in groundwater rose unevenly from
the region's center to its borders, with the community's center having the lowest level of copper and the region's northeastern regions having the highest copper value. The spatial distribution map of iron indicates that there was also a non-uniform increase in the iron content of the water. Anthropogenic factors, such as factories or industries, agricultural practices, or geogenic processes, such as variations in the composition of the underlying rock or soil, are to blame for the irregularities in the geographical distribution maps. It may also be connected to the metallic ion concentration and volume at each site. The groundwater in the study area, is generally less contaminated by heavy metal pollution, with little to no contamination index.

This present study focused on isolation and identification of bacteria isolated from urine sample of undergraduate students at the University of Benin, Benin City. A total of fifteen (15) urine samples were collected and transported to the laboratory for bacteriological analysis. The total bacteria count ranged from 6.2 × 10 5 CFU/ml - 8.0 × 10
5 CFU/ml. Bacterial species isolated includes Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Proteus mirabilis. E. coli was the most predominant isolate accounting for about (55%) followed by S. aureus (25%), S. saprohyticus (15%) and P. mirabilis (5%). The antibiotic susceptibility to antibacterial agent revealed that of S. aureus all the isolates were (100%) resistant to Zinnacef and Cephalexin while they were (100%) sensitive to ciprofloxacin. S. saprohyticus 15(100%) were resistant to cephalexin and (100%) sensitive to ciprofloxacin. E. coli and P. mirabilis susceptibility test revealed that 5(5%) of P. mirabilis showed resistance to Cephalexin and Septrin and was sensitive to Ciprofloxacin, Amoxicillin and Augmentin. however, 55(100%) of E. coli were resistant to cephalexin, moderate sensitivity to septrin and (100%) sensitivity to
ciprofloxacin. The isolates were also tested for their ability to produce gelatinize. All bacterial isolates produced gelatinize. The ability of the bacterial isolates obtained to produce gelatinize is of a serious medical importance as this may have contributed to the multi-drug resistance of the isolates and as such, further research should be carried out to discover new antibiotics effective against these organisms.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of selected tuber-based media on the vegetative growth of the fungus Volvariella volvacea (Bull. Ex Fr.) Sing. Pure culture of V. volvacea was gotten from the African Centre for Mushroom Research and Technology Innovations, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. The pure culture was expanded aseptically on potato dextrose agar and stored until utilized. This evaluation was carried out by puncturing the pure culture with already sterilized cork borer then the inoculum was collected with an already sterilized loop and inoculated at the center of the formulated culture. The culture media were subjected to different orientations. This procedure was carried out for the five replicates of each formulated medium after which they were taken to the incubation room. The growth biometry was taken after 24 hours for 6 days. Potato dextrose agar recorded the highest mycelia growth on the different plate orientations while cocoyam dextrose agar and white yam dextrose agar recorded the lowest mycelia growth on plates with an upward orientation and plates with a downward orientation respectively. From this study it has been observed that the vegetative growth of Volvariella volvacea is influenced by the plate orientation and the tuber used to prepare the culture media. This study has shown that sweet potato and water yam can be considered as viable alternatives for potato in the preparation of culture media for the fungus. Key words: Fungi, Plate orientation, Vegetative growth.

In this study, the effect of ethanol extract of Solarium nigrum (Sn) leaf on the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) after histamine challenge in ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs was investigated. Three weeks old, male guinea pigs (25 of them) were divided into five groups consisting of five pigs each were used. All animals were allowed access to standard animal feed and water. In addition animals were pre-sensitized with ovalbumin, and then exposed to 2% histamine aerosol after an overnight fast. The pre convulsion time was recorded. Animals in groups 2, 3, 4, were administered ethanol extract of Solanum nigrum leaf at the respective doses of 50, 100 and 200mg/kg body weight while animals in group 5. received 25mg/kgbw of the reference drug aminophylline. Animals were again subjected to histamine aerosol after drug administration and the pre-convulsion was again recorded. All animals were sacrificed three days after the last challenge and their lungs were excised. Result obtained indicates that sensitization with ovalbumin and exposure to histamine aerosol caused the increase in the lipid peroxidation in bronchial alveolar tissue, lung and plasma cells respectively. Treatment with ethanol extract of Solanum nigrum (Sn) leaf showed a decrease in the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) when compared to that of the control