FACULTY LIFE SCIENCES

Background: Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and blood pressure are risk factors for various health conditions. Cocos nucifera (coconut) extract has been suggested to possess potential hypotensive and IOP-lowering properties. Purpose: This study investigated the effects of graded doses of Cocos nucifera extract on IOP, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in normotensive subjects. Methods: Forty normotensive participants were divided into four groups (n=10 per group): three receiving different doses of Cocos nucifera extract (2.86 g/kg, 5.71 g/kg, and 8.57 g/kg body weight) and a control group receiving 300 ml of water. IOP and blood pressure were measured before and hourly for four hours after administration. Statistical analyses included independent sample t-tests to compare each extract group to the control and ANOVA to assess differences across the extract dosage groups. Results: Significant reductions in mean IOP were observed in all extract groups compared to the control (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). While all doses lowered IOP compared to control, differences between the extract doses were not statistically significant (p = 0.308). For DBP, all extract groups showed significant reductions compared to the control (p < 0.01 for the 2.86 g/kg group, p < 0.001 for the 5.71 g/kg and 8.57 g/kg groups), with a significant dose-dependent effect observed across the extract groups (p < 0.001). For SBP, only the 5.71 g/kg group showed a significant reduction compared to the control (p < 0.001), although the ANOVA showed a significant overall effect of the extract across the dosage groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Cocos nucifera extract demonstrates potential IOP-lowering and DBP-reducing effects in normotensive subjects. The effect on DBP appears to be dose dependent. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of action and long-term effects.

Environmental pollution by cadmium poses significant cardiovascular health risks, particularly in developing nations experiencing rapid industrialization.
This study investigated the ameliorative effects of watermelon peel extract on cadmium-induced cardiac
histopathology in Wistar rats. Twenty-five Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: control (distilled water), cadmium only, cadmium plus Vitamin C, cadmium plus 250mg/kg watermelon peel extract, and cadmium plus 500mg/kg watermelon peel extract. Animals received oral administration thrice weekly over 60 days following a two-phase induction and treatment protocol. Cadmium exposure resulted in elevated cardiac cadmium accumulation (0.240 mg/g versus 0.117 mg/g in controls) and suppressed body weight gain. Watermelon peel extract provided dose-dependent cardioprotection, with the 500mg/kg dose achieving 58% reduction in cardiac cadmium levels (0.102 mg/g) and improved body weight gain (74.44%), approaching the efficacy of Vitamin C (63% reduction, 0.089 mg/g). The 250mg/kg dose demonstrated moderate protection with 39% cadmium reduction.
Histopathological examination revealed preserved myocardial architecture across all groups with intact cardiomyocyte arrangement and well-defined cross-striations, suggesting the exposure period represented an early phase where biochemical changes occurred without microscopic structural damage.
The findings demonstrate that watermelon peel extract provides significant dose-dependent protection against cadmium bioaccumulation in cardiac tissue, supporting its potential as a locally accessible natural intervention for populations at risk of environmental cadmium exposure.

Justicia carnea, also known as the Brazilian Plume Flower, is a tropical shrub from the Acanthaceae family, admired for its striking pinkish-red flowers and lush green foliage. Often grown as an ornamental plant, it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies while adding vibrant color to gardens. Beyond its beauty, Justicia carnea has long been used in traditional medicine for treating anemia, respiratory issues, and inflammation due to its antioxidant and immune- boosting properties. The plant thrives in warm climates with well-drained soil and partial shade, making it a resilient yet eye-catching addition to landscapes. On a cellular level, it exhibits stable meiosis and amphistomatic leaves with diacytic stomata, which help regulate gas exchange and water loss. With its combination of aesthetic appeal, ecological importance, and medicinal value, Justicia carnea remains a valuableplant for both gardeners and researchers alike.

Tertiary institutions, which provide education and temporary housing for thousands of students, face environmental challenges. This study analyzed water samples from five hostels for microbiological contamination and physicochemical parameters. Bacterial counts ranged from 2 × 10¹ to 1.3 × 10³ CFU/ml, with no coliform or E. coli detected. Proteus was found in samples 1 and 2, while Pseudomonas was present in samples 3 and 4. The analysis revealed acidic pH values between 4.77 and 5.33 and low total dissolved solids (TDS) from 13 to 37 mg/l. Iron concentrations were the highest, ranging from 62.32 to 154.70 mg/kg. Manganese peaked in sample 3 (0 to 15 cm depth) with 34.46 mg/kg. Lead levels ranged from 1.25 to 3.09 mg/kg, and copper levels varied from 4.36 to 11.05 mg/kg. Cadmium levels were stable at 0.01 to 0.02 mg/kg, while arsenic and mercury were not detected. Waste characterization showed that plastics and food constitute a significant portion of hostel waste. Regular monitoring of water quality and maintenance of storage systems can enhance drinking water in student hostels. Improving waste disposal and implementing better waste segregation are also essential to minimize metal accumulation. These actions will significantly enhance waste management and drinking water quality.

Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) Is one of the most essential oil plant that is largely grown globally. Its domestic and industrial use hasbrought about increase in the economy of many countries. About 64 % of the world's supply of oil seed meal comes from soy, which also serves as the primary source of oil and contributes to about 28 % of output as a whole. Soybean which is a legume crop serves as food to humans and animals and other beneficial purpose. 10 different accessions of soybean were studied to check if there will be significant change in their morphological and physiological characteristics. The set of descriptors for the present morphological characterization of Soybean was produced using the Sphenostylis stenocarpa (Hochst ex. A. Rich.) Harms descriptor and the seed length, seed width and seed thickness of 10 seeds from each accession number were determined using a venire caliper. Accession number TGM-942 had the least length, 0.47 cm while Accession number TGM-944 had the highest length, 0.58 cm. Accession number TGM-540 seed weighed 1.45 g, which was the highest see weight. Their testa basal colorranged from black, reddish brown, light brown, black to purple.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of methanol extract of Simarouba glauca on liver. The leaves, wood and stem back of the Simarouba glauca plant are the portions that are reportedly most frequently used. In this study, the leaves were used. The Simarouba glauca leaves were procured, cleaned and allowed to dry for 28 days at room temperature. The dried leaves were ground into powder. Six hundred grams were weighed and dissolved in 2.5 L of methanol. The mixture was stirred continuously for seven days then the methanol extract was recovered from this combination by filtration and the extract was concentrated by freezing the filtrate. Thirty female wistar rats of average weight 80g were divided equally into six groups with five animals per group. Group I animals were used as the control, Group II, III, and IV, V and VI animals received methanol extract of Simarouba glauca at dose levels of 125, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 mg/kg body weight daily, orally for 28 days. The animals were then sacrificed and the blood obtained, centrifuged and the serum withdrawn for analysis. Total bilirubin, Alkaline phosphatase and Aspartate amino-transferase assays were carried out. The results of this study shows that there was no significant (P <0.05>) difference in all the parameters assayed when compared with the control. This is indicative of the non-toxic effect of Simarouba glauca on the
liver of female wistar rats.

Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic syndromes. 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine (DMH) is a known carcinogen that induces oxidative stress via generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to cellular damage and biochemical alterations. Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) is widely recognized for its medicinal properties, particularly its antioxidant potential. This study evaluated oxidative status in the plasma of DMH-exposed Wistar rats administered ethanol extract of Vernonia amygdalina leaves. Male Wistar rats (n = 30) were divided into six groups: control, DMH, silymarin, extract, pretreatment and post-treatment groups.After the experimental period, plasma samples were analyzed for oxidative stress biomarkers, including total protein (TP), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), nitric oxide (NO), and vitamins A, C, and E. Results showed that DMH exposure significantly increased lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels, while reducing enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant levels (p < 0.05). Treatment with ethanol extract of V. amygdalina significantly restored antioxidant enzyme activities, increased GSH and vitamin concentrations, and reduced oxidative damage. Overall, ernonia amygdalina demonstrated potent antioxidant activity, effectively mitigating DMHinduced oxidative stress. These findings provide scientific validation for its traditional use as a medicinal plant and highlight its potential as a natural alternative for managing oxidative stressrelated diseases.