FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

Colon cancer is the second most common cancer for women and the third most common for men. Its morbidity and mortality are increasing as it is the second largest cause of death related to cancer in the developing countries. In this study, the effects of Arachis hypogaea seeds on 1, 2 dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon carcinogenesis was examined. Four (4) groups of wistar albino mice were used. While the other groups were induced with DMH, group one (1) acted as the positive control group and was fed a normal diet. Group two (2) was induced with DMH only, across a 12 week period. Over the course of a 12-week period, group three (3) was induced with DMH and fed Arachis hypogaea diet. Group four (4) underwent a six-weeks DMH induction procedure before being administered Arachis
hypogaea diet following the induction. The outcome revealed that twelve weeks of subcutaneous induction of DMH in group 2 significantly increased the total protein and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration levels in colon, liver and kidney when compared to the control (Group 1). However, the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as super oxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the colon, liver and kidney was significantly reduced following the induction of DMH for twelve weeks when compared to the control. Conversely, the antioxidant parameters showed a significant increase in group 3 and and group 4 that were fed Arachis hypogaea diet when compared to group 2. Histological studies revealed normal colon architecture in group 1 but presence of many neoplastic crypts and glands irregular in shape in group 2. In group 3 and group 4 that received Arachis hypogaea diet, histology revealed pronounced inhibition of crypts and hyperchromasia. Overall, the Arachis hypogaea diet was able to reduce the negative effects of DMH on the colon, liver and kidney

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting how the body processes fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, stemming from insulin deficiency or dysfunction. The disease burden continues to grow, bringing complications that damage multiple organ systems. Diabetic nephropathy, one of the most serious complications, remains a leading cause of kidney failure. Traditional herbal remedies have shown promise in managing diabetes and its complications, with several plants demonstrating protective effects on kidney function. This study evaluated the nephroprotective effects of a bi-herbal leaf aqueous extract combining Vernonia amygdalina and Alstonia boonei against streptozotocin-induced kidney damage in Wistar rats. The leaves were washed, air-dried for two weeks, ground into powder, and soaked in distilled water for three days to create an extract, which was then concentrated and refrigerated for later use. The rats were grouped into 6 groups and kept in comfortable conditions with proper temperature control, regular feeding schedules, and care that followed all ethical guidelines for animal research. The rats were induced with STZ (streptozotocin), and a renal function test was carried out to assess kidney health. The results showed that the bi-herbal extract provided maximum protective effects at the lowest dose tested, significantly outperforming higher doses (P<0.05). The extract demonstrated measurable nephroprotective activity, suggesting potential therapeutic value in preventing diabetes-related kidney damage. These findings indicate that lower concentrations of the bi-herbal combination may be more effective than higher doses in protecting kidney function. Additional research is needed to establish optimal dosing protocols and confirm long-term safety before clinical application.

The pervasive use of Point of Sale (POS) machines in Nigeria, while facilitating economic convenience, presents a potential public health risk as high-touch surfaces for microbial transmission. This study was to investigate the antibiogram pattern of bacteria isolated from POS machines around Iguosa Environs to Ovbiogie, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of twenty (20) POS terminals were randomly selected for the study. Microbial samples were obtained from the screens and keypads using sterile swabs that were moistened with peptone water. The samples were analyzed in the lab through serial dilution, cultured on Nutrient Agar, and incubated at 37°C for a period of 24-48 hours. Bacterial isolates were purified and identified following standard cultural, morphological, and biochemical methods. The antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the isolates were assessed against a range of commonly used antibiotics employing the disc diffusion technique. The findings indicated a significant microbial presence, with bacterial counts between 1.2 × 10⁴ cfu/mL and 9.0 × 10⁴ cfu/mL. Five genera of bacteria were identified, with their percentage distribution as follows: Micrococcus spp. (23.80%), Bacillus spp. (22.22%), Corynebacterium spp. (22.22%), Staphylococcus spp. (15.87%), and Streptococcus spp. (15.87%). A considerable number of isolates displayed multi-drug resistance (MDR), with high levels of resistance noted against first-line antibiotics such as Ampicillin (AM) and Azithromycin (AZ). Specifically, Bacillus spp. Exhibited extensive resistance to several classes of antibiotics. Some isolates, however, were susceptible to antibiotics like Erythromycin € and Levofloxacin (LEV). In summary, this study indicates that POS terminals in the examined area are heavily contaminated with a variety of bacteria, including potential opportunistic pathogens, along with serious antibiotic resistance issues. These results highlight the potential of POS machines to act as spreading agents for infections within the community and the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance.

Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentale Hook. F.) is a tropical plant belongingtotheCucurbitaceae family and holds significant economic value in Nigeria. Despite its highnutritional benefits and importance, there is a lack of information on how salinity impacts thisplant. This study aims to evaluate the effects of salinity on the growth of T. occidentalis. Theresearch was conducted over a four-week period. Seedlings of Telfairia occidentalis were placedin plastic bowls (30 cm in diameter) with drainage holes at the bottom to allowfor free waterdrainage. Two weeks after planting, the seedlings exhibited uniform growth and were movedtothe screen house of the Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology. The plants wereirrigated with saline water at varying concentrations: 0 (control), 70, 140, and 280 mMNaCl, with three replicates for each treatment. The results indicated that high salinity negativelyaffectsT. occidentalis. The highest leaf length (19.67±1.53 cm) was observed in the 70 mMNaCl treatment, while the lowest leaf count (4.67±8.08) was recorded in week 4 for plants subjectedtothe highest salt concentration (280 mM NaCl). Additionally, the study found that salt stressadversely impacted the content of photosynthetic pigments, leading to a decrease inthechlorophyll content index and overall biomass yield. The findings suggest that T. occidentaliscan thrive in low to moderate salinity levels (70-140 mM NaCl), but its growth is significantlyhindered at high salinity levels

This study assessed the carcinogenic risks of heavy metals in groundwater from Akoko-Edo, Edo State, with a focus on ingesting exposure. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS)
was used on fifteen groundwater samples to detect lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and zinc (Zn). The measured amounts were compared to WHO (2017) and EPA (2009) limits. Chromium
values (0.0135-1.1015 mg/L) above permitted limits in numerous samples, whereas lead levels (0.0009-0.0353 mg/L) marginally exceeded norms in several areas. Zinc levels (0.0020-1.9683 mg/L) remained within acceptable ranges. TCR levels for adults (2.96 ×
10⁻ ³) and children (6.10 × 10⁻ ⁴ ), indicating increased lifelong cancer risks, particularly from chromium exposure. The study suggests that heavy metal contamination has a major impact on the area's groundwater, which poses possible health risks through consumption. Continuous monitoring and the supply of alternative clean water sources are advised to reduce public health hazards.

Different types of mushrooms, such as Marasmiellus inoderma, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Ganoderma lucidum, from the families Marasmieceae, Pleurotaceae, and Ganodermataceae respectively, are exceedingly adaptable and may offer health advantages. Additionally, they createmush room powder, a healthy, gluten-free substitute for traditional wheat flour that emphasizes its culinary uses and environmental benefits. The discussion then moves to a study that aims to increase dietary fiber, improve flavor and scent, and enrich bread with nutritional content of mushroom while investigating potential health advantages and encouraging culinary innovation. The ultimate goal of this study is to maximize the production of mushroom bread and determine whether it can be produced economically while still satisfying consumer demand. It also include determining how different mushroom types affect flavor and acceptability, lowering the amount of sugar in bread, finding the ideal ratios for mushroom powder, evaluating the effects of processing methods, analysing nutritional value and health benefits, and assessing shelf life and consumer perceptions. The mushroom powder which was processed by dehydration was added in different percentage and levels to bread flour which is then used to make bread. The bread is to be made delicious, in wheat bread style, reduced sugar content and have an original mushroom taste. It was done by measuring ingredients, mixing and kneading into a dough, proofing, baking and cooling off completely. The proximate was determined with content of moisture 25.10%, fibre 0.53%, fat 22.23%, ash 1.70%, dry matter 74.93%, protein 9.99% and carbohydrate 40.45%. Palatability test and mold analysis was carried out to determine consumer acceptance and determine the shelf life of the bread. This study infuses biotechnology into baking and vice versa.

A total of ten (10) beds exposed at the Ekosodin/Evbuomore were obtained and studied. These beds belong to the Benin Formation of the Niger Delta Basin. Sieve analyses were carried out on them, with the results plotted and the mean, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis calculated. These calculations were used to interpret the provenance, depositional process and environment of deposition. The beds mainly contain quartz, feldspar and detrital fragments revealing their igneous and metamorphic origin. The results indicate that the grain size were fine to medium to very coarse sand; poor to very moderately well sorted. The results of the mineral assemblage based on the percentage of quartz, feldspar and lithic fragment reveal that the beds are quartz arenite, subarkose, arkose and lithic arkose. Grain sizes are mostly medium to coarse, with some fine grains in Bed 5. Grain shape is mostly angular and subrounded, with few rounded and sub angular. The values obtained from the standard deviation for the beds suggest near moderately well sorted to poorly sort. The sorting show that the maturity of the bed samples ranges from immature (BED 3, 4 and 8) to submature (BED 1, 5 and 7) to mature (BED 2, 6, 9 and 10). The Bivariant plot of inclusive skewness against inclusive standard deviation indicates that the depositional process that led to the deposition of the beds is fluvial (river systems) suggesting a low energy of transportation of the sediments as well as beach sediments. Economic importance the sands serve as the main aquifer in Benin Formation. The abundance of quartz makes it a potential for use in glass making. The sands are mined/excavated and used in construction viz; concrete making, moulding of blocks, etc. My suggestions for further studies are, thus: More detailed study should be done with morphoscopic and petrographic analysis to ascertain the minerals present in traces. Environmental studies should be done in the area under study to ascertain the presence of any heavy minerals that is a potential health hazard to the subsurface water.

Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaf) is a medicinal herb renowned for its essential oils rich in antimicrobial and antioxidant constituents. This study evaluated the influence of dumpsite pollution on the phytochemical and functional composition of O. gratissimum essential oil obtained from Egor, Ovia North-East, and Oredo Local Government Areas of Edo State, Nigeria. Essential oils extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus were characterized by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The GC–MS analysis revealed a predominance of hydrocarbons particularly decane and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate suggesting petroleum- and plastic-derived contamination, while FTIR spectra identified nitrogenous, carbonyl, and halogenated functional groups absent in uncontaminated reference samples. These alterations indicate that dumpsite exposure disrupts the biosynthesis of natural oxygenated terpenes, thereby diminishing the therapeutic quality of the oil and introducing potential toxicants. The findings demonstrate that environmental pollution significantly affects the chemical integrity of O. gratissimum and hence, the need to restrict its cultivation near polluted environments

Micronutrients vitamins and trace minerals are indispensable for human health, supportinggrowth, metabolic functions, immune responses, and overall wellbeing (WorldHealthOrganization, 2020). Deficiencies in micronutrients such as iron, zinc, calciumand vitaminAremain major global public-health challenges, especially in low- and middle-income countrieswhere dietary diversity is limited (Bailey et al., 2015). In this context, identifying and promotingunder-utilised indigenous leafy plants that are nutrient-dense is increasingly seen as a viablestrategy for improving nutrition, food security and health outcomes

This study investigated the effect of different concentrations of selenium (Se) on the germination and early growth of Arachis hypogaea (groundnut). Selenium, an essential micronutrient for humans and animals, is known to enhance antioxidant activity and stress tolerance in plants at optimal levels, but becomes toxic when applied excessively. This study was conducted in the Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Benin, using five treatments: 0g/L (control), 1.5 g/L, 2.5 g/L, 5 g/L, and 10 g/L sodium selenite solutions, with seed priming durations of 3, 6, and 9 hours. Parameters measured included germination rate, radicle length, stem girth, shoot length, and number of leaves. Results showed that moderate Se concentrations(1.5 g/L and 2.5 g/L) improved germination and growth relative to the control, while higher concentrations (5 g/L and 10 g/L) significantly reduced these parameters, indicating toxicity at elevated levels. The findings suggest that selenium at low concentrations can enhance seed germination and early seedling vigour in groundnut, but excessive application inhibits growth. This study underscores the importance of optimizing selenium use in groundnut cultivation to enhance yield.