FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

Despite advancements in medical science and the availability of pharmacological interventions, diabetes mellitus remains a significant public health challenge worldwide. The soursop tree (Annona muricata L.), a tropical fruit-bearing plant, have been traditionally used in various cultures for their perceived medicinal properties. Inspite the global prevalence of diabetes mellitus, comprehensive research on the acute and sub-acute impacts of the methanol leaves extract of soursop on blood glucose levels remains scarce. Thus the aim of this experiment was to study the hypoglycemic and anti-diabetic effect of the leaves of Annona muricata on normoglycemic and streptozotocin induced diabetic white rats. The study employs diverse methods, encompassing acute toxicity assessment, normoglycemic blood sugar level evaluation, and anti-diabetic studies conducted on rats. Annona muricata L. (Soursop) extract demonstrated potential hepato-protective properties and exhibited a favorable impact on lipid profiles, notably reducing cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL concentrations. Maintaining stable blood glucose
levels is vital for metabolic equilibrium and overall health. The methanol extract of the leaves of Annona muricata were administered, indicating its safety at doses up to 5000 mg/kg and its ability to reduceblood glucose levels in normoglycemic rats, substantiating its hypoglycemic effects. In diabetic rats, the extract effectively lowered elevated blood glucose levels, similar to the effects of the standard diabetic drug Glibenclamide, suggesting its potential in the management of hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus. These findings highlight the promise of methanol leaves extract of soursop as a natural dietary intervention in diabetes care, offering hope for improved glycemic control and overall well-being.

The use of pest control techniques in Agriculture have proven to be highly effective in addressing food insecurity and agricultural production issues. This study was conducted to compare growth and evaluate the yield of sweet potato under three different pest control techniques in relation to exposure to insect herbivory.These pest control techniques include physical exclusion, chemical exclusion and those without exclusion (no control). Sweet potato plants excluded physically were completely screened from herbivory using a net house, those excluded chemically were sprayed weekly with 0.01% Lambda-cyhalothrin and those without exclusion were fully exposed to herbivory. Stem length, number of leaves, number of runners, percentage herbivory and number of damaged leaves were parameters used to compare growth while tuber count, heaviest tuber and average tuber weight were used to evaluate yield. Sweet potatoes physically excluded significantly (p < 0.05) gave highest growth rates and this was evidently seen in their stem length, number of leaves and runners. Plants subjected to chemical exclusion and those without exclusion statistically had higher mean values in terms of yield than those physically excluded. However, the difference in yield from the three treatments did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) in tuber count (H2 = 2.34, p > 0.05), heaviest tuber (F2 = 1.67, p > 0.05) and average tuber weight (H2 = 4.24, p > 0.05). Sweet potatoes allocate more resources on growth when completely screened off from insect herbivory as seen by those physically excluded but this is was not enough to warrant improved yield.

This study investigated the efficacy of mycofiltration using Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) for treating urban wastewater from drainage channels in Adolor market, Ugbowo, Benin City, Nigeria. Wastewater samples were collected, passed through a sawdust-based mycofilter colonized by P. ostreatus, and analyzed for microbial and physicochemical parameters before and after treatment. Results revealed near-complete microbial removal in treated effluent, with 91.24 100% reduction in total heterotrophic bacteria, 95.60–100% in fungi, and 100% in coliforms (p < .001). Physicochemical analysis included 93.02% BOD reduction, 89.00% COD reduction, 86.99% total nitrogen, 91.81% phosphorus, and 71.05–95.19% for heavy metals and oil/grease, with dissolved oxygen increasing by 76.19%. Treated water complied with WHO/NIS standards for all parameters except iron (0.45 mg/L > 0.3 mg/L). The use of locally sourced substrates underscores mycofiltration’s cost-effectiveness and sustainability. Findings confirm P. ostreatus mycofiltration as a viable, eco-friendly solution for urban wastewater management in resource-limited settings, supporting Sustainable Development Goal 6.

In all of Africa, Dialium guineesne (Velvet tamarind, family: Fabaceae) is known for its culinary and nutritional benefits. Traditional systems of medicine are also well aware of the therapeutic benefits of D. guineesne's leaves and other plant components. Scientists and researchers have investigated the plant for its pharmacological properties and therapeutic uses, including
antibacterial, anti-ulcer, anti-oxidant, analgesic, anti-hepatotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-plasmodia, anti-vibrio, anti-diarrheal properties. The equilibrium between pro- and anti-oxidants is maintained by antioxidant enzymes such superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). These antioxidants aid in the cell's defense against oxidative stress. The current study is aimed at evaluating the renal protective properties of Dialium guineesne against streptozotocin-induced renal toxicity. A single dosage of 50 mg of freshly manufactured streptozotocin (STZ), diluted in 10 ml of normal
saline was used to induce diabetes mellitus. After administering two groups with various dosages of the plant extract, the animals were sacrificed and blood samples were taken. The findings of this study demonstrated that treatment of diabetic Wistar rats with methanol fraction of ethanol stem bark extract of D. guineense significantly increased antioxidant enzyme activities as well as
concentrations of GSH and NO levels (p < 0.05). The observed pharmacological activity may be the result of significant bioactive chemicals found in the extract fraction.

This study examines the impact of mulching on the MORPHOLOGY OF BBT BROWN VARIETY OF COWPEA (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) it was conducted in the university of Benin's Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology botanic garden, the experiment aim to expose the impact of various mulched types on the cowpea. This research investigated the morphological responses of cowpea to eight distinct soil covers (mulch) comprising four inorganic mulch (Polythene Back(PO), Polythene White (PW), Polythene Transparent (PT),Polythene Blue (PB)) and five organic residual (Sawdust, Banana Leaves, Bamboo Leaves, Spent Substrate), against a non-mulched control. The primary objectives were to delineate the influence of each material on stand establishment, vegetative morphology, resource partitioning via the Root Mass Ratio (RMR), and the resulting economic yield components. The experiment evaluated critical parameters across the growth cycle, including Emergence Percentage, Shoot weight, leaf weight, Avg no of leaves, root collar Root Nodules count, RMR(Root Mass Ratio), and key yield components (Avg No of Pods, Avg No of Seeds/Pod, and Avg Pod Length, Avg pendicule length). The analysis revealed significant variation in morphology parameters and impact, it reveals that polythene Black (PO) treatment established itself as the leading practice for highest mean numbers of pods, this findings translated to an increase in pod output compared to the control(non- mulched).The outcome of the analysis also show that inorganic polythene white mulch influenced the cowpea plant as observed in the yield quality metrics having recorded the highest no of pods per seed and the longest Avg pod length, leading to a notable increase during harvest as compared to the control. It also showed that a certain mulch type (OS) influenced the cowpea plant to adopt a root prioritizing strategy giving that it recorded the highest no of nodules. This findings definitively confirms that mulching is essential for optimizing cowpea productivity, but the choice of material must align with the specific productions goals (Either for commercial yield maximization or it utility for long term soil biological sustainability).

Milk is the fresh lacteal secretion from the mammary glands of mammals used in nourishing their young. It also serves as a significant food source for humans of all ages. However, milk can be easily contaminated by microorganisms and toxic substances such as aflatoxins during the stages of milking, processing, storage and transportation. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize moulds from raw cow milk and its locally processed products, sold in open markets in Benin City. A total of 16 samples were obtained from two markets (Aduwawa and Oluku) in Benin City, Edo state. All samples were serially diluted and inoculated on Potato dextrose agar (PDA) using the pour plate technique. Pure cultures were obtained, and fungal isolates were identified based on the cultural and morphological characteristics. The pH of each sample was determined using an electronic pH meter (PH-98108) and the moisture contents of the samples were determined according to the method of AOAC. Fungal counts obtained in this study ranged from 0.10 ± 1.00 to 0.90 ± 0.30x10 3 Cfu/ml. Fungi isolated in this study include: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium digitatum, Rhizopus nigricans, Curvulavia lunata, Fusarium oxysporium, Cladosporium sp, and Penicillium sp. The most occurring fungi were Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus niger (23%) and the least occurring fungi (7.7%) were Rhizopus nigricans and Curvulavia lunata. Mean pH values of the samples ranged from 4.10 ± 0.30 to 6.20 ± 0.80 while the moisture content ranged from 6.00 ± 0.40% to 20.00 ± 0.70%. This study revealed the presence of mycotoxigenic moulds such as Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger in locally processed milk products sold in open markets in Benin City. This may have resulted from unhygienic conditions during processing and storage of the milk products, and poor sanitary conditions of the milk handlers as well.

Access to clean and safe water is essential for human health and sustainable development. This study assessed the physicochemical properties of water obtained from tap, well, and river sources in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria, to evaluate their quality and suitability for domestic use. Parameters such as pH, temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), total solids (TS), total hardness, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), phosphate, and heavy metals (lead, chromium, and cadmium) were analyzed. Results showed that most parameters were within the permissible limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2022) and Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS, 2015). However, cadmium concentrations in tap and well water slightly exceeded recommended values, indicating possible contamination from waste or corroded materials. A structured Questionnaire administered to residents revealed that most residents depend on borehole water, do not treat their water and have limited awareness of contamination risks. The study therefore recommends regular monitoring, improved sanitation, and community education to ensure safe and sustainable water quality in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area

The contamination of water sources by untreated wastewater poses a serious public health risk due to the spread of pathogenic bacteria, particularly Gram-positive species. This study examined the microbiological properties of wastewater collected from commercial laundry shops in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The research focused on enumerating total heterotrophic bacteria, isolating Gram-positive bacteria, and identifying their species based on morphological and biochemical characteristics. A total of eight (8) wastewater samples were collected in duplicates from two commercial laundry shops, with the samples divided into two categories: wastewater from washing and wastewater from rinsing. Microbial enumeration was performed using the spread plate technique on nutrient agar, while Mannitol salt agar was used for selective screening of Gram-positive bacteria. The bacterial isolates were characterized based on their morphological and biochemical properties using standard microbiological methods. Results revealed that the total heterotrophic bacterial counts were highest in the laundry washing wastewater samples, with values ranging from 102±2.3 × 10⁶ to 81±0.9 × 10⁶ CFU/mL. In contrast, significantly lower bacterial counts were observed in the rinsing wastewater samples, with counts ranging from 48±1.8 × 10⁶ to 25±2.4 × 10⁶ CFU/mL. Additionally, the bacterial counts varied by location, with Laundry Shop 1 recording 68±1.4 × 10⁶ CFU/mL and Laundry Shop 2 showing slightly lower counts at 57±1.6 × 10⁶ CFU/mL. The microbiological assessment of laundry wastewater revealed the presence of diverse bacterial species, with a total of 17 isolates identified and characterized. Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent isolate, accounting for 52.9% (9/17) of the total, followed by Staphylococcus spp. (41.2%) and Micrococcus spp. (5.9%). These findings highlight the potential health and environmental risks associated with untreated laundry wastewater, particularly due to the dominance of pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria. The study emphasizes the need for effective wastewater management practices in commercial laundry facilities to mitigate the spread of microbial contaminants. Future research could focus on advanced treatment technologies and their ability to reduce bacterial load in laundry effluent.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a worldwide problem that effects approximately 15-20%of all adults (Wang et al., 2008). Hypertension is known as silent killer as it showed no symptom. Although Hypertension is simple to diagnose and usually can be controlled by healthy diet, regular exercise, medication prescribed by doctors or a combination of these, however untreated hypertension can cause serious conditions (Campbell et al., 2002). It has been shown that Hypertension is associated with cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, obesity, carbohydrate tolerance, hyperuricacidemia, and atherosclerosis (Yeh et al.,2009). Hypertension affects the structures and functions of small muscular arteries, arterioles and other blood vessels and can cause damage at variable rate to various target organs including kidney, brain and eye, related with the end stage of renal disease and to be the cause of stroke (Escobales et al., 2005; Lee et al., 2010). It is associated with the alterations in the blood vessels wall that affecting the endotheli, the media and the adventitia, whereas alteration in the media leading to remodeling of the vessel wall (Escobales et al., 2005).

The liver plays a crucial role in metabolism and detoxification, making it highly susceptible to oxidative stress. This study dives into the effect of a boiled egg yolk-formulated diet on the antioxidant status and histological integrity of the liver of female Wistar rats. A total of 16 female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: group one( which was fed with boiled egg). group 2 (which was fed with synthetic cholesterol), group 3(which serve as positive control group) and group 4 (which serves as negative control group) for six weeks. After six weeks of feeding, the rats were sacrificed and the liver were taken for examination/analysis. After this was done, the various antioxidants enzymes were examined such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), along side with malondialdehyde (MDA) which serves as a marker of oxidative stress. The Liver tissues were also examined histologically to assess structural changes. The results showed a significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activities in the boiled egg yolk-fed group compared to the positive control group, suggesting enhanced antioxidant defense mechanisms. In addition,MDA levels were reduced, stating decreased lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. The histological analysis revealed better-preserved liver architecture in the boiled egg yolk group, with minimal inflammatory changes compared to the cholesterol-rich diet group, which showcased signs of cellular degeneration. In conclusion, the consumption of a boiled egg yolk- formulated diet may contribute to improved liver antioxidant status and histological integrity. These findings highlight the nutritional benefits of egg yolk and its potential role in maintaining liver health.