FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

Coconut, as food is usually called perfect diet since it contains almost all of the vitamins the body requires. The phytochemical characteristics of coconut oil was examined to determine the presence of Alkaloid, Flavnoid and Saponin quantitatively. Antimicrobial activities were also determined against several bacterial isolates. The tested organisms were sourced from the University of Benin Teaching hospital (UBTH) and they include Klebsiella species, Streptococcus species, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. and Pseudomonas aeroginosa. The phytochemical examination provided confirmation of the existence of alkaloids, flavonoid and saponin. The Kirby- Bauer disk diffusion method was employed to evaluate sensitivity, with zones of inhibition measured in millimeter diameter. Coconut oil showed activities as well as resistant on the isolates at the various dilution concentrations with the zone of inhibition ranged from 5 mm for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 3 mm for Escherichia coli and 2.5 mm for Streptococcus spp while Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella spp, showed no activities in all the concentrations tested against them. The result of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) revealed activities at 400 mg/ml for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, while Streptococcus spp was seen to have activity at 600 mg/ml. The oil was seen to be bacteriostatic up to the highest concentration (1000 mg/ml) used. Since this study identified some bioactive components that are known to be bacteriostatic, it suggests using coconut oil as a medicinal agent and in the battle against antibiotic resistance. To understand the mechanisms of action of the oil and its derivative, more in vitro and in vivo research should be conducted.

Garri is a commonly consumed cassava product in Nigeria. Poorly processed/stored garri could pose serious health risk to consumers. This study seek to investigate the microbial evaluation of garri sold in open markets Benin City. Five garri samples were purchased from eight open markets which are; Egor market, Oba market, Ekiosa market, Oluku market and Adolor market, Ikpoba-Hill market, and Aduwawa market, all in Edo State making a total of 40 samples. 500 mg each for the sample and appropriately labeled. The samples were transported to the Environmental Management and Toxicology Department laboratory, for microbial, pH and moisture content analysis. Different media such as Potato Dextrose agar (PDA), Nutrient Agar (NA) were prepared separately. 1g of each sample (garri) was weighing on a weighing balance, dissolved properly in 10m1 of pepton water which was used to prepare ten folds serial dilution. Using pour plate method. The total number of bacteria, yeast and moulds in the garri samples was determined. The total number of colony forming unit (CFU/g) was calculated, the moisture content and pH of the garri samples were also calculated. Data obtained were analyzed in percentage and mean. Total Heterotrophic bacteria count in garri samples (cfu/g x103) indicated that Egor and Adolor markets had the highest heterotrophic bacteria count of (9.25 x103) respectively while Ikpoba Hill market had the lowest count of (1.00 x103). The highest fungal count was recorded in Ekiosa market (1.75) and the lowest was in New Benin market (0.50). The bacteria identified are; Micrococcus sp., Escherichia coli,: Klebsiella sp.,Lactobacillus sp Enterobacter sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus sp., Pseudomonas sp,, Streptococcus sp., Shigella sp., Bacillus sp. the fungi identified are Rhizomucor sp., Aspergillus sp., Trichophyton sp., Geotrichum sp., Mudurella sp and Candida sp. The highest moisture content was noticed in Aduwawa market 16.80% sample C and last was in Oluku market 8.70% sample B. The highest pH was noticed in Oluku sample C (6.76) and the lowest pH was in Egor market sample A (4.11). There is therefore a need to maintain proper sanitary conditions so as to avoid health risks. The moisture content of garri samples analyzed is low and within standard specification, this could have accounted for keeping the microbial load of garri low.

The main objective of food preservation has been on controlling microbial populations, with a specific emphasis on pathogenic microorganisms. Food preservation implies inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. Hostile environments for microorganisms are an adequate food preservation strategy The application of heat treatments, reduction of storage temperatures, application of good manufacturing practices and the addition of additives define the food shelf-life and safety. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in frozen food such as chicken turkey and fish and to enumerate Staphylococcus aureus in the frozen foods’ samples. The samples were gotten from various locations in Benin City. The eight (8) samples were carried to the laboratory and analyzed following standard operations and procedures. The results of the microbial assessment of the frozen foods to isolate, identify and enumerate Staphylococcus aureus. The total heterotrophic bacterial counts revealed that the population density of the microorganisms varied from one sample to another. The mean total heterotrophic bacterial count ranged from 7.0×10 3 to 4.2×10 4 cfu/g for the samples. The results revealed the isolates as Serratia marcescens, Proteus mirabilis and Staphylococcus aureus. which indicated a diversity of the microbial species found in the frozen food samples. The results obtained in this study revealed that the bacterial isolates present in the frozen food samples were found to harbor certain enzymes and factors, which contributes to their virulence factors. The microbial assessment of the frozen foods revealed that Staphylococcus aureus had the highest prevalence amongst the isolates found in the frozen food samples with a percentage occurrence of 57.14%. From the study it was ascertained that freezing as a means of preservation can reduce bacteria contamination. Due to contamination of frozen food with the bacteria isolates found in this study to be of public health significance thus the usefulness of proper freezing and preservation cannot be overemphasized.

The morphometric analysis of Synodontis courteti and Chrysicthys walkeri was carried out in Ovia River, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of fifty-four specimens of the two species were sampled over a period of six months, June to November, 2024. Specimens were transported to the laboratory and morphometric indices such as Total Length (TL), Standard Length (SL), Head Length (HL), Body Weight (BW), Intestinal Length (IL) and Body Depth (BD)were assessed using standard methods. The standard length and body weight of S. courteti ranged from 11.3 to 17.6cm and 40 to 225g, while the standard length and body weight of C.walkeri ranged from 10 to 19.4cm and 40 to 100g.The growth coefficient (b) was between 1.539 and 0.980 for S. courteti and C. walkeri. Results showed that both species exhibited a negative allometric growth. The intestinal length of S. courteti ranged from 9 to 21.0 while the intestinal length of C.walkeri ranged from 7.2 to 13.2. Following standard gut-length relationship for feeding classification, (<100 carnivore and >100 omnivore), both species were classified as carnivores having ratios of 87.77% and 72.67% respectively.

Bioactive compounds are important nutritional components that are present in small amount in
fruits and vegetable and are known for their various behavioral, immunological and physiological health benefit. This research utilized HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) analytical method, to identify and quantify the phytochemicals and bioactive compounds present in the Dichloromethane fraction of extract of Uraria picta. Analysis by HPLC revealed Six prominents compounds which include Ammodendrine (22.0694 ug/ml), Cyanogenic glycoside 20.1936 ug/ml), Spartein (15.9760 ug/ml), Tannin (12.9619ug/ml), Sapogenin ( 10.9960 ug/ml) and proanthocyanidine( 10.4914 ug/ml) with antioxidant, Anticancer and anti inflammatory potentials. These bioactive compounds have been reported to possess multiple therapeutic activities, which explain the use of Uraria picta leaves in traditional
medicine to treat numerous diseases.

Ferruginous soils pose challenges for plant growth as their high iron content can lead to iron toxicity and reduced crop yields. Copper nanoparticles show promise in alleviating iron toxicity in plants. This project assessed maize plants treated with varying copper nanoparticle concentrations in ferruginous soils with elevated iron. The goal was to evaluate maize tolerance to different iron stress levels and resultant yield. The results revealed enhanced maize growth with copper nanoparticles, especially at 35% and 100% concentrations, in both initial and subsequent growth stages. This indicates a dose-dependent relationship between nanoparticle concentration and maize growth, with higher concentrations conferring increased maize survivability against iron toxicity. Temporal dynamics emerged in the maize response to nanoparticles, underscoring the need to consider exposure duration in applications. During week 2, plants treated with a 35% Cu nanoparticle concentration in soils contaminated at 4 ESV displayed smaller leaf areas than those in 2.5 ESV soils. This suggests higher contamination may hinder the nanoparticles' positive leaf area effects. Overall, the intricate effects of copper nanoparticles on maize morphological characteristics depended on concentration, soil contamination, and specific parameters. Plant height, leaf length/width/area, and sheath length were influenced by treatment, while blocks significantly impacted plant height, leaf length, and sheath length. Copper nanoparticles show the potential to enhance maize survivability in ferruginous soils, offering a promising sustainable agriculture avenue in iron-rich environments.

Atmospheric air, including indoor air, is a basic factor affecting the proper functioning of the
human body. Air pollution constitutes one of the main threats to the environments in which
people live. World Health Organization (WHO) and European Environment Agency (EEA) report that environmental risks such as air or water pollution have a significant impact on human health. Air pollution includes all substances in the Earth’s atmosphere that are not natural components, as well as natural substances in significantly increased quantities. The Earth’s atmosphere is composed of gases and vapours of chemical compounds, acid rain, airborne ashes, dust, trace elements and biological contaminants

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus), originated in India, belongs to family Cucurbitaceae, is most widely cultivated vegetable crop all over the world. Cucumber is the fourth most important vegetable crop after tomato, cabbage, and onion. Although its calorie and nutritional value is very low, it’s a primary source of vitamins and minerals in the human diet (Mah, 1989). It’s eaten in the unripe green form, the ripe yellow form normally becomes too bitter and sour. Antioxidants are substances that prevent and stabilize the damages caused by free radicals, it supplies electrons from antioxidants to damage cells.

Traditional herbal medicine refers to the use of plants or plant material, either in crude or processed form, to treat illnesses or injuries. Presently, there is ongoing investigation into the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants with ethnomedicinal properties. The aim of this study is to evaluate the in-vitro anti-oxidants and anti-diarrheal properties of poly herbal formulated tea.(Citrus Lemon, Curcuma Longa, Zingiber Officcinale, Allium Sativum, Moringa Deifera, Syzygium aromaticum). The formulation, consisting of multiple herbal extracts, was subjected to antioxidant assays using ascorbic acid as the standard. Additionally, its effect on GIT motility was assessed using loperamide as the standard in an anti-diarrheal model induced by castor oil, with water serving as the control. Results from the antioxidant assay revealed significant antioxidant activity of
the poly-herbal formulation, comparable to that of ascorbic acid. However, in the antidiarrheal model, the formulation did not exhibit significant antidiarrheal properties when compared to the control (water) and the standard (loperamide). Interestingly, the poly-herbal formulation demonstrated a significant effect on GIT motility, indicating its potential to modulate intestinal transit time. These findings suggest that while the poly-herbal formulation lacks antidiarrheal properties, it possesses notable antioxidant activity and influences gastrointestinal motility. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its effects on GIT motility and explore its
potential therapeutic applications in gastrointestinal disorders.

A two month investigation was conducted to study the helminth parasites of geckos from Uhogua, in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. This study was aimed at determination of the gecko diversity found in Uhongua community in Benin City, Edo state, as well as the helminth parasites they habour. A total of 23 geckos which were of two species; Hemidactylus angulatus and Hemidactylus mabouia were examined. They consisted of 17 males, 4 females and 2 juvenile. The geckos were randomly collected at night from a poultry farm situated close to a residential building by hand, after which they were transported to the laboratory where they were euthanized, dissected and examined for parasites. The following parasites were encountered during this study; one pentastomid; aillietiella affinis, one cestode; Oochoristica sp., one trematode; Mesocoelium sp., and three species of nematodes namely; Strongyluris brevicaudata, Parapharyngodon awokoyai, and
Thelandros scleratus. The most encountered parasite in this study was T. scleratus having an overall prevalence of 47.83% and a mean value of 1.75, while S. brevicaudata was least
encountered, with an overall prevalence and mean value of 4.34% and 1.00 parasite per infected host respectively. A