FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

This study was carried out to determine the toxicity level of heavy metals at Egor Local Government Area of Edo State (Uwelu Mechanic/Spare-parts Market) in Benin-City, by
evaluating the soil pollution accumulation and distribution resulting from the activities of automobile spear parts market and workshops in the study area. Nine (9) sample points including control were profiled at 0-5 cm, 5-10 cm, 10-15cm and 165-30cm. The control site which was east of the study area was situated about 1km away, and instruments used for sample collection are hand auger, Global Positioning System (GPS), ruler, sample bags, marker, and masking tapes. Laboratory analysis carried out revealed the physicochemical properties and heavy metals presence. Statistical analyses employed to investigate the heavy metal concentration, accumulation and distribution in the soil samples were performed using Pearson Correlation analysis and ANOVA analysis. Thereafter, Contamination factor, Geoaccumulation Index and Pollution Load Index. At profile depth 0-5 cm and 15-30 cm, there is no significant difference with control values. At profile depth 5-10 cm and 10-15 cm, there was significant difference between control and Chromium, Vanadium, Lead, Cadmium, Zinc and Electrical Conductivity. There was positive strong correlation between all the heavy metals except Nickel and Chromium which showed only significant correlation. Cadmium, Vanadium, Lead, Zinc and Chromium showed Contamination Factor value greater than 1.5 in all the profile samples which translates to Contamination from
anthropogenic sources. Cadmium and Lead recorded high geo-accumulation index values which implies moderate to heavy contamination. Pollution Load Index of the profiles revealed that the sub soil at 10-15 cm and 15-30 cm where the most contaminated with the highest PLI values. In conclusion, the soil within the study area is heavily polluted with heavy metals due to the spilling of spent oil and dumping of scrap metals.

Coconut oil has a unique role in human nutrition, it clinical studies reveal an effect on human health. Herbal plants are traditionally used in folklore medicine for various diseases. This work aimed at investigating the immunoprotective effects of cold-pressed coconut oil in immunosupressed Wistar rat. A standard procedure was used to carry out immunomodulatory properties of the extract with modifications. The immunomodulatory properties of coconut oil were investigated by testing the immune responses to the antigen challenges with sheep red blood cells (SRBCs). The animals were placed into six groups of five rats per group. Coconut oil was given orally at the dosage level of 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0ml/kg for 21 days; also 0.3ml i.p of SRBCs. Evaluation was carried out by testing the hematological parameters. The result obtained showed a significant increase in 0.25ml dose after twenty-one (21) days. White blood cell (11.70 ± 1.25) had same value with control and HGB (15.57± 0.67), increase significantly when compare with control. The CD4 and CD8 had better result with coconut oil when compared with the control. The Anti-Oxidant activities had a positive response in 0.25ml. Histological result reveals a healthy heart, lungs, spleen, liver and kidney in lower dose of oil extract. In conclusion, Coconut oil can be said to contain immunomodulatory effect in accordance with folklore report

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the most widely cultivated and extensively
consumed horticultural crops worldwide. Spoilage of tomato fruit by contaminating microorganism is a major agricultural and economic problem. The search for techniques to prevent or control spoilage is a welcome development. In this study, was aimed at determination of fungal analysis and effects of sodium metabisulphite and pasteurization as a preservative of tomato fruit puree. Fresh, uninfected tomatoes were purchased at Aduwawa tomatoes market, Ikpoba-Okha local government Area, Edo state, and prepared into puree. The samples were treated with the sodium metabisulphite at the concentrations of 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5g/l and pasteurized at 65°C for 15 mins. The treated samples were stored for a period of 15 days and analyzed every 5 days interval. The analysis carried out were fungal count and identification, pH and titratable acidity. The result showed that total fungal count ranged from 5.00× 10 4 sfu/ml to 1.00× 10 4 sfu/ml. The identified fungal isolates were
Aspergillus niger, Fusarium sp, Rhizopus stolonifer, Geotrichum sp, Trichoderma sp, Candida sp and Saccharomyces Cerevisae. The pH ranged from 4.10±0.07 to 5.80±0.57 while the titratable acidity ranged from 0.083% to 1.345%. From this study, the concentrations of 0.4g/L and 0.5g/L proved to be effective in preserving the tomato puree and inhibiting fungal growth.

This study was conducted in Eruvbi stream, Benin City Edo State, Nigeria, aimed at investigating community structure of cladocerans in Eruvbi stream. The sampling period was carried out from the early dry season in march 2023 to the early rainy season period of My 2023.Three sampling stations were selected. Water samples were collected in 3 replicates monthly. Fifteen (15) Physico-chemical parameters including, pH, Electrical Conductivity, Total Suspended Solids, Dissolved oxygen, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Nitrate (NO3), Suphate (SO4), Phosphate (PO4), Calcium (Ca), and Magnesium (Mn) were analyzed using standard methods. Phosphate and Nitrate were the only two Physico-chemical parameters with significant difference(p<0.05) among all the physicochemical Parameters of the stations. Seven Species were uncovered within the Eruvbi stream wiz; Alonella excise, Bosmina longirostris, Moina
micrura, Pleuroxus hamatus hamatus, Acroperus harpae and moina macrocopa, Amongst which station two results appeared to have the highest diversity and evenness, while Station 1 has the lowest diversity but relatively even distribution of species. Station 3 falls in between in terms of diversity and evenness. Thus, the findings of the research study provides crucial in understanding the health and ecological dynamics of the Ervubi stream and may have
implications for conservation and management efforts.

This research aimed to investigate the cytomorphological aspects of Picralima nitida (Stapf) T. Durand & H, Durand and Hunteria umbellata (K.Schumann) H. Hallier, both belonging to the Apocynaceae family, within Edo State. The objectives included studying cytological details, potential evolutionary rates, and distinguishing differences between the two species. Matured plant samples were collected from the University of Benin's botanic garden and various locations in Benin City. Morphological characteristics, leaf length and width, and plant height were examined. Cytological techniques involved observing meiosis in flower buds and obtaining epidermal peels for microscopic analysis. The study revealed various stomatal types and their distribution, contributing to taxonomic insights. Chromosome numbers were assessed, with 2n=22 confirmed for Picralima nitida. The chromosome count for
Hunteria umbellata couldn't be confirmed due to pollen production interference. The constancy of chromosome numbers was emphasized as a crucial species trait. Epidermal characteristics, including cuticle, shape of subsidiary cells, and stomatal wall patterns, were explored for taxonomic and systematic significance. Stomatal abnormalities, such as contiguous stomata in Hunteria umbellata, were observed, suggesting ongoing evolutionary processes.

LIMITEED

One of the most well-known medicinal plants, Andrographis paniculata (family Acanthaceae), has been used for centuries in Asia, America, and Africa to treat a wide range of illnesses, including cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, ulcers, leprosy, bronchitis, skin conditions, flatulence, colic, influenza, dysentery, dyspepsia, and malaria. This study evaluated the antioxidant properties of the medicinal herb, Andrographis paniculata with standard methods. Here, the DPPH, FRAP, TAC and hydrogen peroxide assays were carried out to determine the antioxidant activity of carbonated drink extract of A. paniculata. Each assay had corresponding values for the standard and the carbonated drink extract. With the exception of the DPPH assay, the IC50 values for the carbonated drink extract were lower compared to that of the standard (ascorbic acid). Judging from the IC50 values, it therefore indicated that the carbonated drink extract had more antioxidant activity than the standard, showing that the carbonated drink extract of A. paniculata has a better antioxidant potency.

The discharge of wastewater into waterbodies without proper treatment has led to several threats such as DNA damage to aquatic species. This study evaluates the genotoxic effect of cassava wastewater on the gonads, liver and gills of post juvenile Clarias gariepinus using comet assay. The post juveniles of Clarias gariepinus was purchased from fish farm located in Delta State and was exposed to various concentrations (0.2%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 0.7%) of cassava wastewater for 96 hours. Unlike normal behaviours observed in the control groups, the fish exposed to the effluent were restless, erratic in their movement and gasping for breath. After the exposure period, the fishes were transported to the laboratory and the cells of their liver, gills and gonads were extracted for genotoxic assessment using comet assay. The result obtained from the genotoxic assessment revealed DNA damage at varying concentrations of the wastewater. The study revealed that genotoxins present in the wastewater were obviously responsible for the DNA damage in the tissues in the organism. The study also revealed that the genotoxic effect of cassava wastewater on post juveniles of Clarias gariepinus is dose
dependent as DNA damage increases with increased concentration. This study shows that the treatment of wastewater before disposal is very important.

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a tree plant specie belonging to the family Moringaceae and it is widely used for various medicinal purposes. This study is aimed at determining the effect of sub- chronic administration of ethanol root extract of M. oleifera on the blood sugar level of non- diabetic Wistar rats. Eighteen adult albino Wistar rats, weiging between 157 g to 292 g were used for the study. The animals were divided into four groups, namely: Groups I, II, III and IV(Control). The extract was prepared using fresh roots of the plant collected from Obe Quarters, Benin City, Edo State. The roots of the plant were shade dried and were grinded to powder form. The extract was obtained by cold maceration of the powdered roots in 99% ethanol at room temperature for 72 hours, filtered and evaporated to dryness in a drying oven at 50°C. Groups I, II and III orally received 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg of ethanol root extract of M. oleifera respectively for a period of 21 days while the control group was administered distilled water only. The blood sugar level of each of the treated rats was measured after 24 hours of extract administration, and subsequently on Day 7, 14 and 21 by reading a strip of blood sample collected from the tail vein using a glucometer test kit. From the results obtained, it was observed that the blood sugar levels in all the treatment groups were not significantly different (p > 0.05) when compared with the control. In conclusion, ethanol root extract of M. oleifera does not have any negative impact on normal glycemic values in Wistar rats.

Since prehistoric times, medicinal herbs have been used due to their therapeutic and pharmaceutical value due to the presence of some bioactive compounds which have been written and proven to show effectiveness against ailments such as jaundice, genital infections, fever, wounds amongst others. Phyllanthus Amarus is traditionally used for various infections, inflammation and cancer. 1,2 Dimethylhydrazine is a potent colon cancer inducer in animals. The present study investigated the effects of ethanolic extract of n-hexane fraction of Phyllanthus Amarus on 1, 2 Dimethylhydrazine induced colon cancer in swiss albino mice. 15 male swiss albino mice of weight 14g-26g were acclimatized for a week and randomized into 3 groups (5 per group). Group A (-DMH), Group B (DMH+ 450mg/kg body weight of ethanolic extract of n-hexane fraction of P. amarus) Group C (DMH+). 20 mg/kg body weight of DMH was administered orally for 24doses (3 times a week for 2 months). The plant extracts were administered daily for 2 weeks (14days) with the aid of a dolphin gauge immediately after colon cancer induction. In the present study, the antioxidant parameters e,g, SOD(×103 )(u/mg wet tissue) and CAT(×102 )(u/mg wet tussue) of control were significantly different from the treated group as seen in the result (2.156±0.64 and 0.42± 0.28 )for SOD,(11.66 ± 0.78 and 2.93± 0.75) for CAT. For MDA(×10-4 )(m/mg wet tissue) GPX(u/mg wet tissue) and GSH(g/wet tissue )there was no significant difference when the control group (0.209±0.015) for MDA, (0.037±0.014 )for GPX and (1.23±0.087) for GSH was compared to treated group (0.17±0.02) for MDA, (0.08± 0.015) for GPX and (1.93± 0.19 )for GSH. For liver function test, there was significant difference between the control (168.9 ±24.57), treated (219.42±54.8) and untreated group (156.56±11.68) for ALT activity(u/L) in the liver homogenate, but there was no significant difference at p<0.05 for AST(u/L) across all groups Control(25.6± 0.58), treated (26.77±1.16) and untreated(29.1±0.579 ).