FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

Light intensity is a critical environmental factor that profoundly influences plant architecture and development, often by modulating internal phytohormone levels. Specifically, the regulation of auxin biosynthesis and signaling is central to understanding how plants adapt their growth in varying light conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of key auxin biosynthesis-related genes in Trichosanthes cucumerina plants cultivated under contrasting open field and shaded field conditions within a lowland rainforest environment. This research utilized three distinct data types, morphological, anatomical, and molecular. Morphological data, including vine length, number of leaves, stem circumference, were collected through direct field measurements throughout the growth period. Anatomical data were generated by preparing and microscopically examining cross-sections of stem and root tissues to assess cellular integrity and vascular bundle differentiation. Molecular data were generated via Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) analysis, which provided relative gene expression levels for auxin biosynthesis genes (e.g., YUCCA and TAA1) from extracted plant RNA. Morphological and molecular data were subjected to appropriate statistical analysis (e.g., t-tests or 2⁻ΔΔCₜ) method, to determine significant differences between the two growth environments

Nine tomato genotypes collected from Nigerian Institute of Horticulture and National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Ibadan, were cultivated and screened for resistance to Oidium neolycopersici. The pathogen was cultured in the laboratory in potato dextrose agar as culture medium and re-inoculated to the leaves and root area of the screenhouse tomatoes. During the course of the experiment, there were expectations to find a resistant variety which will serve as a potential tool for cultivating resistant varieties of tomato. However, all accessions of tomatoes inoculated with the pathogen were evaluated and found to be susceptible to the pathogen. The pathogen totally colonised the plants, caused necrosis of the leaves,
prevented flowering and fruiting, and ultimately caused the death of all tomato plants observed in this study. The study showed that powdery mildew (Oidium neolycopersici) poses significant threat to greenhouse tomatoes, as well as tomatoes grown in the field.

Energy drinks are popular for their energy-boosting effects, yet concerns about their composition and safety persist. This study aimed to evaluate the mineral, sugar, and heavy metal content of Blue Bullet energy drink, focusing on its impact on energy metabolism, mineral homeostasis, and toxicological risks. Triplicate samples of the drink was prepared for the qualitative analyses were conducted to detect the presence of carbohydrates, phosphates, and acidity and quantitative tests which included Benedict’s and Fehling’s solutions for sugar content, spectrophotometric analysis for minerals, and toxicological screening for heavy metals. Qualitative analyses confirmed significant carbohydrate presence, trace phosphates, and an acidic pH typical of energy drinks. Quantitative screening revealed carbohydrates (12 ± 3 μg/L), alcohol (16 ± 2 μg/L), phosphate (368 ± 1 μg/L), and CO2 (78 ± 11 μg/L). Mineral analysis identified calcium (24.47 ± 0.15 mg/kg), iron (0.93 ± 0.03 mg/kg), potassium (0.30 ± 0.00 mg/kg), magnesium (1.17 ± 0.03 mg/kg), and phosphorus (1.667 ± 0.002 mg/kg), all within FDA and WHO safety limits. Trace metals such as chromium (0.047 ± 0.004 mg/kg), manganese (0.047 ± 0.012 mg/kg), and zinc (0.083 ± 0.003 mg/kg) were present at safe levels. Toxicological screening showed arsenic (0.955 ± 0.004 μg/kg) and mercury (0.070 ± 0.001 μg/kg) below safety thresholds, with no detectable lead, cadmium, or copper. These findings highlight that Blue Bullet provides essential nutrients and adheres to safety standards, though regular quality control is recommended for consumer safety..

Polyherbal formulations are widely utilized across the globe and have gained increasing recognition due to their natural origin and minimal side effects. These combinations enhance therapeutic potency while reducing the required concentrations of individual herbal components. This research investigates the hematological effects of a polyherbal aqueous extract in phenyl hydrazine induced anemic Wistar rats. The plant materials were collected, processed, and formulated into the polyherbal aqueous extract. Thirty-six rats were randomly assigned into six groups: positive control, negative control, normal control, and three treatment groups receiving different doses of the extract. Variations in body and organ weights were assessed, and blood samples were analyzed for biochemical parameters. The results revealed significant differences in white blood cells, lymphocytes, mid-sized cells, granulocytes, platelets, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, plateletcrit, and platelet large cell ratio compared to the control groups. These findings support the ethnomedicinal use of the selected plants as anti-anemic agents and highlight their potential for further preclinical and clinical evaluation. Overall, the study suggests that the polyherbal aqueous extract may serve as a promising alternative therapy for anaemia

The importance of home security is increasing, and systems are constantly being improved. Sophisticated firearms, security guards, alarms, and other security measures have all been improved. Software and electronic hardware have also been invented. One of the most crucial safety measures that are necessary for all social groupings is home security.
The system architecture entails the integration of sound and motion detectors with a central processing unit, enabling real-time monitoring and response to potential security breaches. Leveraging advanced sensor technologies, the system can accurately identify unauthorized intrusions and trigger appropriate alarm responses. Key components of the system include high-sensitivity sound sensors capable of detecting anomalies such as breaking glass or forced entry, coupled with motion detectors that utilize passive infrared technology to detect movement within designated areas. These sensors are interconnected with a central control unit programmed to analyze sensor inputs and initiate alarm protocols when suspicious activity is detected. The system incorporates user-friendly interfaces for configuration and monitoring, allowing users to customize alarm settings and receive real-time alerts via mobile devices or computer interfaces. Additionally, the system's scalability and flexibility enable integration with existing security infrastructure, making it suitable for a wide range of residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

This study was carried out in the southwestern part of Nigeria in Ondo State which lies within Latitude 7° 09’ 50.1” and 7° 12’ 20.6”N, and Longitude 5° 13’ 30.5”E and 5° 14’ 30.1”, with the aim of assessing the physical, microbial and chemical parameters of the groundwater. Random sampling technique was employed in obtaining water samples from both the surface and groundwater in the study area. A sterilized one liter plastic bottle was used to collect water samples and were immediately transported to the laboratory for physico-chemical and microbial analysis. A total of ten (10) water samples were collected; seven (7) groundwater samples and three (3) river samples. The physicochemical parameters determined and values obtained are as follows: Electrical conductivity ranged 300 and 960us/cm, Temperature 25.00 to 25.01℃, pH of 6.6-9.2 with a mean value of 6.9, TDS shows a mean valve of 25.69mg/l, COD from 5-18.4 mg/liter with mean value of 10.65mg/liter, Turbidity ranged 1.5 to 6.0 NTU with mean valve of 1.03NTU, Cl- 106.50 to 426.00mg/l, SO42- 0.41 to 2.87 mg/l, TSS shows a mean value of 0.411mg/l, TS 1.33 to 4.33 mg/l, NO3- 23.73 to 41.48mg/l, Mg ranged from 0.42 to 0.67 mg/liter which is within the WHO limit with mean valve of 0.41mg/l, Ca 0.10 to 0.41 mg/l, HCO3- 7.00 to 22.00mg/l, Na ranged from 2.8 to 3.9 mg/liter with mean value of 1.47mg/litre, K 0.41 to 1.20 mg/l, Mn 0.01 to 0.11 mg/l, Fe 0.01 to 0.02 mg/l, Zn 0.01 to 0.65 mg/l, PO4- 0.07 mg/l for all locations. Pb showed a mean value of 0. 011mg/litre. Result of analysis revealed that the ground and surface water in the study area appears to be generally potable, due to concentration of heavy metals being mostly under/within the WHO standard regulation. The pH, salinity and electrical conductivityin the study area was moderate. The colour for some samples were brownish – colourless. The presence of microbial organisms in water is from sewages, septic tanks, and animal faeces. The surface water found within the study area is Ofuso River. The water quality in the study area is generally potable.

This study uses the piscine micronucleus assay to evaluate environmental contamination in Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia) from the downstream of Ovia River in Edo State. The assay assessed genotoxicity induced by heavy metal pollution in the aquatic environment. Ten (10) fish samples were collected, and heavy metal concentrations were analyzed in the fish skin. Nuclear abnormalities (NAs) such as micronuclei (MN), blebbed cells (BL), notched cells (NC), anucleated (AN), and binucleated (BN) cells were examined in erythrocytes. The results revealed a significant increase in NAs in exposed fish compared to controls, with nuclear abnormality frequencies ranging from 6.02% to 17.45%, and a mean of 9.21%. In contrast, control fish exhibited a lower mean frequency of 0.72%, indicating a statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.001). Heavy metal analysis revealed elevated concentrations of iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in the fish skin, suggesting bioaccumulation from contaminated river water. The positive correlation between heavy metal concentrations and micronuclei frequency confirms the genotoxic potential of pollutants in the Ovia River. These findings highlight the necessity for continuous environmental monitoring and pollution control measures to mitigate the impact of toxicants on aquatic biodiversity and human health.

Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) contains bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, resveratrol, flavonoids, and phytoestrogens with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hormone-modulating potentials. Considering the rising prevalence of female and the limitations of conventional therapies, this study explored Tiger nut as a possible natural alternative to enhance reproductive health. This investigation was aimed at evaluating the pregnancy outcome study of juice formulated from cyperus esculentus (tiger nut) on pregnant albino rats. Freshly prepared Tiger nut juice was administered orally to gravid albino Wistar rats at doses of 2 ml/kg and 5 ml/kg across the three trimesters of pregnancy. Key parameters assessed included maternal weight gain, serum progesterone levels, implantation sites, uterine horn development, pregnancy outcomes, fetal biometric indices, and blood glucose levels. The results showed significant improvements in maternal weight, progesterone concentration, implantation success, litter size, and fetal development in the grape-treated groups compared to controls. Additionally, low and higher doses of the Tiger nut juice maintained normoglycemia, within normal ranges. These findings demonstrate that Tiger nut juice positively influences maternal physiology, enhances uterine receptivity, and improves pregnancy outcomes, highlighting its potential role as a nutraceutical for supporting female fertility.

This study investigates the phytochemical compositiopn and antimicrobial potential of Justicia carnea root extracts. The research aims to evaluate the presence of key bioactive compounds and assess their efficacy against selected pathogenic microorganisms. Standard laboratory techniques were employed for phytochemical screening and antimicrobial testing using various solvent extractsq. Results revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, indicating the plant’s rich medicinal value. The extracts exhibited notable inhibitory effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, suggesting broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. These findings support the traditional use of Justicia carnea in herbal medicine and highlight its potential as a source of natural therapeutic agents.

This study investigated the effects of 28-day oral administration of the aqueous leaf extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum on haematological parameters in wistar rats. The plant which is widely used in West African traditional medicine, is known for its therapeutic benefits, yet its prolonged safety on blood indices remains scarcely explored. Twenty-four male wistar rats were randomly distributed into four groups: a control group and three treatment groups receiving 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg of the extract, respectively. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were analyzed for red and white blood cell indices, as well as platelet parameters, using standard hematological techniques. The results revealed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in total white blood cell, monocyte, and granulocyte counts at the lowest dose (250 mg/kg), while higher doses maintained values comparable to the control. Red blood cell indices—including haemoglobin, packed cell volume, and mean corpuscular volume—remained within normal physiological limits, suggesting no adverse effect on erythropoiesis. Platelet counts were greatly unaffected, though a temporary decrease in plateletcrit and platelet distribution width was observed at low dose. Overall, the extract did not produce any clinically significant haematotoxic effect but demonstrated mild dose-dependent immunomodulatory influence. These findings suggest that aqueous extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum is relatively
safe on haematological profiles within the tested range, supporting its traditional use while emphasizing the need for dose regulation in prolonged administration.