FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

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.

Inflammation is a vital biological defense mechanism against harmful stimuli, yet excessive or chronic inflammation contributes to many diseases. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of pineapple (Ananas comosus) and coconut (Cocus nucifera) juice, focusing on their potential synergistic activity. Fresh fruit juices were extracted, combined in varying concentrations, and administered orally to albino rats using standard experimental models of inflammation; including carrageenan- egg albumen- and formaldehyde- induced paw edema. The effects of the juice were compared with a standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (Ibuprofen, 10 mg/kg). Acute toxicity studies revealed no mortality or observable toxic effects at doses up to 5 ml/kg, indicating safety of juice. Results showed that treatment with pineapple and coconut juice produced significant dose-dependent reductions in paw edema across all models, comparable to the standard drug. The observed antiinflammatory activity may be attributed to bioactive compounds such as bromelain in pineapple and lauric acid and polyphenols in coconut, which possess antioxidant and cytokine- modulating properties. These findings support the traditional use of these fruits in managing inflammation and suggest that their combined juice could serve as a natural, safe and effective alternative to synthetic anti-inflammatory agents. Further studies on molecular mechanisms and clinical applicability are recommended.

Laurus nobilis, generally known as “bay leaf” belongs to Lauraceae family of plants. It contains compounds which have potential use for food safety because of the antimicrobial properties. Its leaves are widely used in traditional medicines and for food seasoning. This study was aimed at investigating the phytochemical constituents and antifungal effects of Laurus nobilis on selected pathogens; Fusarium solani, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Penicillium chrysogenum which were obtained from hair, foot, and toenail samples from some students in the department of microbiology, University of Benin (UNIBEN) using swab sticks and confirmatory tests were carried out using cultural and biochemical methods. The fungi isolates were identified using cultural and morphological characteristics as well as the colour of spores, types of spores, and nature of hyphae. The phytochemical screening of the leaf was done using standard methods. Antifungal susceptibility was done using poisoned food method. Extraction was done after 2 days and 4 days. The percentage composition of saponin, alkaloid, tannin, flavonoid and total polyphenol in the L. nobilis leaves were 4.40%, 4.00%, 13.50%, 11.00%, and 0.010% respectively. In the L. nobilis leaf extract for 2 days and 4 days, F. solani had the highest radial growth of 44.00mm and 31.50mm obtained from ethanol and methanol at 300mg/ml and 400mg/ml respectively. The highest percentage mycelial growth inhibition for 2 days and 4 days were 40.74% and 39.06% obtained from F. solani and P. chrysogenum respectively. The results showed great antifungal activities of the leaves extracts against the selected isolates. From the antifungal activity, it could be noted that L. nobilis extracts in general, offers some potential in the combating of diseases caused by these fungal agents, and may be screened for activity
against several other human and plant pathogens.

This study evaluated the effect of ethanol leaf extract of Pleurotus ostreatus on the weekly body-weight changes and organ weights of Wistar rats under sub-chronic oral administration. Twenty male rats (159–230 g) were divided into four groups: control, and three treatment groups receiving 100 mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of the extract for 28 days. The extract was prepared through ethanol maceration of air-dried P. ostreatus leaves, and animal handling followed institutional ethical standards. Weekly body weights were recorded, and organ weights (liver, kidneys, heart, testes, and spleen) were assessed post-sacrifice. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at P ≤
0.05. The results revealed a dose-dependent, progressive increase in body weight across treatment groups compared with control, with no mortality or observable toxicity. Organ-weight analysis indicated normal physiological ranges, suggesting that the extract did not induce adverse metabolic effects. The observed steady growth pattern indicates that ethanol extract of P. ostreatus may enhance nutrient utilization and metabolic efficiency without compromising safety during sub-chronic exposure. These findings support the nutritional and pharmacological potential of P. Ostreatus as a functional food and safe metabolic enhancer