SCHOOL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES

This study investigates the electromagnetic radiation from cell phones on the bloodparameters on Wister rats. With cell phones present in every aspect of daily life, bothhumans and by extension laboratory rats are exposed to RF radiation which may affect their hematological parameters and biological systems. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the hematological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation from cell phones on female Wistar rats under controlled exposure conditions. The specific objectives are to; (1) measure and compare red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and white blood cell count between Wistar rat exposed to cell phone RF-EMR and unexposed control rat, (2) measure and compare the weight differences between Wistar rats exposed to cell phone RF-EMR and unexposed control rats and (3) assess the relationship between exposure duration and the magnitude of changes in these hematological parameters. A randomized controlled experimental design was used, and involving 8 healthy adults female Wistar rats, aged 6–9 weeks and weighing 45– 65 g. A minimum of 4 rats were equally divided into 2 groups, i.e. 4 rats in the control group and 4 rats in the EMRexposed group. Rats were acclimatized for 9 days, with ad libitum food and water. Then each rat in the exposure group was placed individually in the chamber for 2 min/day during which the cell phone emitting the radiation was placed around the rat. Exposure is from the auto-answer mode cell phone which occurred for 2 minutes per day over 4 weeks. Post-exposure blood samples were compared within and between the two groups. The findings of this study showed that the exposed and control group were comparable in baseline characteristics and the analysis of White Blood Cell (WBC) parameters revealed no statistically significant impact of EMR exposure on the rats, but a significant rise in red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentration was observed in the exposed rats when compared to the WBC findings. Also, the findings of the Platelet count and most platelet indices did not change significantly. The research concluded that specific and measurable significant alterations in the Red Blood Cell (RBC) profiles, while other parameters, notably White Blood Cells (WBCs) and Platelets, showed numerical trends but no statistically significant differences. It recommends that future studies should Increase the exposure duration per rat from 2 minutes up to 30 minutes and the experimental period should beextended from 4 weeks to 8 or 12 weeks to obtain more robust and reliable data.

This study examined the phytochemical content of Moringa oleifera leaves sold in local markets across Benin City, Edo State. Although Moringa is commonly used for food and traditional medicine, there is limited information on the quality of the leaves available to consumers in this area. Fresh samples were collected from different markets and analysed using standard qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening methods. The qualitative results showed the presence of major phytochemicals such as flavonoids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, steroids, alkaloids and phenols. Quantitative findings revealed that flavonoids were the most abundant (862.21 µg/ml), followed by cardiac glycosides (525.78 µg/ml), terpenoids (304.23 µg/ml), steroids (302.94 µg/ml) and tannins
(126.56 µg/ml). These compounds are associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and general health-promoting activities. Overall, the study shows that Moringa oleifera leaves sold in Benin City still contain valuable bioactive compounds that support their traditional use. The findings provide useful baseline data, and further research is recommended to include chromatographic profiling and safety
assessments for better quality control.

Background / Purpose of the Study: Physiotherapy has proven effective in managing musculoskeletal conditions; however, awareness and utilisation of such services among Basic Medical Students at the University of Benin remains underexplored. Methods / Procedure: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed involving 336 Basic Medical Students selected through stratified random sampling. Data was collected using an adapted questionnaire on awareness and utilization of physiotherapy services from a previous study and analysed using descriptive statistics like mean, standard deviation, frequencies and percentages and Chi-square tests to examine associations between awareness, utilisation, and sociodemographic factors. Results: This study found out that all participants were familiar with the term physiotherapy. The primary sources of information were academic settings (40.8%) and physiotherapists (25.9%). A majority (57.1%) recognized physiotherapists as healthcare providers who treat patients, although misconceptions about their roles were evident. Utilisation was low, with 32.7% having used physiotherapy services, primarily for knee and low back pain. Ignorance about physiotherapy was identified as the major barrier to utilisation. Significant associations were found between awareness and factors such as gender (P= 0.020, X2= 9.28) and level of study (P= 0.043, X2= 37.79), indicating variation in knowledge sources and depth. Despite low utilization, attitudes towards physiotherapy were predominantly positive, with 97.6% willing to recommend the services. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for enhanced health education and policy strategies to improve awareness and encourage utilisation of physiotherapy services among Basic Medical Students, which may contribute to better management of musculoskeletal pain and improved academic outcomes.

This study assessed the phytochemical constituents of Aloe barbadensis sold in Oba Market, Benin City. The aim was to identify major phytochemical groups and evaluate their levels relative to standard Aloe samples, providing data for quality control and local herbal use. Methanol extraction was used to obtain the leaf gel, which was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Quantitative results showed high levels of flavonoids (312.62 µg/mL), Terpernoids (294.60 µg/mL), moderate levels of Cardiac glycosides (151.27 µg/mL) and very low level of Steroids (40.43 µg/mL). Qualitative screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, Terpenoids, Cardiac glycosides, and Steroids, while other groups such as saponins, anthraquinones, alkaloids, phenols, coumarins, and phlobatanins were absent. The results indicate that the market sample retains key bioactive compounds suitable for herbal applications, though some phenolic groups were low. These findings support the need for quality monitoring of Aloe products in local markets and provide reference data for small-scale producers.

Stimulants are a major constituent of psychoactive substances. They cause several untoward effects; including academic difficulty which can lead to untoward consequences for students. The understanding of the knowledge and pattern of use of stimulant will help in its prevention and control. Thus, this study intended to investigate theknowledge and practice and current prevalence rates of stimulant use, using the undergraduate students in the university of Benin as case study, age and gender of students as well monthly income and how they got to know about stimulants, specific type of stimulant used and reason for using stimulants. The instrument consisted of sociodemographic variables and the stimulant knowledge section, benefits, health effects and effects section of questionnaire for Student Drug Use Survey. It was administered on 100 undergraduate students of University of Benin selected by random technique. The current prevalence rates of stimulant use were 61%, 54% and 50% respectively for the use caffeine, alcohol and cannabis. The majority (77%) of our respondents were in the age range of 21-25. Only 2% of our respondents were married. Therefore, efforts at curtailing the use of stimulants must start early; incorporating such strategy into primary school curriculum will be worthwhile. There is need to focus more on common stimulants like coffee, Kola nut, caffeinated energy drinks. Students need to study without using stimulants.

Annona muricata (soursop) is a tropical plant widely used in traditional medicine for various ailments, yet comprehensive safety data on its effects on vital organs remain limited. This research aimed to investigate the histopathological effects of Annona muricata leaf extract on liver, kidney, testis, and ovaries of albino rats. Twenty-four healthy albino rats weighing 180- 200g were procured from the Animal House of the Department of Anatomy, University of Benin, and maintained under standard conditions with unrestricted access to feed and water. The rats were divided into four groups: Group A (control, n=2) received pelleted feed and distilled water; roup B (n=4) was administered 250mg/kg soursop extract; Group C (n=4) received 500mg/kg; and Group D (n=4) was given 1000mg/kg extract orally via gavage for one month. Following treatment, animals were euthanized, blood samples collected for biochemical analysis, and organs harvested for histopathological examination. Results revealed no significant changes in hematological parameters, liver function tests, or reproductive hormone levels across all groups (p > 0.05). However, kidney function analysis showed significant elevation in sodium (143±3.8 mEq/L) and chloride (107.3±0.5 mEq/L) levels in the highest dose group compared to controls (p < 0.05). Histopathological examination revealed normal architecture in the control group organs. Groups B and C exhibited hepatic steatosis with microvacuolar degeneration, while Group D maintained normal liver histology. All kidney, testis, and ovary sections demonstrated preserved normal architecture across treatment groups. The findings suggest that Annona muricata leaf extract exhibits a complex dose-response relationship, with intermediate doses causing hepatic steatosis while higher doses appear protective. The preservation of reproductive organ integrity
and absence of significant biochemical toxicity support the traditional use of soursop, though careful dose optimization and electrolyte monitoring are recommended for therapeutic applications.

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of stroke and it's associated risk factors among patients admitted at the neurological ward of University of a tertiary health facility. The objectives this research work aims to determine the prevalence of Cerebrovascular accident, identify the associated risk factors, determine the percentage of stroke survivors and distribution of mortality rate. The study employed a retrospective descriptive survey design method. The area of study was the neurology ward in the University of Benin Teaching hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Of a total population of two thousand three hundred and thirty-nine patients admitted, one thousand three hundred and ninety-seven patients were diagnosed of CVA and their data was collated. Purposive sampling technique was used. A well-structured checklist was used to elicit items relevant to the research objectives. The study showed that the prevalence of CVA was 58.9% of the total population, and the most prevalent risk factors were hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The percentage of survivors was 69.4% and the distribution of mortality was highest amongst the males, age group 50-69, married patients, tertiary level of education, Christians, and Bini. The study therefore recommends that community education on lifestyle modifications, beneficial nutritional practices, maintaining appropriate body weight should be ensured. Also health workers should make anthropometric measurements, blood pressure and blood glucose level a routine procedure to ensure prompt treatment and eradication of these risk factors.

Introduction: Infertility is a global reproductive health challenge, and tubal blockage remains one of its major causes. Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is widely used for evaluating tubal patency. This study assessed the diagnostic efficacy of HSG in detecting tubal blockage among infertile women at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). Methodology: A retrospective study design was used. Archived HSG reports of 217 infertile women were retrieved from the Radiology Department, of which 200 met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a structured collection sheet and analysed with SPSS version 29. Descriptive statistics summarized the findings, while Chi- square tested associations between variables at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The mean age was 36.3 years, with most 107 (53.5%) aged 30-39 years. Secondary infertility was predominant 152 (76%), followed by primary infertility 38 (19%). Normal uterine cavities were observed in 90 (45%) women, while pelvic adhesions 45 (22.5%) and fibroids 37 (18.5%) were common abnormalities. The right and left fallopian tubes were blocked in 64 (32%) and 82 (41%) women, respectively. Overall, 88 (44%) had unilateral or bilateral tubal blockage, while 104 (52%) showed bilateral patency. Significant associations were found between age and type of infertility (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Secondary infertility and tubal blockage were prevalent among the women. HSG is still an effective and accessible procedure for evaluating tubal patency and uterine abnormalities in infertile women. However, its limitations including inability to detect peritoneal factors and lack of laparoscopic confirmation necessitate additional diagnostic methods. Keywords: Hysterosalpingography, infertility, tubal blockage, diagnostic efficacy, fallopian tubes.

Annona muricata (soursop) is a tropical plant widely used in traditional medicine for various ailments, yet comprehensive safety data on its effects on vital organs remain limited. This research aimed to investigate the histopathological effects of Annona muricata leaf extract on liver, kidney, testis, and ovaries of albino rats. Twenty-four healthy albino rats weighing 180- 200g were procured from the Animal House of the Department of Anatomy, University of Benin and maintained under standard conditions with unrestricted access to feed and water. The rats were divided into four groups: Group A (control, n=2) received pelleted feed and distilled water; Group B (n=4) was administered 250mg/kg soursop extract; Group C (n=4) received 500mg/kg; and Group D (n=4) was given 1000mg/kg extract orally via gavage for one month. Following treatment, animals were euthanized, blood samples collected for biochemical analysis, and organs harvested for histopathological examination. Results revealed no significant changes in hematological parameters, liver function tests, or reproductive hormone levels across all groups (p > 0.05). However, kidney function analysis showed significant elevation in sodium (143±3.8 mEq/L) and chloride (107.3±0.5 mEq/L) levels in the highest dose group compared to controls (p< 0.05). Histopathological examination revealed normal architecture in the control group organs. Groups B and C exhibited hepatic steatosis with microvacuolar degeneration, while Group D maintained normal Liver histology. All kidney, testis, and ovary sections demonstrated preserved normal architecture across treatment groups. The findings suggest that Annona muricata leaf extract exhibits a complex dose-response relationship, with intermediate doses causing hepatic steatosis while higher doses appear protective. The preservation of reproductive organ integrity and absence of significant biochemical toxicity support the traditional use of soursop, though careful dose optimization and electrolyte monitoring are recommended for therapeutic applications.

Hyperlipidemia, a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, is often managed with conventional lipid-lowering drugs that may have adverse effects. This study investigates the effects of methanol extract of Spondias mombin on total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in high-fat diet-fed rats. Experimental groups- group three, group four and group five received
different doses of the extract, while controls- positive control (group 1) and negative control (group 2) remained untreated. Biochemical analysis revealed a significant reduction in total cholesterol and triglycerides in treated rats, suggesting potent hypolipidemic effects (p<0.05). The observed lipid-lowering activity may be attributed to phytochemicals such as flavonoids,
tannins, and saponins, which regulate lipid metabolism and possess antioxidant properties. These findings highlight Spondias mombin as a promising natural alternative for hyperlipidemia management, warranting further research on its mechanisms and clinical applications