SCHOOL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES

Monodora myristica (calabash nutmeg) is a widely used West African spice with traditional medicinal and preservative applications. This study presents a deep evaluation of its phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential. Quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed that flavonoids were strongly present (Mean ± SEM: 0.8216 ± 0.00072), indicating a high concentration likely responsible for the extract’s potent free-radical scavenging activity. Terpenoids (0.2091 ± 0.2183) and cardiac glycosides (0.5091 ± 0.5136) were moderately detected, suggesting contributions to the spice’s aromatic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cardiotonic properties. Alkaloids (0.2725 ± 0.2734) and steroids (0.1940 ± 0.2560) were present at low to moderate levels, supporting traditional analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and membrane-stabilizing activities. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using a multi-assay approach, including DPPH, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), nitric oxide (NO) scavenging, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and reducing power (RP), with ascorbic acid as the standard. The extract demonstrated strong, concentration- dependent DPPH scavenging (21.41–87.27%) and progressively enhanced reducing power (76.05–88.12%), reflecting effective hydrogen donation and electron-transfer capacity. NO scavenging was highest at low concentrations (85.45%) but declined at higher doses, while TAC showed moderate and consistent activity (82.99–86.93%). H₂O₂ scavenging remained relatively low (15.35–17.75%), and FRAP displayed a decreasing trend with increasing concentration (82.49% → 25.03%), likely due to matrix interactions affecting iron reduction. Across all assays, ascorbic acid maintained high and stable antioxidant performance (>95%). These findings suggest that Monodora myristica is rich in bioactive phytochemicals with significant antioxidant potential, capable of neutralizing free radicals and supporting cellular redox balance. This study also reinforces the spice’s traditional medicinal relevance and highlights its promise as a natural source of antioxidants for nutraceutical, therapeutic, and food preservation applications.

Aluminium chloride (AlCl₃) is known to induce oxidative stress, impairing erythropoiesis and redox homeostasis, which may contribute to anaemia and other haematological alterations. Nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (NRF2) is a master regulator of antioxidant defense and cytoprotective genes, making it a key biomarker in toxin-induced oxidative stress. Evaluating the modulation of this gene by herbal extracts could provide valuable insights into their therapeutic potential. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of NRF2 gene in aluminium chloride-induced anaemia bearing Wistar rats treated with aqueous leaves extract of Icacina trichantha. Sixty (60) adult male albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into six (6) groups; A, B, C, D, E and F, representing control, aluminium chloride group, ferrous sulphate group, aluminium chloride + 100 mg/kg of Icacina trichantha leaf extract, aluminium chloride + 200 mg/kg of Icacina trichantha leaf extract, and aluminium chloride + 400 mg/kg of Icacina trichantha leaf extract, respectively. Blood samples were collected for haematological analysis using an ERMA haematology autoanalyzer, while NRF2 mRNA expression was quantified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data obtained were analyzed using GraphPad Prism 8.0 software. Haematological parameters revealed no statistically significant differences across most groups (p > 0.05), although mean cell volume (MCV) (fL) was significantly reduced in group F (54.64±0.96) compared to group C (58.22±0.49) (p < 0.05), and mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) (pg) was significantly lower in group F (18.72±0.23) compared to group C (19.66±0.07) (p <0.05). NRF2 expression was elevated in group B relative to the control, though not significantly, but was significantly higher compared to groups C, D, E, and F (p < 0.05). Treatment with Icacina trichantha extract across the different doses did not restore NRF2 expression to control levels. In conclusion, aluminium chloride administration induced NRF2 upregulation as an oxidative stress response, while treatment with Icacina trichantha aqueous leaf extract led to a significant reduction in NRF2 expression, suggesting a modulatory effect that warrants further mechanistic investigation.

This study investigated the effects of malaria parasite infection on kidney function using albino Wistar rats. The aim of the study was to determine kidney impairment induced by malaria through controlled infection with Plasmodium berghei, a rodent malaria parasite closely similar to Plasmodium falciparum. Sixteen male Wistar rats (130–174 g) were divided into four groups:
control (uninfected), and three experimental groups infected with high (10⁶ iRBCs), medium (10⁴ iRBCs), and low (10² iRBCs) parasite doses, respectively. At the end of a 42-day experimental period, kidneys were harvested, processed, and examined histologically using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results revealed dose-dependent renal pathology, with the high infection group showing a tendency of marked glomerular hypertrophy, tubular necrosis, vascular congestion, interstitial inflammatory infiltration, and hemosiderin casts, while moderate and mild changes were observed in the medium and low infection groups. Kidney weights however showed no significant increase in infected rats compared to controls, indicating parasitemia-related organomegaly. These findings demonstrate that malaria infection causes progressive, dose-dependent kidney damage characterized by glomerular and tubular injury, interstitial inflammation, and vascular alterations. In conclusion, malaria-associated nephropathy is a major complication of infection, and Plasmodium berghei-infected Wistar rats provide a reliable model for studying malaria-induced renal dysfunction and for evaluating potential
therapeutic interventions.

Arsenic trioxide is a highly toxic form of arsenic used in both medical treatments and as an environmental pollutant, particularly affecting organs like the spleen. The spleen plays a crucial role in filtering the blood, storing red blood cells, and supporting the immune system. Thus, exposure of the spleen to heavy metal toxicity (particulary arsenic) results in a range of adverse effects, including, oxidative stress, immune dysfunction, and cellular damage. Persea americana seed are rich source of lipid, proteins, vitamins, minerals and health related bioactive properties such as such as anti-hyperglycaemic, anticancer, anti-hypercholesterolemia, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and anti- neurogenerative effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective potential of aqueous Persea americana seed extract on arsenic trioxide induced spleen damage in Wistar rats. Thirty adult Wistar rats were randomly placed in SIX (6). Group A served as the Control group; group B was given 10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide for 7 days and was sacrifice, in order to be sure arsenic trioxide has an effect on the organ; group C was given 140mg/kg body weight of Silymarin + 10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide; group D was given 125mg/kg body of Persea americana + 10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide; group E was given 250mg/kg body of Persea americana + 10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide; group F was given 10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide for 7 days and allowed to recover. The administration lasted for 28 days after which they were sacrificed under chloroform anaesthesia and the spleen was harvested for biochemical and histological assessments. Results showed that arsenic trioxide significantly decreased (p<0.05) body weight, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity while significantly increasing (p<0.05) malondialdehyde concentration. Histological assessment also showed severely increased red cell sequestration and follicular hypertrophy in rats, given arsenic trioxide only. However, rats given arsenic trioxide and graded dose of persea Americana seed extract as well as standard drugs still showed follicular atrophy and marked red cell sequestration. Also the one given arsenic for 7 days and left to recover for the rest 21 days, showed no sign of recovery. Pearse americana seed does not have a protective effect against arsenic trioxide induced damage in the spleen. In conclusion, this study provides histological evidence demonstrating that persea americana seed extract could not alleviate the effect of the damage caused by arsenic trioxide on
the spleen

Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, plays a crucial role in protecting cellular membranes from oxidative damage. Its neuroprotective properties have garnered attention in recent studies, particularly concerning neurotoxicity induced by aluminum chloride (AlCl3). Exposure to AlCl3 has been linked to cognitive deficits and neurodegenerative changes in the brain, making it a significant concern in neurobiology. Research has demonstrated that Vitamin E administration can mitigate the adverse effects of AlCl3 by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. This research aims to explore the activity of Vitamin E in the cerebellum of Wistar rats treated with aluminum chloride. A total of twenty-eight (28) adult Wistar rats with an average weight of 180g were used for this study. They were randomly assigned into four groups (A, B, C, and D) with each group consisting of Seven rats. Group A served as control, Group B was administered 5mg/kg of Aluminum chloride, Group C was
administered 5mg/kg of Aluminum chloride + Vitamin E and Group E was administered Vitamin E only. Administration lasted for 28 days and was done via oral route. Neurobehavioural activity was assessed after administration on the 28th day. The rats
were ;sacrificed after the neurobehavioural activity was assessed. The key findings of this study suggest that Vitamin E administration mitigated the adverse effects of aluminum chloride exposure on the cerebellum of Wistar rats by reducing oxidative stress, improving antioxidant enzyme activity, and preventing neurodegeneration in the Purkinje cell layer. The findings of
this study indicate that Vitamin E can effectively protect the cerebellum of Wistar rats against the neurotoxic effects of aluminum chloride exposure by modulating oxidative stress and improving antioxidant defense mechanismsUN

This descriptive cross-sectional study investigated the impact of night call duty on the sleep patterns and associated symptoms among licensed radiographers and interns in Benin City, Nigeria. Given the very important 24-hour nature of diagnostic imaging services, this research addresses a critical gap in the body of knowledge regarding the occupational health impact of night call schedules within this specific group of professionals. A sample of 31 practicing
radiographers filled structured questionnaires detailing their night call schedules, sleep duration and as well as the occurrence of related symptoms. Descriptive and inferential analysis (using SPSS v29.0), confirmed all respondents engage in night call duty, involving shifts exceeding 12
hours sometimes. A significant association between night call duty and poor sleep quality (p <0.05), with a large proportion of radiographers reporting insufficient sleep (averaging less than 7 hours) and sleep disturbances, including multiple awakenings was discovered. These disturbances translate into a high prevalence of concerning symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, mood changes, and microsleep. The study concludes that the current night call duty model poses a substantial risk to the well-being of radiographers, potentially affecting their professional
performance and, increasing the risk of procedural errors that may compromise the safety of patients and coworkers. Policy recommendations include implementing stricter maximum shift duration limits, establishing mandatory post-call recovery periods, and providing dedicated on- site rest facilities to mitigate these occupational hazards.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a clinical syndrome associated with deficiency of insulin secretion or action. It is considered one of the largest emerging threats to health in the 21 st century. It is estimated that there will be 380 million persons with Diabetes mellitus in 2025 (Atkins et al., 2010). Besides the classical complications of the disease, DM has been associated with reduced response of T cells, neutrophil function, and disorders of humoral immunity (Muller et al., 2005). Consequently, DM increases the susceptibility to infections, both the most common ones as well as those that almost always affect only people with DM (e.g. rhinocerebral mucormycosis)(Peleg et al., 2007). Such infections, in addition to the repercussions associated with its infectivity, may trigger DM complications such as hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis. Fungal infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immune compromised individuals (such as diabetes mellitus) and Candida are among the most common pathogens in these patients (Pahwa, 2015). The prevalence of diabetes has been on the increase. Diabetes is associated with certain diseases such as candidiasis (Bader et al., 2015). Candida species are important nosocomial pathogens in critically ill patients and are associated with substantial mortality and 1 prolonged hospitalization in the intensive care unit

Although Elaeis guineensis (Palm kernel) oil is a dietary staple across West Africa, the antioxidant properties of locally processed, unrefined varieties remain under-researched. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant capacity of locally extracted palm kernel oil using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay. The oil was obtained via mechanical pressing and its efficacy was benchmarked against ascorbic acid. The findings revealed a concentration-dependent rise in antioxidant activity. Specifically, inhibition rates grew from 14.13% at the lowest concentration (50 µg/mL) to a peak of 44.15% at 250 µg/mL. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) was calculated at 285.77 µg/mL. While the unrefined oil displayed lower scavenging potential than the standard ascorbic acid, the results confirm that locally extracted palm kernel oil retains bioactive compounds, such as tocopherols, capable of reducing oxidative stress. These findings validate the oil's traditional value and suggest it has promise as a functional food ingredient.

Azadirachta indica (Dongoyaro) leaves are widely recognized in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which are largely attributed to its diverse phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity. However, limited studies have systematically correlated its phytochemical abundance with its antioxidant bioactivity to better explain its therapeutic mechanisms. This research aimed to profile the phytochemical constituents of Azadirachta indica leaves, evaluate their antioxidant properties, and determine how specific phytochemicals contribute to observed antioxidant activity. Fresh Azadirachta indica leaves were subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening to determine the presence and concentrations of major secondary metabolites. Methanolic extracts were analyzed for steroids, flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides (Keller–Killiani test), saponins, and terpenoids. Antioxidant activity was assessed using standard in-vitro assays, and statistical correlation was carried out to evaluate the relationship between phytochemical concentrations and antioxidant performance. Quantitative results showed high concentrations of flavonoids (862.21 µg/mL) and cardiac glycosides (527.75 µg/mL), while steroids (282.50 µg/mL) and terpenoids (305.48 µg/mL) were present in moderate amounts. Tannins (77.13 µg/mL) occurred in lower quantities. Antioxidant evaluation revealed strong free-radical scavenging activity, with inhibition values increasing proportionally with the concentration of flavonoids. Correlation analysis identified flavonoids as the major contributors to antioxidant capacity. These findings support the documented antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions of neem (Dongoyaro) leaves, as flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, and glycosides are known to disrupt microbial membranes, modulate inflammatory pathways, and reduce oxidative stress. Overall, this study provides biochemical justification for the therapeutic relevance of Azadirachta indica leaves by establishing a clear relationship between its quantified phytochemicals and antioxidant activity

Background/Purpose: Sports injuries are common among football players and can negatively impact performance and participation. Injury-prevention strategies such as warm-up routines, strength training, and flexibility exercises are proven to reduce injury risk, yet their application among amateur players in Nigerian universities remains unclear. This study assessed the level of awareness and practice of sports injury prevention strategies among amateur football players in
the University of Benin.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted. A structured, self-administered
questionnaire adapted from a previous study was distributed to 298 amateur football players selected through consecutive sampling. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including frequency distributions and Chi-square tests to determine associations between socio-demographic variables and prevention practices, with a significance level set at p< 0.05.
Results: Findings revealed that most participants were males (60.4%) aged 18–25 years. General warm-up programme was commonly performed three to five times weekly (15.4% each), while 17.4% reported no participation. Flexibility and strength training were the most commonly practiced preventive measures, while the FIFA 11+ programme was infrequently used. No
significant association was found between age and practice of injury-prevention strategies (p >
0.05). However, male players showed higher engagement in general warm-up (x2= 14.088, p = 0.029), and specific prevention (x2= 15.163, p = 0.019) routines compared to females. Playing position was not significantly associated with either awareness or practice of injury-prevention strategies (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Amateur football players at the University of Benin demonstrated moderate awareness and practice of injury-prevention strategies. Despite recognizing the importance of prevention, adherence to structured programmes remained low. There is a need for enhanced education, structured preventive training, and improved access to physiotherapy services to promote safer participation in university football.