SCHOOL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES

Anaemia remains a major nutritional and public health concern, particularly in developing countries, where limited dietary diversity contributes to inadequate micronutrient intake. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate an anti-anaemic snack bar produced from Justicia carnea (blood leaf), Bambara groundnut, (Vigna subterranea), millet (Pennisetum glaucum), soyabeans (Glycine max) and dates (Phoenix dactylifera), focusing on its mineral composition. The raw materials were cleaned, processed and incorporated into a composite flour, after which snack bar samples were prepared using standard baking procedures. The formulations underwent mineral analysis to determine levels of iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc and other relevant micronutrients using established analytical methods. Results showed that the snack bar samples contained appreciable amounts of essential minerals, particularly iron and calcium, indicating their potential contribution to improving haematological status

Vegetables are plant parts consumed by humans and some animals as food, and they include leaves, roots, and stems or stalks. These parts can become contaminated with gastrointestinal parasites, thereby predisposing individuals to various diseases. The present study was conducted to determine the occurrence of parasites in selected leafy vegetables sold in Ugbodiobo market, Odighi Market, Ugo-Niyekarhiomwom old farm market and Ekiohuon (Ekehuan) market located in Benin City, Edo State). A total of 330 vegetable samples were examined for parasitic presence. Standard parasitological procedure was employed by sedimentation technique. The result revealed that there was even distribution of parasites; A. lumbricoides (21%), S. stercoralis (9%), Hookworm (13%), T. trichiura (13%), G. lamblia (10%), E. histolytica (25%) E. vermicularis (9%). The largest number of parasites in these local markets of Benin city was determined on spinach leaf. Percentage parasite occurrence on other leaves varied significantly (P<0.05). The highest parasites recorded on scent leaf was A. lumbricoides (46%), on pumpkin leaf was A. lumbricoides (29%), on cabbage was E. histolytica (44%), on Eboziza leaf was E. histolytica (30%), A. lumbricoides (28%) and S. stercoralis (24%) on Ebewewie leaf was A. lumbricoides (38%), on curry leaf was A. lumbricoides (46%) on Waterleaf was E. histolytica (36%) and A. lumbricoides (32%). The overall highest para sites on leafy vegetable was A. lumbricoides (31%) and E. histolytica (27%)

Beetroot makes an excellent dietary supplement as it is not only rich in minerals, vitamins and nutrients but it also has unique Phytochemical compounds (carotenoids, phenolic acids, ascorbic acid) which have many medicinal uses. Heat is an environmental and occupational hazard. The effects of heat on human health are further exacerbated by environmental, socioeconomic, demographic, physiological and behavioural factors. Biomass fuel is any living or recently living plant or animal-based material that is burned by humans as fuels, such as dried animal dung, charcoal and grass. Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous molecule that has a central role in signalling pathways involved in numerous physiological processes such as vasodilation, neurotransmission, inflammation, apoptosis and tumour growth. Hence, the study was designed to investigate the mechanism of effect of ethanolic extract of Beetroot on the lungs’ iNOS and nitric oxide levels of adult male Wistar rats exposed to heat and biomass smoke. Forty-nine (49) adults male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into seven (7) groups of seven (7) rats per cage. Group A served as the control; group B were exposed to smoke only; group C were exposed to heat only; group D were exposed to smoke and heat; group E were exposed to smoke with Beetroot; group F were exposed to heat with Beetroot; group G were exposed to smoke, heat with Beetroot. At the end of the twenty–eight (28) days experimental period, the rats were sacrificed under chloroform anaesthesia. Lung tissues were collected in plain bottles with formol saline and taken to the laboratory for nitric oxide and inducible nitric oxide synthase assay.

Herbal medicines are increasingly used globally, yet comprehensive safety data for many traditional preparations remain limited. This study evaluated the sub-acute toxicity of Miracle Seed Ultima® (MSU), a commercially available herbal product, on kidney function, hematological parameters, and glucose metabolism in male Wistar rats. Twenty male Wistar rats weighing 120-170g were randomly divided into four groups (n=5): Group 1 (control) received distilled water, while Groups 2, 3, and 4 received MSU at 100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 1000 ix mg/kg body weight respectively via oral gavage daily for 28 days. Blood samples were collected at the end of the study for assessment of renal function markers (urea, creatinine, electrolytes), complete blood counts, red cell indices, and fasting blood glucose levels. Key findings revealed significant reductions in plasma urea concentrations in groups receiving 300 mg/kg (74.85±6.3 mg/dL) and 1000 mg/kg (68.62±2.9 mg/dL) compared to controls (102.72±5.7 mg/dL), with p < 0.05. Plasma creatinine showed significant differences in the 100 mg/kg group (2.12±0.1 mg/dL) compared to controls (2.79±0.1 mg/dL). However, all electrolyte parameters (sodium, potassium, chloride) remained within normal physiological ranges across all groups. Non-statistically significant differences were observed in all hematological parameters (p > 0.05). Fasting blood glucose levels remained normal across all treatment groups. The findings indicate a relatively favorable safety profile for MSU at the tested doses, with no evidence of overt nephrotoxicity, hematotoxicity, or metabolic disturbances. The observed reductions in plasma urea and creatinine may reflect enhanced renal clearance rather than toxicity. These results support the short-term safety of MSU at therapeutic doses.

Nickel chloride is known for its neurotoxicity and its exposure poses significant threat to the cerebrum, an essential brain organ for a lot of human day to day activities. This study investigates the neuroprotective effects of vitamin B6 on the cerebral integrity in nickel chloride exposed Wistar rats. After acclimatization for 14 days, fourty-one rats were weighed and divided to six groups of (n = 7). Group A (control) was administered 1ml of distilled water. Group B (NiCl2) was administered 5mg/kg body weight (BW) of Nickel chloride only. Group C (Citicoline-1) was administered 25mg/kg BW of vitamin B6 only. Group D (Citicoline-2) was administered 50mg/kg BW of vitamin B6 only. Group E (NiCl2+ Citicoline-1) was administered 25mg/kg BW of vitamin B6 and 5mg/kg BW of Nickel chloride. Group F (NiCl2 + Citicoline-2) was administered 50mg/kg BW of vitamin B6 and 5mg/kg BW of Nickel chloride.

The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging experiment was used in this study to assess the antioxidant capabilities of manually and commercially extracted sesame seed oil and palm kernel oil. The goal of the study was to ascertain how extraction techniques affect the
preservation of natural antioxidants that neutralize free radicals. The DPPH scavenging activities of oil samples were measured using spectrophotometry at 517 nm after they were extracted by hand cold pressing or purchased from commercial processors. The mean scavenging values of manually extracted sesame oil, commercially extracted sesame oil, and palm kernel oil were found to be 32.63%, 33.99%, and 28.90%, respectively. The standard control, ascorbic acid, revealed an inhibition of 64.17%. Both samples showed significantly stronger scavenging activity compared to palm kernel oil. Due to its lower phenolic concentration than sesame oil, palm kernel oil had the lowest scavenging activity of all the samples. However, its components of tocopherol and tocotrienol contributed to quantifiable antioxidant activity. The results corroborate data that antioxidant retention is influenced by extraction conditions, with less processed oils often retaining more thermolabile components. Thus, the study highlights the functional and nutritional advantages of manually extracted or less refined oils in promoting dietary antioxidant consumption and oxidative stability. Sesame oil is a more powerful natural source of dietary antioxidants than palm kernel oil because it generally showed better antioxidant activity, regardless of the extraction technique. These results emphasize how crucial it is to enhance the health-promoting components in edible oils by optimizing oil extraction techniques.

Tinea capitis is a contagious dermatophytic infection of the scalp that constitutes a significant public health concern, particularly among children in resource-limited environments. This study investigated the prevalence and dermatophyte species distribution of Tinea capitis among children in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Uhogua, Benin City, Edo State,Nigeria. A total of 160 children were examined, and scalp scrapings were collected and processed using standard mycological techniques. Dermatophyte isolates were identified based on colonial morphology and microscopic characteristics. Out of the 160 childrensampled, 59 were positive for Tinea capitis, corresponding to an overall prevalence of 36.9%. Prevalence was slightly higher in females (38.9%) than in males (34.3%), though the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.276).Children aged 6–10 years recorded the highest prevalence (41.8%), followed by 1–5 years (33.3%) and 11–15 years (33.3%), with no significant association between age and infection (p > 0.05). Six dermatophyte species were identified, with Trichophyton mentagrophyte (28.8%) being the most common, followed by Microsporum gypseum (18.6%), Trichophyton equinum (15.3%), Trichophyton rubrum (15.3%), Microsporum canis (13.6%), and Trichophyton epidermophyton (8.5%). The predominance of both anthropophilic and zoophilic species indicates multiple transmission routes within the camp.These findings highlight a considerable burden of Tinea capitis among children in IDP settings,underscoring the need for improved hygiene practices, routine screening, timely antifungal treatment, and targeted health interventions to mitigate the spread and consequences of the infection

Moringa oleifera is widely valued for its medicinal and nutritional importance,particularly its rich content of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activity of Moringa oleifera leaf extract and assess its potential role in the management of oxidative stress. Fresh Moringa leaves were collected, washed, weighed, homogenised, and extracted using standard solvent extraction procedures to obtain the crude leaf extract used for analysis.The antioxidant capacity of the extract was examined using three established assays: the Nitric Oxide (NO) scavenging assay, the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay, and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Ascorbic acid served as the reference standard. Results showed that the Moringa extract exhibited considerable antioxidant activity across all assays, with NO inhibition ranging from 36.34–57.42%, FRAP reducing power from 46.68–58.58%, and DPPH radical scavenging from 57.44–84.21%. Although these values were lower than those of pure ascorbic acid, the extract still demonstrated strong free radical–neutralizing and electron donating abilities.The significant in-vitro activity observed in this study provides scientific justification for its traditional use as a natural antioxidant and suggests that Moringa oleifera is a promising candidate for future in-vivo studies aimed at exploring its therapeutic potential in oxidative stress–related conditions

Sphenocentrum jollyanum is a medicinal plant with potential bioactive compounds, including squalene, a valuable triterpene with wide pharmacological applications. This study aimed to compare the squalene content in aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts using GC–MS analysis. Leaves were collected from a local market in Iwo, Osun State, processed, and extracted with water and ethanol. Percentage yield, phytochemical composition, and GC–MS profiles were evaluated. Results showed that ethanolic extraction produced a higher yield (18.6%) compared to aqueous extraction (12.3%). Phytochemical screening indicated higher concentrations of terpenoids and steroids in the ethanolic extract. GC–MS analysis identified squalene as a major constituent in ethanol extract (14.35 mg/g) and in trace amounts in aqueous extract (0.92 mg/g). This study confirms that solvent polarity strongly influences squalene extraction, with ethanol being superior for non-polar compound recovery. These findings shows S. jollyanum is a promising natural source of squalene for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications, and provide a foundation for further standardization and commercialization efforts

Hypertension is a major global health burden, often termed the "silent killer." The increasing prevalence, especially in low andmiddle-income countries, necessitates the development of accessible, non-pharmacological management strategies. Functional foods rich in bioactive compounds offer a promising approach for blood pressure control. This study seeks to develop an anti-hypertensive snack bar from Cardaba banana, beetroot, tigernuts, soyabeans, and Justicia carnea leaves and to evaluate its in vitro antioxidant and vasoprotective potential. Flours were individually prepared from the raw materials. Four snack bar formulations were developed: a control (with all-purpose flour) and three variations (Samples A, B, C) with increasing proportions of Cardaba banana flour. The samples were analyzed for their Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂) scavenging activity, Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), and Nitric Oxide (NO) radical scavenging activity. All experimental samples (A, B, and C) demonstrated significantly higher antioxidant and NO-scavenging activities compared to the control. Sample A exhibited the most potent bioactivity, showing the strongest H₂O₂ and NO scavenging abilities, as well as the highest TAC. It also had the lowest IC₅₀ value for NO scavenging (12.5 μg/ml), indicating superior efficacy. The activities were dose-dependent, with Sample A > Sample B > Sample C >. The formulated snackbars, particularly Sample C, possess significant antioxidant and nitric oxide-related vasoprotective properties in vitro. These results suggest that the combination of Cardaba banana, beetroot, tigernut, soyabean, and Justicia carnea flours can yield a functional food with strong potential to mitigate oxidative stress and promote cardiovascular health, validating its development as a portable anti-hypertensive snack