O. Ikponmwosa-Eweka

Arsenic contamination of the environment poses a significant global health threat, with chronic exposure leading to severe toxicity in vital organs, primarily mediated by oxidative stress and inflammation. This study was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and protective effects of Ruthin, a dietary flavonoid, against sodium arsenate (SA)-induced hepato- and nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats. A total of thirty-five male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=7): Group 1 (Control), Group 2 (Rutin 50 mg/kg), Group 3 (SA 10 mg/kg), Group 4 (SA 10 mg/kg + Rutin 25 mg/kg), and Group 5 (SA 10 mg/kg + Rutin 50 mg/kg). Treatments were administered orally for 14 consecutive days. Following the treatment period, animals were sacrificed, and liver and kidney tissues were harvested for biochemical analysis. Key markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, including Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species (RONS), Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and Nitrite (NO_2^−) levels, were assayed in the tissue homogenates. The results revealed that administration of sodium arsenite alone (Group 3) caused a highly significant (p < 0.05) increase in the levels of RONS, MPO activity, and Nitrite in both the liver and kidney when compared to the control group, indicating severe oxidative damage and inflammatory infiltration. Conversely, co-administration of Rutin at both 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg (Groups 4 and 5) significantly and dose-dependently attenuated these SA-induced increases. The higher dose of Rutin (50 mg/kg) demonstrated a more pronounced protective effect, restoring the biochemical parameters towards control levels. This study concludes that Rutin possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that effectively ameliorate sodium arsenite-induced hepatic and renal toxicity in Wistar rats, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent against arsenic-induced organ damage

Arsenic exposure remains a major global health challenge, and sodium arsenite is one of the most toxic inorganic arsenic compounds known to cause severe hematological, oxidative, and immunological disturbances. This study examined the protective effects of vitamin E against sodium arsenite–induced changes in hematological parameters in Wistar rats. Thirty-five male rats were randomly divided into five groups of seven: a control group, a vitamin E–only group (50 mg/kg), a sodium arsenite–only group (10 mg/kg), and two co-treatment groups receiving sodium arsenite with either 25 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg of vitamin E. All treatments were given orally for 14 days, after which blood samples were collected for hematological analysis. Results showed that sodium arsenite caused significant hematotoxicity, marked by reductions in red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), lymphocyte percentage, and monocyte levels, along with increases in white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil levels, and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). These changes indicate anemia, oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune suppression linked to arsenic toxicity. Co-administration of vitamin E significantly reduced these effects in a dose-dependent manner. The 50 mg/kg dose of vitamin E showed the greatest improvement across all hematological parameters, demonstrating its superior protective effects. The findings suggest that vitamin E effectively reduces sodium arsenite–induced hematological damage through its strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and membrane-stabilizing properties. This study highlights the potential of vitamin E as a natural antioxidant therapy to manage hematotoxicity caused by environmental arsenic exposure

The disruption of cardiovascular and renal function by environmental toxicants remains a major concern in toxicological research, particularly when such agents interfere with biochemical markers essential for assessing organ integrity. Among these toxic agents, exposure to sodium
arsenite poses a serious threat due to its ability to induce acute myocardial injury and impair renal filtration processes. This study evaluated the potential of vitamin E to counteract these toxic effects in male Wistar rats, focusing exclusively on validated clinical biomarkers of cardiac
and renal injury. Rats exposed to sodium arsenite (Group C) showed a pronounced rise in cardiac troponin (59.24 ± 3.8 pg/mL) and CK-MB (62.30 ± 2.1 U/L), indicating significant myocardial cell damage relative to the control group. The nephrotoxic impact was equally evident, as reflected by elevated serum urea (24.49 ± 1.8 mg/dL) and creatinine (1.98 ± 0.1 mg/dL), demonstrating impaired glomerular filtration and reduced renal functional capacity. Administration of vitamin E showed a clear dose-dependent protective effect. Rats receiving 25 mg/kg (Group D) and 50 mg/kg (Group E) of vitamin E along with sodium arsenite experienced significant reductions in cardiac troponin (48.65 ± 2.2 and 40.04 ± 2.9 pg/mL) and CK-MB
(41.17 ± 2.9 and 31.02 ± 1.2 U/L), indicating decreased myocardial damage. Renal biomarkers also improved, with urea decreasing to 16.08 ± 1.6 and 10.20 ± 1.7 mg/dL, and creatinine dropping to 1.08 ± 0.1 and 0.88 ± 0.1 mg/dL in Groups D and E, respectively. These results highlight vitamin E’s ability to protect both cardiac and renal functions despite ongoing toxic exposure. Overall, this study shows that vitamin E provides significant cardioprotective and
nephroprotective effects, mainly by normalizing key biomarkers of myocardial and renal dysfunction in rats exposed to sodium arsenite.

Chasmanthera dependens is commonly used in Africa traditional system for the management of several pathologies. This research was designed to asses the phytochemical and antioxidant activity of the methanol extract of Chasmanthera dependens roots. The result of the qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoid, tannins, Terpeniods, reducing sugars, saponins and proanthovyanindins in the extract. The quantitative phytochemical screening further confirmed the concentration of flavonoid(8.61±0.74) tannins(87.05±1.27), proanthoncyanidins (45.1±1.5) and phenols(199.1±1.9). In vitro antioxidant properties of the extract has antioxidant properties as revealed by it's ferric acid antioxidant power (FRAP), and reducing potential. The phytochemicals in the extract was further identified and quantified by HPLC screening. The HPLC fingerprinting revealed a reported activity of Phytochemical with rich medicinal value. The study also shows that Chasmanthera dependens scavenged DPPH (16.59) reducing power increases in absorbance as the concentration of the plant increased. Conclusively this study provide more information on the medicinal use of Chasmanthera dependens and its good antioxidant properties.

The main purpose of the project was to design and construct a 3.5KVA inverter which makes use of both Solar and mains or grid supply for charging the batteries. This is to reduce the frequency of power outages experienced in our homes and businesses. The project was carried out with the use of two 12V batteries connected in series to give
a total of 24V DC which would serve as input for the inverter when on inverting mode and give an output of 220V AC for household appliances. Incorporated within the inverter was load control features, such that when the inverter stops charging and starts inverting, at a particular battery level set by the user, the heavy loads would be cut off
while supply of power to the light loads continues. But when critical battery level is reached the light loads are also cut off and the inverter shuts down. This was done using Microcontroller in controlling relays which either powers on the load or cuts off the load when the battery is low. The proposed inverter design has two outputs through
which load management was achieved. One of the outputs is designated to light loads and the other to heavy loads. The Microcontroller controls the load stage which can be programmed through the keypad to monitor the output power to the loads in output one and two, to ensure they do not draw power beyond the limits programmed by the user. To achieve this, the Microcontroller cuts off either of the outputs which exceed the set limit. With the help of a timer controller and by means of the keypad a particular load power duration can be programmed so that the output can be shut down at the end of the set time. This timer control and load power control are ways the user can control power consumption and help in power management. The project was successful and the test results obtained was satisfactory and efficient. The inverter's operation was consistent with the design and the desired control of power consumption and power management was achieved.

The main purpose of the project was to design and construct a 3.5KVAinverter whichmakes use of both Solar and mains or grid supply for charging the batteries. This is toreduce the frequency of power outages experienced in our homes and businesses. The project was carried out with the use of two 12V batteries connected in series togivea total of 24V DC which would serve as input for the inverter when on inverting modeand give an output of 220V AC for household appliances. Incorporated withintheinverter was load control features, such that when the inverter stops charging andstartsinverting, at a particular battery level set by the user, the heavy loads would be cut off while supply of power to the light loads continues. But when critical battery level isreached the light loads are also cut off and the inverter shuts down. This was done usingMicrocontroller in controlling relays which either powers on the load or cuts off theload when the battery is low. The proposed inverter design has two outputs throughwhich load management was achieved. One of the outputs is designated to light loadsand the other to heavy loads. The Microcontroller controls the load stage which canbeprogrammed through the keypad to monitor the output power to the loads in output oneand two, to ensure they do not draw power beyond the limits programmed by the user. To achieve this, the Microcontroller cuts off either of the outputs which exceed the set limit. With the help of a timer controller and by means of the keypad a particular loadpower duration can be programmed so that the output can be shut down at the end of theset time. This timer control and load power control are ways the user can control power consumption and help in power management

Diabetes mellitus is a long-lasting metabolic condition that is marked by high blood sugar levels due to problems with insulin release, its effectiveness, or both. Blocking carbohydrate-breaking enzymes like alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase has been recognized as a useful technique for controlling high blood sugar after meals. This research was conducted to assess the effects of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) extract on the activities of alpha-amylase and alpha glucosidase in a lab setting and to determine its potential as a natural treatment for diabetes. The leaves of the plant were gathered, dried in the air, and then oaked in ethanol to create the extract. Tests for enzyme inhibition were performed, and the IC₅₀ values were calculated to see
how the extract's effectiveness compared to the standard medication acarbose. The outcomes showed that Vernonia amygdalina effectively inhibited both enzymes in a way that depended on the concentration used. The IC₅₀ for blocking alpha-amylase was 0. 036 ± 0. 005 mg/mL, which is similar to acarbose (0. 031 ± 0. 005 mg/mL), indicating strong blocking ability. On the other hand, the extract showed a weaker effect against alpha-glucosidase, with an IC₅₀ of 0. 122 ± 0. 05 mg/mL compared to 0. 081 ± 0. 005 mg/mL for acarbose. These results imply that Vernonia amygdalina could slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, thus helping to control blood sugar levels after meals. The findings support the traditional uses of Vernonia
amygdalina for managing diabetes and emphasize its potential as a plant-based treatment option. Additional studies in living organisms and clinical research are suggested to confirm its effectiveness and safety in treating diabetes