EVALUATION

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that occurs due to progressive loss of dopaminergic neuron resulting in motor dysfunction with symptoms such as bradykinesia, akinesia and non-motor symptoms such as anxiety and cognitive deficits. Experimental models using neurotoxins such as rotenone mimic the features of Parkinson’s disease. Afzelia africana, a medicinal plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties has shown potential neuroprotective properties. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the biochemical and behavioural effects of Afzelia africana in rotenone-induced Parkinsonism using catalepsy and beam walking. Phytochemical screening of the stem bark of Afzelia africana was conducted to determine the bioactive phytoconstituents present and acute toxicity studies was done to determine the safety profile of the plant. Rats randomly divided into different groups viz: no treatment, vehicle only, rotenone plus vehicle, rotenone plus 250 mg/kg of stem bark extract, and rotenone plus 500 mg/kg of stem bark extract were used for the study. These were treated daily with either the vehicle or two doses of Afzelia africana. Rats subject to rotenone treatment received rotenone on days 1,4,7 and 10 of the study. Catalepsy and beam walking were conducted to assess motor performance on days 0, 5 and 10. Animals were sacrificed on the 11 th day and organs harvested for biochemical analysis. The mean lethal dose of Afzelia africana was estimated to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. Afzelia africana at doses used in this study reduced the cataleptic score and increased time spent in the beam walking. Treatment with A, africana reduced rotenone elevated levels of alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase in the livers of test animals. A. africana also reduced urea and creatinine levels increased by rotenone. Findings from this that the ethanol extract of Afzelia africana has nephroprotective and hepatoprotective potential.

Background and objective:
Herbosomes can be defined as modified liposomes that encapsulate botanical extracts and enhance their stability, bioavailability and helps targeted administration in herbal medicine. This study aims to evaluate various properties of Cymbopogon citratus extract herbosomal cream and complex Cymbopogon citratus extract into a herbosome and incorporate into cream.
Methodology: In this study Ethanolic extraction of Cymbopogon citratus was carried out using a maceration method. The resultant dried extract were then complex into herbosomes of ratios 1:1, 1:2, 2:1 using soy lecithin obtained from. Each of these herbosome complexes were then incorporated into a Non-ionic oil in water cream base (SQ1-SQ3) respectively along with creams containing Lecithin, Plain Cymbopogon citratus extract and Vitamin E (SQ4-SQ6) respectively. The creams were then weighed and put into their respectively labeled jars. Different tests were then carried out on the formulated creams such as evaluation of physiochemical properties( Viscosity, pH, Spreadability, Homogeneity, Freeze and thaw tests),Evaluation of Antioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging test, Evaluation of Antibacterial activity, and biological and safety tests (Ex-vivo studies and Irritancy test).
Results:Creams SQ1-SQ6 showed Viscosity ranges from 26.17 to 36.70, pH ranges from 4.4 to 4.8, Spreadability ranges from 6.03 to 9.65, Homogeneity properties along with the freeze and thaw test were carried out and the cream was seen to be smooth with no coarse particles and, with no physical changes seen after the freeze and thaw test. These creams were seen to have Antioxidant properties with SQ1 showing the highest Antioxidant activity of 56.81%, However, there was no Antibacterial activity seen for the Cymbopogon citratus herbosomal creams . For the Ex-vivo studies it was seen that complexing Cymbopogon citratus extract into a Herbosome enhanced the permeability of the Cream across the skin membrane of a Sprague-Dawley rat with SQ3 showing a Percentage release of 61.7% after 3 hours. No irritancy was observed with use of the creams.
Conclusion: Cymbopogon citratus herbosomal cream exhibited good Physiochemical and Antioxidant Properties. Complexation of Cymbopogon citratus in a herbosome enhanced its lipid permeability

This study did an evaluation of disability support services in the University Of Benin (UNIBEN), this study adopted the survey design using questionnaire as instrument for data collection. The study adopted simple percentage tables. The results revealed
students with disabilities at the University of Benin do not express a uniform experience with support services, there is a growing awareness of both the structural limitations and the social barriers that influence how such services are accessed and experienced. The results also revealed that although some students benefit from available support, many continue to encounter challenges related to service visibility, responsiveness to individual needs, and a lack of inclusion in the broader university environment. The results further underscore the essential role of disability support services not only in academic achievement but also in shaping students’ sense of belonging, dignity, and equity within the institution. These findings reinforce existing scholarship that emphasizes the importance of inclusive education systems that are both practically accessible and socially affirming. Like other studies in the Nigerian context, this research highlights that disability support in higher education must move beyond tokenistic provision toward a more systemic, rights-based, and student-centered approach. If left unaddressed, these barriers may continue to marginalize students with disabilities, thereby limiting their academic success and full integration into university life. The study recommended Launch a comprehensive awareness campaign including orientation sessions, campus signage, and online platforms to ensure all students are aware of disability support services. Implement needs-based case management, allowing tailored accommodations and flexible support plans that reflect individual student needs. Conduct regular workshops to educate faculty and support staff on inclusive practices, legal rights, and disability-responsive pedagogy. Introduce awareness programs that normalize disabilities and promote empathy, supported by student testimonies and participation in inclusion-focused dialogues