QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS

This study analyzed the concentrations of hydroquinone in various skin-lightening creams obtained from Ring Road, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Ten cream samples were purchased locally, and hydroquinone levels were determined using UV spectrophotometry at a wavelength of 302 nm. A seven-point calibration curve was prepared to quantify the hydroquinone content in each sample. The results showed that hydroquinone concentrations ranged from 0.0030% to 0.0466%, with Caroline cream containing the highest concentration (0.0466%), while Cussons Baby cream had the lowest (0.0030%). When compared with regulatory standards set by NAFDAC, FDA, and EMA, all detected hydroquinone concentrations were found to be below the permissible limit of 2%. However, the presence of hydroquinone in these products, even at low levels, raises concerns about potential long-term exposure risks, especially for individuals who frequently use multiple skin-lightening products. To mitigate these risks, this study recommends stricter regulatory enforcement, clearer product labeling, standardized formulations, and increased public awareness regarding the effects of hydroquinone. Further research should focus on evaluating cumulative exposure risks and identifying safer alternatives for skin-lightening formulations.

The African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is a crucial economic crop, widely cultivated for its oilrich kernels. Palm kernel seed oil (PKSO) is a significant source of essential minerals such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), but concerns exist regarding potential contamination with toxic heavy metals like cadmium (Cd). This study aims to determine the mineral composition of PKSO and assess its implications for human health and food safety. Palm kernel samples were obtained from New Benin Market, Benin Metropolis, Edo State, Nigeria. The oil extraction process involved heating, grinding, and pressing the kernels. Mineral analysis was conducted using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) after acid digestion. Quality assurance measures included duplicate analyses and blank sample validation to ensure data reliability. Results showed that PKSO contained Fe (2.23 ± 0.21 mg/100g), Zn (1.86 ± 0.04 mg/100g), Cu (0.64 ± 0.49 mg/100g), and nitrogen (174.16 ± 4.57 mg/100g). Cadmium (Cd) was undetectable, indicating no toxic heavy metal contamination. These findings suggest that PKSO is safe edible oil with oderate mineral content, contributing to essential dietary micronutrient intake.However, its relatively low Fe and Zn levels necessitate complementary dietary sources. The absence of toxic metals highlights its safety, but ongoing monitoring is recommended to prevent environmental contamination. This study underscores the nutritional value and safety of PKSO, contributing to food quality control and public health areness.

This study investigated the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical composition of
CELLIFEIQ, a commercially available polyherbal supplement. The work addressed the lack of scientific data on the product’s chemical profile by using standard phytochemical screening and spectrophotometric methods to identify and quantify major secondary metabolites. The qualitative results showed the presence of steroids, coumarins, flavonoids, tannins, and cardiac glycosides, while saponins were not detected. Quantitative analysis further revealed that steroids were the most abundant constituent (23.93 ± 0.05 mg/g), followed by coumarins (15.53 ± 0.16 mg/g), flavonoids (13.29 ± 0.18 mg/g), tannins (12.93 ± 0.09 mg/g), and cardiac glycosides (12.32 ± 0.18 mg/g). These findings show a phytochemical pattern consistent with extracts obtained using organic solvents, which tend to favor lipophilic compounds. The study fills an important knowledge gap by providing evidence-based information about a product commonly promoted for health and wellness but rarely subjected to scientific scrutiny. The identified constituents suggest that CELLIFEIQ contains compounds with known antioxidant and physiological effects, although their actual biological impact requires further investigation. The results form a foundation for future pharmacological and toxicological studies, highlight the need for standardized quality control in herbal supplement production, and support regulatory efforts to ensure product safety and transparency