Vegetable crops contribute significantly to the supply of essential food staples to urban markets. Cucumbers are among these crops because of their nutritional properties, which are valued by consumers. They are generally grown on the outskirts of cities. Thus, agricultural production is constrained by the availability of arable land, which is limited by rapid urban expansion. To compensate for this shortage of arable land, farmers have turned to soilless cultivation. The success of this method depends on the growing medium used. In this context, this study aims to determine an appropriate growing medium for cucumber production in a greenhouse. Three growing media were used to conduct this study : potting soil, a mixture of soil and coconut fibre, and natural soil. The plants were obtained by germinating cucumber seeds in à nursery using the formulated growing media. After ten days of germination, the best seedlings were transplanted into pots containing the various growing media. The plants were grown in a greenhouse established at the experimental site. Various growth and fruiting parameters were measured during cucumber cultivation on the tested substrates. The experimental results showed that seed germination rates and cucumber plant height were highest in potting soil. Cucumber flowering and fruit ripening occurred earlier and were more abundant in potting soil than in the other growing media. Thus, yield per hectare was highest in potting soil. This medium is therefore an effective growing medium for cucumber production in soilless cultivation under greenhouse conditions.
Pressure ulcers, otherwise known as bedsores, are complex wounds that are frequently complicated by infection and result from prolonged pressure, either alone or in combination with shear or friction. Bedsores are a major cause of morbidity among geriatric populations, particularly those with limited mobility, chronic illness, or long-term hospitalisation. This study aimed to determine the microorganisms implicated in common pressure ulcers among geriatric patients attending a teaching hospital in Southeastern Nigeria. Eighty swab specimens were carefully and aseptically collected from geriatric patients attending Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, Southeastern Nigeria. Specimens were collected after ethical approval had been obtained from the hospital’s ethics committee. Plates of blood agar, mannitol salt agar, nutrient agar supplemented with nystatin (300,000 μg/mL) and Sabouraud’s dextrose agar supplemented with chloramphenicol (50 μg/mL) were inoculated using the spread plate method and incubated aerobically at 25 °C for 48–72 h. The isolates were identified based on their morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular characteristics. Of the 100 isolates recovered from the 80 swab specimens analysed, 38% were bacterial species, including Staphylococcus sciuri (strain LysM5) 10 isolates (26.32%), Enterobacter pseudoroggenkampii (strain C2TS9) 7 (18.42%), Staphylococcus arlettae (strain JCR-6) 12 (31.58%) and Proteus mirabilis (strain A8FtNRM1) 9 (23.68%); whereas 62% were yeast species, including Candida tropicalis (strain SDG09) 22 (35.48%), Meyerozyma guilliermondii (strain L11-2) 15 (24.19%), Pichia manshurica (strain CBS 11610) 13 (20.97%), Pichia kudriavzevii formerly Candida krusei strain SB3, 7 (11.29%), and strain ITD-2MA-9413, 5 (8.06%). All bacterial isolates were α-haemolytic. The study revealed the heterogeneous polymicrobial nature of pressure ulcers, highlighting the need for substantial improvements in patient care and management of decubitus ulcers, especially among geriatric patients.
Inhibition of pancreatic triacylglycerol lipase remains the only mechanism by which a licensed anti-obesity medicine acts entirely within the intestinal lumen, and it continues to anchor a very large discovery literature devoted to plant-derived inhibitors. That literature has grown far faster than the clinical evidence supporting it, and the resulting imbalance is rarely examined critically. This review evaluates the biochemical rationale for targeting pancreatic lipase, the clinical performance of the mechanism as realised by orlistat and cetilistat, and the quality of the evidence advanced for natural inhibitors, in order to establish what can defensibly be claimed about this target in the management of body weight. Peer-reviewed literature was identified through structured searching of a biomedical bibliographic database and a scholarly metadata index, supplemented by citation tracking and verification of every retained record. The synthesis indicates that the enzymological case for the target is secure, whereas the quantitative link between luminal lipase inhibition and durable weight reduction is comparatively weak and bounded by compensatory energy intake, gastrointestinal tolerability and the substantial secretory reserve of the enzyme. The natural-inhibitor literature is dominated by heterogeneous in vitro assays that are vulnerable to colloidal aggregation, interfacial artefacts and substrate-dependent potency, and inhibitory constants derived from such assays correlate poorly with human outcomes. Human trials of botanical products associated with lipase inhibition claims generally report small, heterogeneous and frequently imprecise effects on body weight, and mechanism attribution is almost never tested directly. Priorities for the field include mechanism-confirmatory human studies using luminal lipolysis endpoints, counter-screening protocols that exclude non-specific inhibition, and reconsideration of lipase inhibition as a component of combination or food-structuring strategies rather than as a standalone therapeutic approach.
Background: The global rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has intensified the search for alternative antimicrobial agents from plant sources. Tapinanthus bangwensis (African mistletoe) is widely used in traditional medicine, yet its antibacterial efficacy requires further scientific validation. Aim: This study investigated the comparative antibacterial efficacy of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Tapinanthus bangwensis using quantitative in vitro assays against clinically relevant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. Methods: Plant extracts were prepared via cold maceration using ethanol and distilled water. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method at concentrations of 25–100 mg/mL. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using the broth microdilution technique. Experiments were conducted in triplicate, and data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test at p < 0.05. Results: Both extracts exhibited concentration-dependent antibacterial activity, though the overall effect was limited. The ethanolic extract showed higher activity, with maximum inhibition zones of 8.3 ± 0.6 mm against S. aureus and 7.1 ± 0.5 mm against E. coli at 100 mg/mL. The aqueous extract demonstrated slightly lower activity. At concentrations ≤50 mg/mL, inhibition zones were comparable to the well diameter (6 mm), indicating minimal antibacterial effect. MIC values for both extracts were ≥50 mg/mL. In contrast, ciprofloxacin produced substantially larger inhibition zones (>21 mm). Statistical analysis indicated significant differences across concentrations (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Tapinanthus bangwensis exhibits weak but measurable antibacterial activity. Further studies involving purification and characterization of active compounds are required to elucidate its therapeutic potential.
Introduction: Citrus fruits, particularly Citrus Maxima (commonly known as shaddock or pomelo), are renowned for their nutritional richness and bioactive compounds, yet limited research has focused on the comprehensive analysis of both the peel, pulp, and seed of this underutilized species. Aim: The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of both the seed, peel, and pulp of Citrus maxima (pomelo), in order, to determine their nutritional compositions, polyphenolic and phytochemical constituents. This could promote sustainable utilization of Pomelo, by reducing agricultural waste and supporting circular bio-economy strategies in food systems. Results: The proximate composition revealed that the peel contained (Crude protein (%) 8.14±0.65, ash (%) 5.18±0.78, crude fat (%) 3.82±0.42, crude fiber (%) 34.62±1.29, carbohydrate (%) 43.45 ±1.54, and moisture (%) 8.43±0.76. The pulp contained higher protein (3.80 ± 0.10%), ash (9.43 ± 0.21%), carbohydrate (52.56 ± 1.21%), and moisture (16.31 ± 0.44%) than the seed, while the seed was richer in fat (13.14 ± 0.33%) and fiber (20.12 ± 0.54%). Phytochemical screening showed that saponins were significantly higher in the seed (73.44 ± 1.93%) than in the pulp (62.97 ± 1.65%), whereas alkaloids were more abundant in the pulp (6.34 ± 0.17%) than in the seed (4.23 ± 0.11%). HPLC profiling of phenolic compounds indicated maleic acid, ferulic acid, tannic acid, rutin hydrate, and kaempferol as concentrated embedded phenolics in the various portions of pomelo. Conclusion: The results of this study highlight the complementary nutritional and phytochemical significance of the various parts of pomelo fruit. Therefore, industries should explore pomelo fruit waste (peels and seeds) as raw materials for functional food and pharmaceutical formulations for biotechnological advancement.
Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) play a significant role in sustaining the livelihoods, food security, healthcare practices, and cultural traditions of forest-dependent communities. The present study was conducted in the forest-fringing villages of Adagodi and Belur in Nagodi Grama, Hosanagara Taluk, Shivamogga District, Karnataka, adjacent to the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary. The study aimed to document the diversity of NTFPs, assess community dependence on them, and understand their socio-economic and traditional healthcare significance. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaire surveys conducted among local households, supplemented by specimen collection and documentation of available NTFPs. Information regarding demographic characteristics, harvesting practices, utilization patterns, processing methods, and traditional knowledge systems was recorded and analyzed using descriptive statistics. A total of 107 NTFP species belonging to diverse plant groups and animal-based resources were documented, of which 64 species were specifically utilized in traditional healthcare practices. Fruits constituted the most frequently harvested plant part due to their seasonal abundance and easy accessibility, followed by leaves, roots, bark, seeds, and flowers. The majority of products were utilized in raw form (63.4%), while some were sun-dried for long-term preservation. Women showed greater participation (67%) in collection, processing, and preservation activities compared to men (33%), indicating their crucial role in household subsistence and conservation of traditional ecological knowledge. Most respondents belonged to the 31–40 years age group, reflecting active livelihood engagement and inherited ethnobotanical knowledge. The study revealed that local communities primarily depend on NTFPs for medicinal, nutritional, domestic, and cultural purposes rather than direct economic gain, with only 16.2% of respondents involved in small-scale commercialization. Several NTFPs such as Aegle marmelos, Gloriosa superba, Argyreia sp., Azadirachta indica, and Cynodon dactylon were associated with ritualistic and cultural practices, emphasizing their socio-cultural significance. Animal-derived NTFPs including honey from Apis mellifera and stingless bees, as well as civet coffee, were also documented. The findings highlight the continued relevance of NTFPs in supporting traditional healthcare systems, biodiversity-linked livelihoods, and cultural identity among forest-dependent communities of the Western Ghats. Sustainable management and conservation of these forest resources are therefore essential for maintaining ecological balance and community well-being.
In Sudan, the flora of Solanaceae is diverse and adapted to a wide range of ecological zones, from arid and semi-arid regions to more humid environments. Despite the economic, nutritional, and medicinal importance of the family Solanaceae, there is limited scientific information regarding the proximate composition of many Sudanese solanaceous species, particularly wild and underutilised taxa. The present study aimed to evaluate the nutritional values of leaves and fruits of selected solanaceous species collected from different regions of Sudan. Plant samples were collected, taxonomically identified, and subjected to proximate analysis, including determination of moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, and carbohydrate components using standard AOAC methods. The result revealed significant variation in nutritional composition among species and between plant organs. Moisture content ranged from 5.73-8.35 % in leaves and 2.90-4.20% in fruits. Ash content was considerably higher in leaves (12.94-30.40%) compared to fruits (0.001-1-0095), indicating greater mineral accumulation in vegetative tissues. Crude protein content varied from 14.00-27.12 % in leaves and 3.00-6.50% in fruits, with Datura innoxia and Solanum schimperianum exhibiting the highest protein levels. Crude fat content was generally low, ranging from 1.74-5.85% in leaves and 1.005-5.00% in fruits. Crude fiber content ranged from 7.22-23-52% in leaves and 2.01-2.41% in fruits, while carbohydrate content varied from 24.24.21-40.53% in leaves and 3.00-6.60%in fruits. Overall, leaves demonstrated higher nutritional value than fruits, particularly in terms of protein, mineral, and fiber, whereas fruits contributed moderate carbohydrate content. The findings highlight the nutritional potential of these solanaceous species and support their possible utilization as alternative source of nutrients, contributing to food security and dietary diversification in Sudan.
Pesticides not only eliminate target pests but also affect non-target soil organisms that play critical roles in maintaining soil fertility and ecological balance. This study assessed the impact of pesticide application on soil fertility and microbial diversity in pepper farms in Ogume, Delta State, Nigeria. The research compared two actively managed, pesticide-treated farms (Agrochemical Farm 1 (AFS 1) and Agrochemical Farm 2 (AFS 2)) against a control site (C). Standard methods analyzed soil physicochemical properties, and culturable microbial communities were characterized using selective media and Analytical Profile Index (API). Data were analyzed via one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD test. Pesticide application significantly altered soil properties: AFS 1 exhibited higher electrical conductivity (351 µS/cm against Control: 155 µS/cm; p<0.001), elevated nutrient levels (e.g., Nitrate: 1.84 mg/kg compared with control; 0.75 mg/kg), and increased cation exchange capacity (1.76 cmol/kg in contrast with 0.91 cmol/kg in control). Microbial counts showed a significant reduction in total heterotrophic bacteria in AFS 1 (86.8 x 10⁵ CFU/g) compared to the control (128.0 x 10⁵ CFU/g), while actinomycetes were enriched (64.3 x 10⁴ CFU/g against 54.5 x 10⁴ CFU/g). Cultivation revealed a shift in community structure, with the isolation of potential human pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, and Shigella spp. from pesticide-treated soils. Study showed that pesticides usage in these farms degrades soil health by increasing salinity, altering nutrient profiles, suppressing beneficial heterotrophic bacteria, and enriching for tolerant and potentially pathogenic taxa. This provides critical site-specific evidence for the study area, highlighting significant ecological and public health risks. Therefore, urgent adoption of integrated pest management and stricter enforcement of pesticide regulations to ensure agricultural sustainability is recommended.
Background: Plasmodium falciparum remains the leading cause of malaria mortality in sub-Saharan Africa despite repeated host immune exposure and sustained intervention pressure. Objectives: This narrative critical review examines molecular and cellular mechanisms by which P. falciparum evades or modulates host immunity and evaluates the translational consequences for vaccines, diagnostics, antimalarial drugs, and surveillance, with particular attention to African and Nigerian contexts. Methods: Targeted searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, WHO publications, MalariaGEN resources, and reference lists of major reviews, clinical trials, and surveillance studies were used. Priority was given to peer-reviewed primary research, systematic reviews, clinical trials, genomic-surveillance reports, and WHO policy documents published from 2009 to 2026, while older foundational papers were retained where required for mechanistic context. Results: Immune escape, antimalarial drug resistance, and diagnostic evasion by pfhrp2/pfhrp3-deleted parasites are interpreted as mechanistically distinct but evolutionarily analogous adaptive outcomes under host or programmatic selection pressure. Antigenic variation, antigenic polymorphism, intracellular residence, cytoadherence, atypical dendritic-cell activation, atypical memory B-cell expansion, T-cell regulation, natural-killer-cell modulation, and complement evasion are reviewed with attention to evidence strength and uncertainty. The independent emergence of kelch13-associated artemisinin partial-resistance markers in Africa and the spread of pfhrp2/pfhrp3 deletions are discussed as operationally important examples of population-level adaptation. Conclusions: Durable malaria control will require integrated responses across vaccine design, drug stewardship, diagnostic policy, and genomic surveillance. Six prioritized knowledge gaps are identified, and recommendations are proposed for research and public-health implementation in African high-burden settings.
Poultry production is a key source of affordable animal protein globally, but increasing demand and population growth continue to drive expansion. However, heat stress in broilers reduces performance, and dietary electrolyte balance is widely used to improve their physiological stability and productivity. This study evaluated the effects of dietary sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) supplementation on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of broiler chickens during the finisher phase in the semi-arid environment. A total of 120 Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The treatments comprised a basal diet supplemented with sodium bicarbonate at graded levels: 0, 50, 100, and 150g/100kg as T1 (Control), T2, T3, and T4, respectively. Data were collected on growth parameters (weight gain, feed intake, FCR, mortality), carcass yield, and meat quality indices (pH, drip loss, and water-holding capacity). Results indicated that sodium bicarbonate supplementation significantly (p<0.05) improved final body weight, total weight gain and FCR. Mortality was observed to have differed significantly (p<0.05) across all the treatments. Even though the percentage mortality was very high across the treatment which could be attributed the bacterial infection (salmonellosis) as confirmed by postmortem and isolation of the parasite from the tissues. Birds in the T4 group (150 g/100kg) had the highest final body weight and lowest FCR suggesting improved nutrient utilization under heat stress as a result of supplementing Sodium bicarbonate. While feed intake, and carcass characteristics (primal cuts and organ weights) were not significantly affected (p>0.05), meat quality analysis revealed a significant improvement (p<0.05) in Water Holding Capacity (WHC) for birds in the T2 group (0.5 g/kg). The study concludes that sodium bicarbonate is effective in mitigating the adverse effects of heat stress, with 1.5 g/kg recommended for optimizing growth performance.
Methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus is increasing and poses a serious threat to healthcare. This threat is particularly relevant to West African countries, where the circulation of multi-resistant pathogens and limited access to advanced antibiotics only serve to reinforce this threat. This systematic review presents the phytochemical diversity and anti-MRSA efficacy of West African flora studied between 2000 and 2025. A total of 45 species belonging to 20 botanical families were identified in seven countries in the western part of the African continent. The Combretaceae, Fabaceae and Euphorbiaceae families proved to be the most important taxa, with species such as Terminalia avicennioides demonstrating exceptional potency (MIC as low as 0.0182 mg/mL). Phytochemistry reveals the presence of polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenoids and volatile compounds. These act through various mechanisms, including cell wall disruption, DNA intercalation and energy metabolism inhibition. These mechanisms allow the standard resistance pathways of staphylococci to be bypassed. While traditional medicinal knowledge provides a solid starting point, the study identifies significant methodological variability in extraction protocols, which constitutes an obstacle to clinical standardisation. These results highlight the high potential of sub-regional biodiversity for the discovery of a new molecular arsenal for the development of anti-MRSA phytomedicines.
In aquaculture systems, especially earthen ponds supplied by natural water bodies, fish are continuously exposed to fluctuating environmental conditions and potential pollutant inputs from surrounding anthropogenic activities. This study evaluated the bioaccumulation and human health risks associated with toxic metals in Clarias gariepinus cultured in earthen ponds in Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria. Fifteen fish were reared for six months, after which muscle tissues were analysed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Human health risk was assessed using established exposure models, including estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic risk (CR). Descriptive statistics, including mean, standard deviation, and range, were used to describe variability in metal concentrations. The toxic metals recorded in fish muscle included lead (0.1021 mg/kg), cadmium (0.0558 mg/kg), arsenic (0.0349 mg/kg), chromium (0.1462 mg/kg), nickel (0.0754 mg/kg), thallium (0.0246 mg/kg), antimony (0.0358 mg/kg), silver (0.0156 mg/kg), and beryllium (0.0032 mg/kg). Corresponding pond water concentrations ranged from 0.03 mg/L (Pb) to 0.32 mg/L (Cd), with several metals exceeding permissible environmental limits. Bioaccumulation factor (BAF) analysis showed elevated accumulation for lead (3.40), silver (1.56), chromium (1.33), antimony (1.19), and arsenic (1.16), whereas cadmium (0.17) and thallium (0.49) exhibited lower accumulation levels. BAF values for nickel and beryllium were not computed because their water concentrations were non-detectable. Human health risk assessment indicated estimated daily intake values ranging from 0.000001 to 0.000063 mg/kg/day. Hazard quotient values for lead (0.109393), chromium (0.062657), arsenic (0.049857), and cadmium (0.047829) remained below unity, indicating low non-carcinogenic risk. However, carcinogenic risk values for arsenic (2.2 × 10⁻⁵) and chromium (3.1 × 10⁻⁵) suggested potential long-term health concerns. The findings highlight the presence of toxic metals in aquaculture systems and their implications for food safety.
Background: Canine dermatological disorders commonly involve fungal pathogens such as dermatophytes and Malassezia, with potential zoonotic implications. Their prevalence varies with environmental and host factors, remaining a significant concern in clinical practice. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological patterns, clinical presentations, diagnostic findings, and therapeutic outcomes of fungal dermatitis in canine. Study Design: Prospective observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Veterinary Clinical Complex, DGCN, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur (H.P.), from February 2021 to April 2022. Methodology: Forty dogs presenting with dermatological signs suggestive of fungal infection underwent detailed clinical examination, including lesion distribution and its nature. Diagnostic confirmation involved lesion-specific cytology (tape impressions, glass slide impressions, and wet swabs stained with Giemsa) and Wood’s lamp examination performed in a dark room after pre-warming the lamp. Therapeutic management consisted of oral ketoconazole combined with topical antifungal therapy until clinical resolution was achieved. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics only (percentages); no inferential statistical analysis or hypothesis testing was conducted. Results: Pruritus (75%), alopecia (62.5%), scaling (60%), and erythema (37.5%) were the predominant clinical signs. German Shepherds (22.5%) and mongrels (20%) were most commonly affected, with males (67.5%) over-represented. Sixty percent of cases occurred during the monsoon season. Cytology revealed Malassezia pachydermatis (10–20 organisms/HPF) in 27 dogs (67.5%), while Wood’s lamp fluorescence was noted in 13 dogs (32.5%). All 40 dogs achieved complete clinical and cytological resolution by day 28 with combined systemic and topical antifungal therapy. Conclusion: Lesion-tailored cytology served as a rapid, reliable, and cost-effective diagnostic tool for canine fungal dermatitis, predominantly driven by Malassezia. Combined oral ketoconazole and topical therapy resulted in complete resolution within 4 weeks. This study is limited by its single-centre design and reliance exclusively on cytological diagnosis.
Nucleotide repeats known as short tandem repeats (STRs) can be found in both coding and non-coding areas of the human genome such a polyglutamine (polyQ), polyglycine (polyG) and polyalanine (PolyA). PolyG repeat expansions, are caused by GGC repeat expansions leading to numerous neurodegenerative illnesses, including as myotonic dystrophies (DM1 and DM2), Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), and some Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs). They are also linked to other organ ailments that representing the wider range of diseases. The central and peripheral neurological systems as well as the muscular system are the main organs affected by the polyG diseases, which are adult-onset, slowly progressing, multi-system neurodegenerative disorders. Given the significance of polyG diseases and existing knowledge gaps, the goal of present review is to update the current knowledge and understanding of polyG illnesses. Since this class of repeat induced human diseases have received less attention in comparison to other triplet repeats expansion diseases. Using published literature from public databases, thesis and journals we provide a back ground to the basics of STR distribution and their role in the human genome. The impact of STR repeat on the transcription and translation forms the second chapter. The central part of the review is focussed on pathology, biology and markers of the disorders. The impact of these repeats on human multi-organ diseases is covered in two sections. Finally, the current therapeutic applications to treat these diseases provide an update on the current methods. With the advancements in next-generation sequencing technology several polyG disorders and their causative genes are being discovered at higher pace. An update of the current knowledge will provide newer objectives and aims for research on the illnesses thus enabling identification of genes and new potent targets of the polyG protein. Further, it is envisaged that it will provide better diagnosis, intervention and treatment options.
Background: Nowadays repeatedly heating of cooking oil is extensively used in local street shops, restaurant as well as in home of Bangladesh to save the cost. Consuming the frying oils for long time can causes detrimental effects on consumer health. This study was designed to compare the quality analysis of the repeatedly heating frying oils with refined oils and analyze the effect of oils by measuring the weekly body weight, fasting blood sugar (FBS) and checking the biomarkers such as AST, ALT, Total Bilirubin, ALP, Lipid profiling, and Troponin-I in Wistar Albino rats. Methods and Materials: Thirty nine (age: six weeks, male) Wistar Albino rats were categorized into one Control Group with normal oil free treatment, four Refined oil treated groups (RD1 – RD4), four unrefined Super oil treated groups (SD1 – SD4), and four unrefined Palm oil treated groups (PD1 – PD4) with deep repeatedly fried oils for four (04) weeks. Weekly body weight and fasting blood sugar was measured throughout the intervention period. After the intervention the effects of re-heated cooking oils were analyzed by checking the liver biomarkers, Troponin-I and Lipid profiling of the rats. Results: The result showed that the body weight was increased significantly whereas fasting blood sugar was insignificant. The biochemical parameters ALT, AST, ALP, Cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), LDL and Troponin-I were increased insignificantly in the groups that were treated with repeatedly heating oils. Conclusions: Finally, considering the harmful effects of repeatedly heated oils, it can be concluded that reheated cooking oils can be toxic, alter the blood parameters and can cause considerable damage to the vital organs of the Wistar Albino rats.
The persistent challenge of malaria, primarily transmitted by Anopheles gambiae in sub-Saharan Africa, has been exacerbated by increasing insecticide resistance among mosquito populations. This study evaluated the larvicidal activity of essential oils (EOs) from Eucalyptus globulus (Eg) and Cananga odorata (Co), and their binary mixtures, against laboratory-reared and field-collected third-stage larvae of An. gambiae s.l. over 24 hours. EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation at yields of 0.78% (Eg) and 0.57% (Co), and characterised by GC-MS. The EO of E. globulus was dominated by eucalyptol (34.25%) and α-pinene (26.20%), while C. odorata was characterised by linalool (20.45%), benzyl benzoate (13.47%) and benzyl acetate (13.10%). Larvicidal bioassays conducted by World Health Organization (WHO) protocols revealed that, against laboratory larvae, LC₅₀ values ranged from 52.30 ppm (75% Co + 25% Eg) to 82.22 ppm (pure Eg), with the 75% Co + 25% Eg mixture exhibiting synergistic interaction (co-toxicity index = 126). Against the field strain, LC₅₀ values were higher (86.42–166.87 ppm), yet the same mixture retained the highest efficacy (LC₅₀ = 86.42 ppm, CI = 149.15). Resistance ratios (RR₅₀) ranged from 1.65 to 2.25 across all formulations, all below the WHO threshold of 5, indicating susceptibility or low resistance. This study represents the first in-depth characterization of E. globulus and C. odorata binary mixtures specifically against An. gambiae, highlight the potential of C. odorata-dominant formulations as sustainable, eco-friendly botanical larvicides for malaria vector control in insecticide-resistant areas.
Nephrotoxicity is the immediate degeneration in the kidney activity arising from the toxic effect of medications and chemicals. Commelina diffusa is a medicinal herb that has long been used to treat a variety of ailments, however, its nephrotoxic effect has not been scientifically proven. This study evaluated the nephrotoxicity profile of aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Commelina diffusa in non-pregnant female Wistar rats. Commelina diffusa were collected from Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Fifty (50) adult female Wistar rats (120–170g) were acclimatized for fourteen days under standard laboratory conditions with free access to feed and water. Rats were divided into 10 groups of five rats per groups. Group 1 served as control while group 2-4 orally received 166mg/kg of the extract for 7,14, and 21 days. Group 5-7 administered 250mg/kg while 8-10 were treated at 500mg/kg of the extract for 7, 14, and 21 days. All assays were carried based on standard methods. The RBC, Hb, WBC of group 10 were 11.43±0.03x1012/L, 13.84±0.02mg/dl, and 34.63±0.05x109/L respectively, were higher than those of group 1 (control). The K+, HCO32-, creatinine, and urea of group 10 (treated at 500mg/kg) were 17.62±0.03, 56.74±0.03 mmol/l, 0.64±0.02 mmol/l, and 4.68±0.03 mmol/l respectively, were spiked than the control. The RBC, Hb, and WBC were markedly amplified in rats treated at 500 mg/kg, suggesting anti-anaemic effect of the extract. The appreciably elevated electrolyte levels in kidney homogenates of the extract treated rats indicates, it Potentiated electrolyte synthesis and the extract is less nephrotoxic at 500mg/kg.
In the context of biodiversity conservation and the search for bioactive compounds, documenting indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants is essential for their sustainable use and valorization. This study aimed to document local knowledge on the traditional use of Caesalpinia pulcherrima in southern Benin. This study is a descriptive ethnobotanical survey conducted using a participatory research method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and open discussions with 116 informants, including herbalists and traditional healers, across nine communes in southern Benin. A total of 116 individuals were interviewed. The results showed that the respondents were predominantly women (83.6%) and Fon (81%), with a large proportion (69.8%) being illiterate. C. pulcherrima is used to treat around twenty ailments, with chronic infections (74.14%) being the most frequently cited, followed by ulcers (25%) and wounds (15.52%). The leaves (88.79%), roots (40.52%), and bark (32.76%) are the most commonly used parts, mainly in the form of decoctions (91.38%) and administered orally (98%) for the treatment of these various conditions. A Correspondence Analysis (CA) revealed a differentiation in uses of leaves, roots, and stems, which are associated with gastrointestinal and neurological disorders (e.g., constipation, epilepsy), while flowers, fruits, seeds, and bark are used more often for infections, skin conditions, and malaria. However, the intensive use of roots and bark poses a risk to the conservation of the species. This primary study is essential for better utilizing the genetic resources of C. pulcherrima.
Background: Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is grown in semi-arid regions, valued for its adaptation and drought tolerance. Understanding genotype × environment interactions is essential for developing stable, high-yielding cultivars. Methods: Eight sorghum genotypes were evaluated during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons using a randomized complete block design with five replications. Data were collected on plant height, days to flowering, biomass, panicle weight, grain weight, 1000-grain weight. Data underwent ANOVA, Tukey's HSD (p<0.05), and mixed-model analysis. Results: Significant (p < 0.001) genotypic variation was observed for all traits. Genotype × year interaction was significant for most traits, indicating differential performance across year. PCA captured 63.6% variance (PC1 37.9%, PC2 25.7%), revealing trade-offs like taller plants with heavier grains but later flowering. These results highlight exploitable genetic diversity for Sahelian breeding, prioritizing stable, early-maturing, high-biomass/yield genotypes to boost productivity amid rainfall variability. Conclusion: Substantial genetic variability exists among the evaluated sorghum genotypes. High heritability for key traits suggests good potential for genetic improvement through selection. Identified stable genotypes provide valuable genetic resources for sorghum breeding programs targeting yield improvement and stability.
Background: Paraquat is a highly toxic, non-selective herbicide that induces severe oxidative stress and multiorgan damage, particularly affecting the liver, lungs, and kidneys, with high mortality in cases of acute poisoning. Owing to the lack of a specific antidote, antioxidant therapy such as Vitamin C and toxin adsorption with activated charcoal have been explored as potential protective strategies against paraquat-induced hepatotoxicity. Aims: The study aims to evaluate the ameliorative effect and the safety of Vitamin C/ Activated Charcoal combination on Paraquat-induced hepatotoxicity. It is also to evaluate the safety of this combination at this dosage and duration, on hepatocytes. To investigate the relationship between the level of tissue damage with the duration of paraquat exposure. To investigate the synergistic effect of the combination of Vitamin C and activated charcoal, on clinical manifestations associated with oral paraquat toxicity in Wistar rats. Study Design: This is an experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria, 2025. Methodology: A total of 40 female Wistar rats, aged eight weeks and weighing between 150 and 200 g, were utilised in the present study. The animals were randomly allocated into four experimental groups, each comprising ten rats. Group I (normal control) received 1 ml of normal saline orally once daily for 28 consecutive days. Group II was administered paraquat at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight, dissolved in 1 ml of distilled water, once daily for 28 days. Group III received paraquat at 50 mg/kg body weight daily, followed after a 5-minute interval by 1 ml of a combination consisting of vitamin C (250 mg/kg body weight) and activated charcoal (0.175 g/kg body weight) suspended in distilled water, administered once daily for 28 days. Group IV was treated with 1 ml of the combination of vitamin C (250 mg/kg body weight) and activated charcoal (0.175 g/kg body weight) in distilled water once daily for the same duration. All animals were monitored weekly for clinical signs and any observable changes in general condition. Liver tissues were harvested at weekly intervals from randomly selected animals within each group for histopathological processing and microscopic evaluation. Histopathological assessment was conducted through detailed examination of tissue morphology, with particular emphasis on both intracellular and extracellular alterations and the manifestation of pathological changes. Results: Group 1 and 4 animals present with normal physical behavior, water/ feed consumption. Group 2 animals present with severe reduction in feed/ water intake, respiratory distress and other physical abnormalities, which worsened with duration of the experiment. A mortality was recorded on each of days 8, 17 and 25. Group 3 animals present with milder signs of what was observed in group 2, with a mortality on day 23. Microscopically, Liver sections of groups 1 and 4 remain histologically normal throughout the experiment. Group 2 liver shows massive degeneration and hepatic haemorrhage. Group 3 shows microscopically normal tissue, with mild hypertrophy and mild central vein congestion on days 21 and 28. This has shown that this combination is effective in ameliorating paraquat-induced hepatotoxicity. It has also shown that that at this dosage, Vitamin C and activated charcoal is safe on the hepatocytes.
