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Potential of the Ethanol Extract of Luffa Leaves in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats Ogana Moses Miracle; Isaac John Umaru; Philip Shadrach
African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 3 No 2 (2026): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v3i2.10341

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and progressive damage to vital organs. This study investigated the antidiabetic and biochemical effects of ethanol extract of Luffa acutangula leaves in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Fresh leaves of Luffa acutangula were collected, authenticated, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted with 95% ethanol using maceration. Twenty-five adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups: normal control, diabetic control, diabetic rats treated with metformin, and diabetic rats treated with 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg ethanol extract of Luffa acutangula leaves. Diabetes was induced through a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin at 50 mg/kg body weight, and treatments were administered orally for 14 days. Blood glucose levels, liver function enzymes, bilirubin fractions, serum proteins, kidney function markers, electrolytes, and lipid profile parameters were evaluated. The findings showed that streptozotocin induction increased blood glucose levels, liver enzymes, renal biomarkers, and lipid abnormalities in diabetic rats. Treatment with Luffa acutangula leaf extract reduced blood glucose levels from 210.20 ± 7.30 to 140.50 ± 10.60 mg/dL at 200 mg/kg and from 198.60 ± 7.80 to 130.40 ± 9.80 mg/dL at 400 mg/kg. The extract also improved selected liver function markers, reduced creatinine levels, and ameliorated lipid profile disturbances, particularly total cholesterol and triglycerides. However, the elevated urea levels observed in extract-treated groups indicate the need for further renal safety evaluation. Overall, ethanol extract of Luffa acutangula leaves demonstrated promising antihyperglycemic, hepatoprotective, and hypolipidemic effects in diabetic rats, providing preclinical evidence for its potential relevance in managing diabetes-related metabolic complications.
Protective Effects of Ethanol Extract of Chrysophyllum albidum Stem Bark on Antioxidant Enzymes and Lipid Peroxidation Induced Kidney Toxicity in Albino Rats Exposed to Bonny Light Crude Oil Jemimah Hebrew; Markus Audu; Isaac John Umaru
African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 3 No 2 (2026): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v3i2.10475

Abstract

Exposure to petroleum hydrocarbons such as Bonny Light crude oil (BLCO) is associated with oxidative stress and organ toxicity, particularly renal damage. Chrysophyllum albidum is a medicinal plant rich in antioxidant phytochemicals, yet its protective role against crude-oil-induced renal oxidative injury remains insufficiently explored. This study evaluated the effect of ethanol extract of C. albidum stem bark on renal antioxidant enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation in Wistar rats exposed to BLCO. Wistar rats were assigned to control, BLCO-only, and BLCO plus C. albidum extract treatment groups. Renal tissues were analyzed for catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities, as well as malondialdehyde levels as a marker of lipid peroxidation. The findings showed that BLCO exposure significantly reduced catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities and markedly increased malondialdehyde levels compared with the control group, p < .05. Treatment with C. albidum extract produced a dose-dependent increase in antioxidant enzyme activities and significantly reduced malondialdehyde levels relative to the BLCO-only group, p < .05, indicating attenuation of renal oxidative stress. The study concludes that ethanol extract of C. albidum stem bark exhibits antioxidant and nephroprotective effects against BLCO-induced renal oxidative damage. These findings contribute to toxicological and phytomedicinal research by highlighting the potential of C. albidum to enhance endogenous antioxidant defenses and suppress lipid peroxidation in crude-oil-related kidney toxicity.
Neurotoxic Effect of Cassava Cyanide on the Motor Activity and Cytoarchitecture of the Cerebellar Cortex of Albino Rats Isaac John Umaru; Tyem Lawal Danjuma; Katchim Evelyn Shadrach; Julius Ishaya Salman; Jibaniya Grace Mchibuma; Kerenhappuch Isaac Umaru
African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 3 No 1 (2026): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v3i1.8299

Abstract

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), a widely consumed staple in tropical regions, contains cyanogenic glycosides that release hydrogen cyanide (HCN) upon hydrolysis. Chronic exposure to cassava-derived cyanide has been implicated in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly affecting motor coordination and cerebellar function. This study investigates the neurotoxic effects of cassava cyanide on motor activity and cerebellar cytoarchitecture in albino Wistar rats. Thirty adult male rats were divided into three groups: control, low-dose cyanide (10 mg/kg), and high-dose cyanide (20 mg/kg), administered orally for 15 days. Motor performance was assessed using rotarod and open field tests, while cerebellar tissues were examined histologically using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results revealed a dose-dependent decline in motor coordination and locomotor activity, with significant reductions in rotarod latency and open field distance in cyanide-treated groups compared to controls (p < 0.05). Histological analysis showed progressive Purkinje cell degeneration, vacuolation, and disrupted laminar architecture in the cerebellar cortex, particularly in the high-dose group. These findings suggest that cassava cyanide exerts neurotoxic effects on cerebellar neurons, impairing motor function through structural damage. The study underscores the importance of safe cassava processing and dietary interventions to mitigate cyanide-induced neurotoxicity in vulnerable populations.
Exploring the Use of Antenatal and Maternity Services by Mothers Engaged in Child Welfare Programs in Michika LGA, Adamawa State Isaac John Umaru; Solomon O. Asare; Tyem Lawal Danjuma; Julius Ishaya Salman; Ingwu Joseph Akem; Genevieve A. Yeboah; Prince Osei Akumia; Hauwa A. Umaru; Maryam Usman Ahmed
African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 3 No 1 (2026): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v3i1.9302

Abstract

Maternal health remains a critical public health concern in Nigeria, where high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality persist despite ongoing interventions. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness and utilization of maternal health services among women in Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria, to identify key barriers to service uptake, and to evaluate the influence of child welfare programs on antenatal care utilization. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 250 women of reproductive age using structured questionnaires. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, antenatal and maternity service utilization, barriers to access, and participation in child welfare programs, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics to generate frequencies and percentages. The findings showed that 85% of respondents were aware of antenatal services and 80% attended antenatal care during their last pregnancy; however, only 30% completed more than four visits. Skilled birth attendance was reported by 68% of respondents, whereas 16% delivered at home or with traditional birth attendants, and 60% received post-natal care. The major barriers to service utilization included distance to health facilities (60%), financial constraints (44%), lack of transportation (36%), poor attitude of health workers (28%), cultural and religious beliefs (24%), and lack of awareness (16%). In addition, women who participated in child welfare programs were 30% more likely to utilize antenatal services. These findings indicate that, despite relatively high awareness, maternal health service utilization remains suboptimal because of intersecting structural, economic, and sociocultural barriers. The study underscores the need to strengthen health infrastructure, improve transportation access, subsidize care, and expand community-based interventions, while also addressing cultural beliefs and health worker attitudes to improve maternal health outcomes in rural Nigeria.
Effects of Methanol Leaf and Root Extracts of Lophira lanceolata on Haematological Indices and Tissue Histology in Bitis arietans Venom-Induced Toxicity in Wistar Rats Emmanuel Askeb-nde Joel; Isaac John Umaru; Kyugah Jacob Tersur; Sukyakma Manu
African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 3 No 1 (2026): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v3i1.9306

Abstract

Snakebite envenomation frequently causes severe haematological disturbances through venom-induced haemotoxicity and systemic inflammatory responses. This study investigated the restorative effects of methanol leaf and root extracts of Lophira lanceolata on haematological indices in Bitis arietans venom-intoxicated Wistar rats. Thirty-six male rats were assigned to six groups: normal control, venom control, venom plus antiserum, venom plus leaf extract (200 mg/kg), venom plus root extract (200 mg/kg), and venom plus combined extracts. After 14 days of treatment, blood samples were analyzed for white blood cells, red blood cells, haemoglobin, platelets, and haematocrit. Venom intoxication induced significant leukocytosis, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and reduced haematocrit, whereas treatment with L. lanceolata extracts, particularly the root extract, significantly improved these parameters toward normal levels. The root extract restored white blood cells to 8.40 ± 0.38 × 10⁹/L, red blood cells to 7.65 ± 0.30 × 10¹²/L, haemoglobin to 6.80 ± 0.20 g/dL, platelets to 425.50 ± 19.26 × 10⁹/L, and haematocrit to 20.50 ± 1.13%, indicating superior haematoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects relative to the leaf extract. Histological examination further confirmed these findings, showing that the extracts, especially the root, ameliorated venom-induced necrosis, hemorrhage, and congestion in liver and kidney tissues. These findings suggest that Lophira lanceolata, particularly its root extract, has therapeutic potential as a complementary intervention for managing snakebite-induced haematological disorders and tissue damage.
Prevalence of Malnutrition Among Children Under Five in Iware, Taraba State Isaac John Umaru; Solomon O. Asare; Tyem Lawal Danjuma; Atsu Ayi; Ingwu Joseph Akem; Usenobong Morgan Akpan; Julius Ishaya Salman; George Okra Hassan; Maryam Usman Ahmed; Hauwa A. Umaru
African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 3 No 2 (2026): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v3i2.9473

Abstract

Malnutrition remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly among children under five years of age, with serious consequences for morbidity, mortality, cognitive development, and long-term human capital. In rural communities such as Iware, Taraba State, this burden is intensified by poverty, poor feeding practices, limited access to healthcare, and low caregiver education. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight among children aged 0–59 months in Iware and to examine the associations between nutritional status and socio-economic factors, including household income, caregiver education, feeding practices, and recent illness episodes, while also assessing the coverage of exclusive breastfeeding and vitamin A supplementation. A cross-sectional design was employed, with a sample size estimated using Cochran’s formula at 200–400 children. A multistage sampling technique was used in which households were randomly selected and eligible children were stratified by age group. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, feeding practices, and household conditions, alongside anthropometric measurements of weight, height/length, and mid-upper arm circumference, with nutritional status classified according to WHO Growth Standards. Data collection was conducted over 2–4 weeks by trained enumerators following a pilot study, and the data were analyzed using SPSS and STATA through descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. The findings revealed a high prevalence of malnutrition, with stunting at 35%, underweight at 30%, and wasting at 25%. Although 60% of children were exclusively breastfed and 65% had received vitamin A supplementation, 42.5% had experienced recent illness. Socio-economic findings further showed that 72.5% of households earned below ₦30,000 per month and that 20% of caregivers had no formal education. Statistical analysis indicated significant associations between malnutrition and low household income, poor caregiver education, and inadequate complementary feeding practices (p < 0.05). The study concludes that malnutrition among children under five in Iware is driven by the combined effects of chronic poverty, limited maternal education, suboptimal feeding practices, and frequent illness. These findings underscore the need for multi-sectoral interventions focused on nutrition education, economic empowerment, improved healthcare access, and community-based strategies tailored to rural populations.