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The Role of Physicians in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Herbal Remedies Atabo Amodu; Isaac John Umaru; Chakfa Nanmar; Kerenhappuch Isaac Umaru
African Journal of Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy Research Vol 4 No 1 (2027): African Journal of Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajcmpr.v4i1.12142

Psychiatric disorders among children and adolescents, including depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and sleep disturbances, require therapeutic approaches that balance clinical effectiveness with tolerability. Herbal medicines such as Bacopa monnieri, Crocus sativus, Ginkgo biloba, and Hypericum perforatum have demonstrated therapeutic potential in psychiatric care, although evidence regarding their combined use in adolescent populations remains limited. This study aims to evaluate the preliminary effects and tolerability of a standardized formulation combining these four herbal medicines in adolescents with mild to moderate psychiatric conditions. A one-month, open-label, dose-response pilot study was conducted with 40 adolescents aged 12–18 years diagnosed with mild to moderate depression, anxiety, ADHD, or sleep disturbances. Participants received escalating doses of the standardized herbal formulation ranging from 100 to 600 mg/kg. Outcomes were assessed using the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED), Continuous Performance Test (CPT), Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ), and Parenting Stress Index (PSI). The findings indicate dose-dependent improvements across the assessed domains, with the most favorable responses observed at 300–400 mg/kg. Higher doses produced no additional improvements and were associated with mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Cognitive function, mood stability, and sleep quality improved significantly during the intervention, accompanied by reductions in caregiver stress. The study concludes that the combined herbal formulation demonstrated promising preliminary effects and tolerability in adolescents and may have potential as an adjunctive approach in child and adolescent psychiatric care. However, given the open-label pilot design and limited sample size, larger randomized controlled trials are required to confirm efficacy, establish optimal dosing, and further evaluate safety. The study contributes preliminary evidence to the emerging literature on integrative and herbal approaches in child and adolescent psychiatry.

Evaluation of Malaria and Typhoid Co-Infection among Patients at the Federal University Wukari Teaching Hospital Atabo Amodu; Isaac John Umaru; Chakfa Nanmar; Kerenhappuch Isaac Umaru
African Journal of Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy Research Vol 4 No 1 (2027): African Journal of Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajcmpr.v4i1.12143

Malaria and typhoid fever remain major public health challenges in tropical regions, particularly in Nigeria, where both diseases are endemic and may occur concurrently among patients presenting with febrile illness. This study aims to determine the prevalence, associated risk factors, and clinical outcomes of malaria–typhoid co-infection among patients attending the Federal University Wukari Teaching Hospital. A hospital-based cross-sectional design was employed involving 400 patients presenting with febrile illness. Malaria was diagnosed using microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests, whereas typhoid fever was assessed using the Widal test and blood culture. Demographic and clinical data were collected through structured questionnaires. The findings show prevalence rates of 45% for malaria mono-infection, 25% for typhoid mono-infection, and 30% for malaria–typhoid co-infection, with the highest prevalence of co-infection observed among individuals aged 15–35 years. Poor sanitation, consumption of untreated water, and seasonal variation were identified as major associated risk factors. Patients with co-infection experienced longer durations of fever, higher complication rates, and greater hospitalization than those with mono-infection. The study concludes that malaria–typhoid co-infection constitutes a substantial clinical and epidemiological burden among febrile patients in the study setting. These findings highlight the importance of integrated diagnostic approaches and coordinated preventive strategies targeting environmental sanitation, safe water use, and timely clinical management to reduce the burden and complications of co-infection in endemic areas.

Intermediary Metabolism of Proteins and Recent Advances Isaac John Umaru; Hauwa A Umaru; Maryam Usman Ahmed; Kerenhappuch Isaac Umaru
African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 3 No 3 (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.v3i3.12063

Protein metabolism is fundamental to human physiology, integrating dietary protein digestion and absorption, amino acid catabolism, nitrogen disposal, biosynthesis, regulatory signalling, and systemic adaptation. This review synthesizes foundational biochemical knowledge and recent advances to clarify the organization, regulation, clinical significance, and emerging applications of protein metabolism. It examines amino acid degradation and biosynthetic functions, tissue-specific metabolic processes, hormonal control, and nitrogen elimination, including vulnerabilities manifested in phenylketonuria, maple syrup urine disease, and urea cycle defects. Recent molecular research demonstrates that amino acids function not only as metabolic substrates but also as signalling molecules that influence gene expression, cellular growth, and immune function through regulatory pathways involving the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Proteomics and metabolomics have further enabled system-level characterization of protein turnover and metabolic flux, while CRISPR-based gene editing offers potential strategies for correcting inherited enzyme deficiencies. These developments have expanded the clinical relevance of protein metabolism to cancer, diabetes, sarcopenia, nutritional interventions, and personalized medicine. The integration of multi-omics data with systems biology, computational modelling, and network analysis may improve predictions of metabolic flux, pathway regulation, and therapeutic responses. This review concludes that protein metabolism constitutes a dynamic interface connecting biochemistry, physiology, disease mechanisms, and precision health. By integrating classical metabolic pathways with contemporary molecular and computational approaches, it provides a framework for understanding current biomedical applications and guiding future developments in disease prevention, diagnosis, and targeted therapy.

Impact of Breast Cancer Awareness Programmes on Prevention of Breast Cancer Using Artificial Intelligence among Nigerian Women Atabo Amodu; Isaac John Umaru; Chakfa Nanmar; Kerenhappuch Isaac Umaru
African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 3 No 3 (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.v3i3.12144

Breast cancer remains a major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women in Nigeria, where late presentation, limited screening infrastructure, and sociocultural barriers contribute to poor health outcomes. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Coursiv AI, a localized and adaptive artificial intelligence platform, in improving breast cancer awareness and prevention, with particular attention to older women. A mixed-methods design was employed across four regions of Nigeria, involving 2,000 women who participated in surveys and focus group discussions. The findings indicate that Coursiv AI significantly improved breast cancer awareness, screening uptake, and participation among older women compared with traditional outreach approaches. Its predictive analytics, caregiver-support modules, and multilingual interfaces in Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and Pidgin English were particularly useful in addressing literacy barriers and mobility constraints. Nevertheless, regional disparities persisted, with higher adoption in western and southern regions and lower uptake in northern areas, where stigma and limited trust in technology remained important barriers. Comparative analysis further demonstrated the platform’s strengths in cultural adaptation and accessibility relative to global artificial intelligence tools requiring more advanced infrastructure, while ethical compliance was reported to be high despite regional variation in user trust. The study also situates these digital-health developments alongside the emergence of kwagheticin, a novel anticancer drug developed in Nigeria, highlighting the potential complementarity between locally adapted artificial intelligence interventions and indigenous therapeutic innovation. The study concludes that culturally responsive artificial intelligence platforms can strengthen breast cancer awareness, screening participation, and accessibility, particularly among older women. It contributes to digital health and cancer prevention research by demonstrating the potential value of integrating localized artificial intelligence, caregiver support, multilingual communication, and indigenous therapeutic innovation within strategies aimed at reducing late-stage diagnosis and improving breast cancer outcomes in Nigeria.

Herbal Formulation of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea), Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), and Saffron (Crocus sativus) in the Management of Geriatric Depression in Outpatient Clinics Atabo Amodu; Isaac John Umaru; Chakfa Nanmar
African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 3 No 3 (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.v3i3.12145

Depression among older adults is an increasing public health concern, particularly in resource-constrained settings such as Nigeria, where access to specialized psychiatric care remains limited and conventional antidepressant therapy may be complicated by polypharmacy and adverse effects. This study explores the potential of a combined herbal formulation containing equal proportions of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea), Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), and Saffron (Crocus sativus) as an adjunct to outpatient management of mild to moderate geriatric depression. A pilot observational study was conducted in outpatient clinics in Lagos, Nigeria, involving 60 participants aged 65 years and above who received the herbal formulation alongside routine counseling for eight weeks. Outcomes were assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), and measures of functional independence. The findings show a 33.5% reduction in GDS scores, a 37.7% improvement in PSQI scores, a 33.6% reduction in caregiver burden, and a 15.7% increase in functional independence over the intervention period. Reported adverse events were mild and transient, consisting primarily of gastrointestinal discomfort and dizziness, suggesting acceptable short-term tolerability within the study population. These findings indicate that the combined herbal formulation, when used alongside routine counseling, may have potential as a culturally acceptable and comparatively accessible adjunctive approach for managing geriatric depression in resource-limited outpatient settings. However, given the observational pilot design, the findings should be interpreted as preliminary rather than causal evidence of efficacy. The study contributes to emerging research on integrative approaches to geriatric mental healthcare in Nigeria and highlights the need for adequately powered randomized controlled trials to evaluate efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes before broader clinical or policy integration is considered.

Intermediary Metabolism of Proteins and Recent Advances Isaac John Umaru; Hauwa A Umaru; Maryam Usman Ahmed; Kerenhappuch Isaac Umaru
African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 3 No 3 (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.v3i3.12063

Protein metabolism is fundamental to human physiology, integrating dietary protein digestion and absorption, amino acid catabolism, nitrogen disposal, biosynthesis, regulatory signalling, and systemic adaptation. This review synthesizes foundational biochemical knowledge and recent advances to clarify the organization, regulation, clinical significance, and emerging applications of protein metabolism. It examines amino acid degradation and biosynthetic functions, tissue-specific metabolic processes, hormonal control, and nitrogen elimination, including vulnerabilities manifested in phenylketonuria, maple syrup urine disease, and urea cycle defects. Recent molecular research demonstrates that amino acids function not only as metabolic substrates but also as signalling molecules that influence gene expression, cellular growth, and immune function through regulatory pathways involving the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Proteomics and metabolomics have further enabled system-level characterization of protein turnover and metabolic flux, while CRISPR-based gene editing offers potential strategies for correcting inherited enzyme deficiencies. These developments have expanded the clinical relevance of protein metabolism to cancer, diabetes, sarcopenia, nutritional interventions, and personalized medicine. The integration of multi-omics data with systems biology, computational modelling, and network analysis may improve predictions of metabolic flux, pathway regulation, and therapeutic responses. This review concludes that protein metabolism constitutes a dynamic interface connecting biochemistry, physiology, disease mechanisms, and precision health. By integrating classical metabolic pathways with contemporary molecular and computational approaches, it provides a framework for understanding current biomedical applications and guiding future developments in disease prevention, diagnosis, and targeted therapy.

Impact of Breast Cancer Awareness Programmes on Prevention of Breast Cancer Using Artificial Intelligence among Nigerian Women Atabo Amodu; Isaac John Umaru; Chakfa Nanmar; Kerenhappuch Isaac Umaru
African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 3 No 3 (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.v3i3.12144

Breast cancer remains a major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women in Nigeria, where late presentation, limited screening infrastructure, and sociocultural barriers contribute to poor health outcomes. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Coursiv AI, a localized and adaptive artificial intelligence platform, in improving breast cancer awareness and prevention, with particular attention to older women. A mixed-methods design was employed across four regions of Nigeria, involving 2,000 women who participated in surveys and focus group discussions. The findings indicate that Coursiv AI significantly improved breast cancer awareness, screening uptake, and participation among older women compared with traditional outreach approaches. Its predictive analytics, caregiver-support modules, and multilingual interfaces in Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and Pidgin English were particularly useful in addressing literacy barriers and mobility constraints. Nevertheless, regional disparities persisted, with higher adoption in western and southern regions and lower uptake in northern areas, where stigma and limited trust in technology remained important barriers. Comparative analysis further demonstrated the platform’s strengths in cultural adaptation and accessibility relative to global artificial intelligence tools requiring more advanced infrastructure, while ethical compliance was reported to be high despite regional variation in user trust. The study also situates these digital-health developments alongside the emergence of kwagheticin, a novel anticancer drug developed in Nigeria, highlighting the potential complementarity between locally adapted artificial intelligence interventions and indigenous therapeutic innovation. The study concludes that culturally responsive artificial intelligence platforms can strengthen breast cancer awareness, screening participation, and accessibility, particularly among older women. It contributes to digital health and cancer prevention research by demonstrating the potential value of integrating localized artificial intelligence, caregiver support, multilingual communication, and indigenous therapeutic innovation within strategies aimed at reducing late-stage diagnosis and improving breast cancer outcomes in Nigeria.

Herbal Formulation of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea), Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), and Saffron (Crocus sativus) in the Management of Geriatric Depression in Outpatient Clinics Atabo Amodu; Isaac John Umaru; Chakfa Nanmar
African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 3 No 3 (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.v3i3.12145

Depression among older adults is an increasing public health concern, particularly in resource-constrained settings such as Nigeria, where access to specialized psychiatric care remains limited and conventional antidepressant therapy may be complicated by polypharmacy and adverse effects. This study explores the potential of a combined herbal formulation containing equal proportions of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea), Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), and Saffron (Crocus sativus) as an adjunct to outpatient management of mild to moderate geriatric depression. A pilot observational study was conducted in outpatient clinics in Lagos, Nigeria, involving 60 participants aged 65 years and above who received the herbal formulation alongside routine counseling for eight weeks. Outcomes were assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), and measures of functional independence. The findings show a 33.5% reduction in GDS scores, a 37.7% improvement in PSQI scores, a 33.6% reduction in caregiver burden, and a 15.7% increase in functional independence over the intervention period. Reported adverse events were mild and transient, consisting primarily of gastrointestinal discomfort and dizziness, suggesting acceptable short-term tolerability within the study population. These findings indicate that the combined herbal formulation, when used alongside routine counseling, may have potential as a culturally acceptable and comparatively accessible adjunctive approach for managing geriatric depression in resource-limited outpatient settings. However, given the observational pilot design, the findings should be interpreted as preliminary rather than causal evidence of efficacy. The study contributes to emerging research on integrative approaches to geriatric mental healthcare in Nigeria and highlights the need for adequately powered randomized controlled trials to evaluate efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes before broader clinical or policy integration is considered.

Roles of Free Radicals in Human Health and Aging Ogana Moses Miracle; Isaac John Umaru
Kwaghe International Journal of Sciences and Technology Vol 3 No 3 (2026): Kwaghe International Journal of Sciences and Technology
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/kijst.v3i3.12061

Free radicals are highly reactive chemical species containing one or more unpaired electrons that exert context-dependent effects on human physiology and disease. Although controlled levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species support cellular signalling, immune defence, and vascular regulation, their excessive production relative to antioxidant defences disrupts redox homeostasis and induces oxidative stress. This review synthesizes evidence on the sources, biological functions, and pathological effects of free radicals, with particular attention to their roles in human health and aging. It examines endogenous generation within mitochondria, peroxisomes, and the endoplasmic reticulum, together with exogenous sources such as radiation and environmental pollutants. The evidence indicates that excessive free-radical activity damages DNA, proteins, and lipids and contributes to processes associated with cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, kidney dysfunction, and viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nevertheless, the physiological benefits of moderate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species concentrations demonstrate that these species are not inherently harmful and that their biological effects depend on concentration, location, and cellular context. The free radical theory of aging remains contested because available evidence both supports and challenges oxidative damage as a primary determinant of aging. Antioxidants, particularly flavonoids and vitamins, may mitigate oxidative injury; however, their effectiveness in delaying aging or disease progression remains inconclusive. This review underscores the need to understand free radicals within the broader framework of redox homeostasis rather than solely as harmful agents. It contributes a balanced synthesis of their beneficial and detrimental roles and highlights the need for further research to establish the efficacy and safety of natural antioxidant-based interventions.

Roles of Free Radicals in Human Health and Aging Ogana Moses Miracle; Isaac John Umaru
Kwaghe International Journal of Sciences and Technology Vol 3 No 3 (2026): Kwaghe International Journal of Sciences and Technology
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/kijst.v3i3.12061

Free radicals are highly reactive chemical species containing one or more unpaired electrons that exert context-dependent effects on human physiology and disease. Although controlled levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species support cellular signalling, immune defence, and vascular regulation, their excessive production relative to antioxidant defences disrupts redox homeostasis and induces oxidative stress. This review synthesizes evidence on the sources, biological functions, and pathological effects of free radicals, with particular attention to their roles in human health and aging. It examines endogenous generation within mitochondria, peroxisomes, and the endoplasmic reticulum, together with exogenous sources such as radiation and environmental pollutants. The evidence indicates that excessive free-radical activity damages DNA, proteins, and lipids and contributes to processes associated with cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, kidney dysfunction, and viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nevertheless, the physiological benefits of moderate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species concentrations demonstrate that these species are not inherently harmful and that their biological effects depend on concentration, location, and cellular context. The free radical theory of aging remains contested because available evidence both supports and challenges oxidative damage as a primary determinant of aging. Antioxidants, particularly flavonoids and vitamins, may mitigate oxidative injury; however, their effectiveness in delaying aging or disease progression remains inconclusive. This review underscores the need to understand free radicals within the broader framework of redox homeostasis rather than solely as harmful agents. It contributes a balanced synthesis of their beneficial and detrimental roles and highlights the need for further research to establish the efficacy and safety of natural antioxidant-based interventions.

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