African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research
African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research aims to publish high-quality, peer-reviewed research that advances biochemical and molecular understanding of living systems while supporting interdisciplinary developments across the life sciences. • Biochemical Advancement: disseminate rigorous studies in fundamental and applied biochemistry, including molecular mechanisms, metabolism, enzymes, membranes, and biomolecular interactions. • Molecular and Cellular Inquiry: encourage research in molecular biology, genetic and cellular regulation, pathogen biology, and biologically relevant analytical methods. • Life-Science Integration: promote interdisciplinary work linking biochemistry and molecular biology with biotechnology, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, pathology, and health science. • Scientific Relevance and Application: support research that contributes to biomedical, environmental, agricultural, nutritional, and translational scientific problems. AJBMBR welcomes original research papers and related scholarly contributions in biochemistry, molecular biology, and associated life-science fields, especially studies with strong methodological grounding and clear scientific relevance. • Core Biochemistry: macromolecular biochemistry, enzymology, membrane biochemistry, nutritional biochemistry, reproductive and developmental biochemistry, and biochemical regulation of cellular processes. • Molecular and Biomedical Sciences: molecular biology, medical and clinical biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, physiology, microbiology, parasitology, malariology, and related disease-oriented biosciences. • Biotechnology and Bioinformatics: biotechnology, computational biology, bioinformatics, molecular data analysis, and applied laboratory innovation. • Health and Natural Product Sciences: phytomedicine, food science, health science, toxicology, and biophysics relevant to biomolecular or physiological understanding. • Environmental and Applied Biosciences: environmental biochemistry and other biochemical applications connected to biological systems, sustainability, and applied life-science research.
Articles
94 Documents
<![CDATA[Effect of Medicinal Plants on Liver and Malaria Pathogenesis ]]>
<![CDATA[Emmanuel Askeb-nde Joel]]>;
<![CDATA[Isaac John Umaru]]>;
<![CDATA[Kingsley Iyoko Iseko]]>;
<![CDATA[Dafup Katdel Istifanus]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 1 No 1 (2024): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
Show Abstract
|
Download Original
|
Original Source
|
Check in Google Scholar
|
DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v1i1.3674
<![CDATA[This seminar reviewed the literatures on the effects of medicinal plants on liver and malaria pathogenesis. Malaria parasite has a complex life cycle that takes place both inside the mosquito and human beings. Generally, diagnosis of malaria is classified into clinical and parasitological diagnoses. Lack of clear understanding on the overall biology of Plasmodium (malaria), its life cycle and its mechanism of action has created a challenge in an effort to develop new drugs, and preventive methods against malaria such as using malaria vaccines and vector control. They have been a rise in the use of herbal supplements, natural products, and traditional medicines over the years. The use of herbal plants or their preparations in the management of various diseases including liver diseases has been practiced for several decades and its extension in current dispensation is recognized. It has been shown that the effect of medicinal plants is somehow related to belief, tradition and culture of the community. However, there are growing concerns related to the safety and toxicities of these medicines. These herbal medicines are associated with complications such as liver damage with a high incidence of mortalities and morbidities. Clinical manifestations range from asymptomatic cases with abnormal liver functions tests to sudden and severe liver failure necessitating liver transplantation. The liver is a very important organ with a lot of functions such as metabolism, detoxification, and storage of nutrients for the host to survive. Standard liver marker enzymes such as ALT, AST, ALP, albumin, globulin are essential when carrying out liver function tests. Medicinal plant components are essential for and can be beneficial or detrimental to the healthy or diseased liver. Medicinal Plants are an essential part of the human diet and comprise various compounds (photochemical) such as alkaloid (pyrrolizidine), kavalactone which are related to liver health. Selected medicinal plants can provide nutritional and medicinal support for liver diseases. At the present, the knowledge of the effects of medicinal plants on the liver is still incomplete. The most urgent task at the present time is to find the best dietary and medicinal plants for liver health in an endless list of candidates globally. This review updates the knowledge about the effects of medicinal plants consumption on the health of the liver, putting particular emphasis on the potential beneficial and harmful impact of medicinal plants on liver function.]]>
<![CDATA[Effects of Ethanolic Extracts of Fruits of Acacia nilotica and Flowers of Calotropis procera on Liver Function of Aspirin-Induced Male Albino Rats ]]>
<![CDATA[Muhammad Zuhairah Ismail]]>;
<![CDATA[Imo Chinedu]]>;
<![CDATA[Arowora Kayode Adebisi]]>;
<![CDATA[Shadrach Philip]]>;
<![CDATA[Rashida Ismail Mohammed]]>;
<![CDATA[Isaac John Umaru]]>;
<![CDATA[Kingsley Iyoko Iseko]]>;
<![CDATA[Dafup Katdel Istifanus]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 1 No 1 (2024): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
Show Abstract
|
Download Original
|
Original Source
|
Check in Google Scholar
|
DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v1i1.3675
<![CDATA[This study examined the effects of ethanolic extracts of fruits of Acacia nilotica and flowers of Calotropis procera on the liver function of male albino rats. Acacia nilotica fruits and Calotropis procera flowers are commonly consumed by natives in northern Nigeria for therapeutic purposes. Eighty-four (84) healthy male albino rats were used for this study. The animals were randomly distributed into six groups of ten animals each, while 24 rats were used for lethal dose (LD50) analysis. The animals were administered ethanolic extracts of fruits of Acacia nilotica and flowers of Calotropis procera for 5 and 14 days respectively after induction with aspirin. The study was carried out in two phases: The animals were induced with 500 mg/kg body weight of aspirin 12 hours before the commencement of the experiment, the test animals were administered ethanolic extract of fruit of Acacia nilotica and flowers of Calotropis procera for 5 and 14 days and sacrificed at the end of each test phase respectively, blood was collected for biochemical analysis. The liver was harvested at the end of each phase, processed for histological investigation and photomicrographs taken. The result of liver function parameters showed that the mean values of alanine transaminase (ALT) after five-day of treatment decreased non-significantly (p>0.05) in groups 4, 5 and 6 and decreased significantly (p<0.05) in group 4 when compared to normal control. Also, ALT increased significantly (p<0.05) in group 2. There was a general decreasing trend in the mean values of aspartate transaminase (AST) across all groups except group 2. The mean values of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) decreased significantly (p<0.05) in all groups, but increased non-significantly in group 2. The same trend was observed in the values of ALT, AST, and ALP after 14 days of treatment. Photomicrograph of the liver section of normal rats showed normal central vein, sinusoids and hepatocytes as well as that of the treated animals. Photomicrograph of liver section of rat administered aspirin only showed slightly dilated portal triad after five days. The study suggests that the ethanolic extracts from fruits of Acacia nilotica and flowers of Calotropis procera may have active ingredients that are capable of improving some liver functions.]]>
<![CDATA[Mitigating Alcohol-Induced Liver Enzyme Alterations in Wistar Rats Through Forced Swimming Exercise ]]>
<![CDATA[Abdul-Kareem Y. I]]>;
<![CDATA[Chidiebere U]]>;
<![CDATA[Yilgwan G]]>;
<![CDATA[Usman Y. M]]>;
<![CDATA[Galam N. Z]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 1 No 1 (2024): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
Show Abstract
|
Download Original
|
Original Source
|
Check in Google Scholar
|
DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v1i1.3703
<![CDATA[This study investigates the impact of forced swimming exercise on alcohol-induced alterations in hepatic enzyme biomarkers in Wistar rats (mean weight 150-200g). Twenty Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of five rats each: a normal control group, an exercise-only group, an alcohol-only group, and an exercise plus alcohol group. The control group received 0.9% normal saline 5 days a week for 12 weeks. The exercise group underwent forced swimming for 5 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 12 weeks. The alcohol group received 20% ethanol orally at a dose of 2.0g/kg body weight. The combined exercise and alcohol group followed the same protocols as the exercise and alcohol groups. At the end of the 12-week period, all animals were euthanized, and blood samples were collected for analysis of hepatic enzyme biomarkers, including ALT, AST, and GGT, using an automated serum biochemistry analyzer. Results showed significant elevation of hepatic enzyme biomarkers in the alcohol-only group, while the normal control, exercise-only, and exercise plus alcohol groups exhibited decreased enzyme levels. These findings indicate that exercise mitigates alcohol-induced liver enzyme alterations in adult male Wistar rats. The study suggests that exercise training may be effective in alleviating liver damage from chronic alcohol consumption and could potentially prevent liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma.]]>
<![CDATA[Biochemical Basis of Collagen Defect: Keloids ]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 1 No 1 (2024): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
Show Abstract
|
Download Original
|
Original Source
|
Check in Google Scholar
|
DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v1i1.3704
<![CDATA[Obscure in their genesis, keloids are benign fibro-proliferative disorders. They take place as a result of disturbances in the typical wound healing process in vulnerable people. Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGF-ß) family members have been linked to the pathogenesis of this illness, despite the fact that many other factors have been hypothesized to contribute to its aetiopathogenesis. Finding the right therapeutical notion requires understanding the differences between hypertrophic scars, keloids, and typical scars. Even though keloids are rather common in the general population, the mechanisms that cause keloid formation are still poorly understood. The fact that there are numerous treatment modalities reflects the reality that no single treatment has consistently demonstrated to be highly successful. New pathophysiological theories for keloid formation are revealed by improvements in our understanding of the wound healing process. This review distinguishes between keloids and hypertrophic scars, provides an overview of physiological wound healing, examines current theories for keloid formation, and describes the etiology of scar formation. This knowledge could aid in unraveling the complicated keloid etiology and aid in the creation of a successful treatment approach.]]>
<![CDATA[Microbial Isolates in Microplastic-Polluted Soil ]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 1 No 1 (2024): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
Show Abstract
|
Download Original
|
Original Source
|
Check in Google Scholar
|
DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v1i1.3705
<![CDATA[Microplastic pollution is a growing environmental concern, with plastic debris fragmenting into microscopic particles that contaminate soil ecosystems. Microplastics have become a major environmental concern due to their persistent presence in various ecosystems, including soil. They can act as pollutants and have detrimental effects on the environment and human health. This study aimed at isolating and identifying microbes (Bacteria and Fungi species) present in microplastic-polluted soil. Microplastic-polluted soil samples were collected from three sites (which were Kwararafa University Area Wukari to serve as the site 1, Federal Road Safety Commission Office Area Wukari to be the site 2, while Marmara Area Wukari to be the site 3), from two points; A and B and then packaged in brown envelopes which were then transferred to the Laboratory for further analysis after air-drying them for 24 hours. Then 1gram of each soil sample was weighed and suspended in 9mls of distilled water respectively; Six (6) folds of distilled water were prepared for serial dilution of each soil sample. 1ml of each sample was pour plated on NA, MAC, BA, EMB, CLED and SDA respectively. Then a smear of bacteria was prepared and allow to air dry for 30min and heat fix using flame after which was viewed under the microscope. The results obtained from this study showed that Staphylococcus spp are large, medium, small, and pinpoint in size, irregular and spherical in shape, light pink, creamy grey in color, smooth, mucoid and dried texture. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp here has similar morphological characteristics, both in size, shape, color, texture, margin and elevation as Staphylococcus spp. Bacillus spp and Pseudomonas spp here has similar morphological identification but differ only in their shape where Bacillus spp has a filamentous shape but Pseudomonas spp has rhizoid shape respectively. In terms of texture, Bacillus spp are Smooth, dried and mucoid but Pseudomonas spp are only smooth, dried texture. Bacillus spp and Pseudomonas spp only differ in their cell morphology where Bacillus spp appears to be rods with spores while Pseudomonas spp appears as short and long rods in pairs. They react positive to catalase, oxidase and citrate tests while negative to indole test. Aspergillus Niger and Rhizopus stolonifer were found to be the major fungi isolated from the collected sample. Aspergillus Niger and Rhizopus stolonifer are spherical in shape and are large in size. Aspergillus Niger appears powdery and Rhizopus stolonifer appears to fluffy, wood-like. In terms of color and pigmentation Aspergillus Niger species are black, black creamy on reverse while Rhizopus stolonifer appears grayish in color. The discovery of these microbes in microplastics-polluted soil offers a ray of hope for mitigating plastic pollution. By delving deeper into their capabilities and fostering collaboration between microbiologists and environment. This research will contribute to a broader understanding of the ecological impact of microplastics on soil health and functioning. By identifying microbes associated with microplastics, the specific mechanism of action employed by these bacteria in degrading microplastics can be studied subsequently.]]>
<![CDATA[Recent Advances in Biopesticides: A Review of Efficacy and Environmental Impact ]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 1 No 1 (2024): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
Show Abstract
|
Download Original
|
Original Source
|
Check in Google Scholar
|
DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v1i1.3706
<![CDATA[Biopesticides are a vital component of sustainable agriculture, offering a safer alternative to synthetic pesticides. This review provides an overview of recent advances in biopesticides, including their types, efficacy, and environmental impact. Microbial, plant-based, and biochemical biopesticides have shown promising results in controlling pests and diseases. While efficacy is comparable to synthetic pesticides, biopesticides have a more favorable environmental profile, with reduced toxicity to non-target organisms and biodegradability. However, challenges persist in registration, regulation, and public acceptance. Future directions include genetic engineering, nanotechnology, and integrated pest management strategies. This review highlights the potential of biopesticides in reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture and ensuring food security.]]>
<![CDATA[Comparative Study on the Phytochemical and Micronutrients Levels in Selected Edible Mushroom Samples ]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 1 No 1 (2024): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
Show Abstract
|
Download Original
|
Original Source
|
Check in Google Scholar
|
DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v1i1.3707
<![CDATA[Edible mushrooms have been known to possess various phytochemical and micro nutrient levels. Edible mushrooms can be eaten and they supply nutritional benefits to the human body system. It is not widely consumed mainly due to paucity of information about it. Therefore, this research was conducted to compare the phytochemicals and micronutrients levels in two selected edible mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus and Agrocybe aegerita). Fully matured mushroom species of Oyster and Tea tree mushroom were collected, air dried and then stored in transparent polythene bags. Quantitative determination of phytochemicals and micronutrients (minerals and vitamins) present was carried out. Tea tree mushroom used in this research can be said to have the higher concentration of phytochemicals (phenols and poly-phenols), as there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in Oyster mushroom in comparison to Tea tree mushroom for phenols and poly-phenols. The results obtained from this research indicated that there was no significant decrease(p>0.05) in Oyster mushroom in comparison to Tea tree mushroom for Sodium, Iron, Magnesium, Selenium, Manganese. While there was a non-significant increase (p>0.05) in Oyster mushroom in comparison to Tea tree mushroom for Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Copper. Tea tree mushroom had higher composition of vitamins A and C than oyster mushroom which were not significantly different (p>0.05). The findings in this study revealed that Tea tree mushroom (Agrocybe aegerita) is slightly better than Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) based on their phytochemicals and micronutrients (minerals and vitamins).]]>
<![CDATA[Antidiarrhoeal Activity of Methanolic Stem Bark Extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius in Castor Oil-Induced Diarrhoeal Albino Rats ]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 1 No 1 (2024): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
Show Abstract
|
Download Original
|
Original Source
|
Check in Google Scholar
|
DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v1i1.3708
<![CDATA[Diarrhoea remains one of the leading causes of death among children in developing countries characterized by frequent passing of watery faeces. This study eval_uates the antidiarrhoeal activities of Sarcocephalus latifolius in castor oil-induced diarrhoeal albino rats. Thirty (30) albino rats were divided into six groups of five rats each. Except group 1 (control group) which received distilled water, all groups received 0.5 mL castor oil to induce diarrhoea. Group 2 received loperamide 3 mg/kg b. wt. Group 3, 4, 5, and 6 received 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg b. wt. respectively of the methanolic stem bark extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius. Total diarrhoeic faeces, stool inhibition, intestinal fluid accumulation, and intestinal transit was determined to eval_uate the antidiarrhoeal effect of the extract. Total diarrhoeal faeces, intestinal content and intestinal transit reflects significant (p<0.05) decrease with increase in the dose of the extract, group 4 which received high dose (400 mg/kg b. wt.) shows no significant difference when compared with group 2 which received loperamide. Percentage inhibition increases with increase in dose. Methanolic stem bark extract of S. latifolius possess antidiarrhoeal effect on castor oil-induced diarrhoea.]]>
<![CDATA[Extraction and Partial Purification of Protease from Fermented Beans Using Aspergillus niger ]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 1 No 1 (2024): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
Show Abstract
|
Download Original
|
Original Source
|
Check in Google Scholar
|
DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v1i1.3728
<![CDATA[Proteases are enzymes that are found everywhere and play important roles in both the creation and breakdown of substances in living organisms. The utilization of microbial proteases in food fermentation is a long-standing practice that has now expanded to various industries due to advancements in the 'omics' era and genetic and protein engineering techniques. The protease enzyme was derived from Aspergillus niger, which was isolated from fermented cooked discarded beans. The enzyme was partially purified and described utilizing an affordable and environmentally friendly modified technique. The impact of temperature, pH, and manufacturing time on the enzyme was assessed. The optimal conditions for protease generation were a temperature of 40°C, a pH of 7.0, and duration of 6 days. The kinetic parameter values for Km and Vmax were determined to be 0.9181 mg/mL and 1.08914 µmol/min respectively. The protein determination experiment showed that the highest protein production occurred on day 6, following 5 days of optimal protein production. The research has shown that Aspergillus niger can efficiently generate protease at a low cost, making it suitable for various industrial applications including pharmaceuticals, food production, detergents, and cosmetics.]]>
<![CDATA[Anabolic, Androgenic and Anti-Cholesterolemic Effect of Kigelia africana Leaf Extract on Some Male Wistar Rats ]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 1 No 1 (2024): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
Show Abstract
|
Download Original
|
Original Source
|
Check in Google Scholar
|
DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v1i1.3729
<![CDATA[Male erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to incompetency in reaching and retaining adequate penile tumescence for sexual intercourse, possibly due to hormonal imbalance or its inverse relationship with age. Over 152 million men globally suffer from ED and by 2025; the number of affected individuals is anticipated to be around 322 million. In this research work, the effect of petroleum ether extract of Kigelia africana on lipid profile and reproductive hormones of Wistar rats was examined. The leaf of K,africana was collected, air-dried , pulverized and extracted using 1200ml of 70% petroleum ether for 72 hours. This was then concentrated and stored in a refrigerator at 4°C. Twenty-one (21) Wistar male rats were used for this research. The animals were acclimatized for seven (7) days. Treatment was carried out as follows: group 1 (normal control) received only the vehicle (Normal saline) orally, while groups 2 and 3 received an extract of (200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt/day respectively for 2 successive weeks. The rats were sacrificed and the blood was collected by cardiac puncture for the analysis of lipid profile and reproductive hormones. The result revealed that the extract produced a significant increase (p<0.05) in serum testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, TAG and HDL but a significant (p<0.05) decrease in serum total–cholesterol and LDL respectively when compared with normal control. It was speculated that the extract may possess anabolic, androgenic and anti/ hypocholesterolaemic effect which might reduce the risk of predisposition to both cardiovascular and erectile dysfunctions possibly due the presence of phytoandrogens and phytonutrients like alkaloids and flavonoids.]]>
