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 Ethanol Extract of Terminalia catappa on Serum Reproductive Hormones in Poloxaimer Induced Hypercholesterolemic Female 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 ]]>
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DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v1i1.3730
<![CDATA[This research work was carried out to access the effect of ethanol extract of Terminalia catappa, on sexual hormones in poloxamer induced hypercholesterolemia in Wistar rats. Thirty- five (35) Wistar female rats were allowed to acclimatize for a period of 7 days, in a well-ventilated room at room temperature and relative humidity of 29°C and 70% respectively with 12 hours natural light-dark cycle. They were allowed food and water ad libitum. Good hygiene was maintained by daily cleaning and removal of faeces and spills from their cages. The rats were randomly divided into 5 groups of 7 rats each. Group A: was fed with normal chow and distilled water (NC). Group B: was induced with 1.0g/kg dose of P-407 without treatment (HC). Group C: was induced with 1.0g/kg dose of P-407 and treated with atorvastatin (ATV) at 20mg/kg body weight, Group D: was induced with 1.0g/kg dose of P-407 and treated with leaves extract (HLE) at 100mg/kg body weight, Group E: was induced with 1.0g/kg dose of P-407 and treated with leaf extract (HLE) at 200mg/kg body weight/ day for 14days .The dose regimens were administered once daily for the period of the study. The rats were monitored for clinical signs and death. The result reveals that there was a significant (P<0.05) increase in serum oestrogen, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) when compared with the normal, standard and hyperlipidemic control. Contrastingly, there was a significant decrease (P< 0.05) in serum testosterone and prolactin (PRL) when compared to the normal and standard control. It can be inferred from this present research work that the extract may stimulate or regulate ovulation or promote sexual health and or drive possibly due to the presence of phytonutrient or phytoandrogens.]]>
<![CDATA[Extraction, Isolation, Characterization and Antioxidant Potential of Pure Compounds from Adonsonia digitata Leaf Extract ]]>
<![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 ]]>
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DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v1i1.3731
<![CDATA[Introduction: Adonsonia digitata L. (Malvaceae) commonly known as Baobab is a medicinal and nutritional plant. The plant parts are used to treat various ailments such as diarrhoea, malaria and microbial infections. It is reported that it is an excellent antioxidant due to its vitamin C content. Baobab has numerous biological properties including antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities amongst others. Objective: The study involves extraction, Isolation, Characterisation of phytochemicals and eval_uation of antioxidant potential of the pure compounds. Methods: The dried leaf powder was subjected to rotary evaporator to obtain crude extract which was subjected to isolation using chromatography analysis and elucidation using NMR and FTIR. Antioxidant (IC50) potential was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1- picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH). Result: Phytochemical investigation of the Baobab leaf extract through isolation and characterization of a bioactive compound was observed. The leaf extract yielded three compounds characterised as D-Limonene, Thunbergol and (z)-2-Methyl-7-octadecene. Conclusion: The analysis of the chemical component reported identified compounds from Baobab leaf as; DLimonene; (1) Thunbergol (2) and Cis-2-Methyl-7-octadecene (3) with significant antioxidant potential. The chemical components were identified for the first times.]]>
<![CDATA[Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Microbial Effects of Prosopis Africana Methanol Stem Back Extract ]]>
<![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 ]]>
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DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v1i1.3732
<![CDATA[The anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effect of Prosopis Africana methanol stem bark extract was determined. Results of qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, steroids and terpenoids. The quantitative analysis revealed the quantity of alkaloids (0.11%), tannins (1.92%), phenols (3.77%), flavonoids (0.77%), steroids (0.14%), terpenoids (0.21%) and saponins (4.01%). The anti-inflammatory effect of methanol stem-bark extract of Prosopis africana was assessed in male albino rats using paw immersion method. The anti-inflammatory effect produced by methanol stem-bark extract of Prosopis africana was found to be significant (p<0.05) at the dose of 200mg/kg, which was more effective than other concentrations at time interval of 0-90minutes. The antimicrobial activities of the methanol stem-bark extract of Prosopis africana produced the highest zone of inhibition (l7mm) on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the lowest zone of inhibition (11mm) on Staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration value of Prosopis Africana methanol stem-bark extract against E.coli, S. aureus and P. areuginosa was 2.5mg/ml each compared to K. pneumonia which was 5.5mg/ml. Results obtained indicate the antimicrobial effect of the methanol stem-bark extract of Prosopis Africana against K. pneumoniae was more effective than ampicillin. This work has further supported the basis for the use of the plant as anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of various diseases associated with the microorganisms studied.]]>
<![CDATA[Swimming Away the Damage: Exercise Combats Alcohol-Induced Liver Stress in Wistar Rats ]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 1 No 2 (2024): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
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DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v1i2.3795
<![CDATA[This study investigated the impact of forced swimming exercise on alcohol-induced oxidative stress biomarkers and liver histo-architecture in Wistar rats (mean weight 150 to 200g). The rats were randomly assigned to four groups of five: normal control, exercise only, alcohol only, and exercise plus alcohol. The control group received 0.9% saline for 5 days a week over 12 weeks. The exercise group underwent forced swimming for 5 minutes daily, 5 days a week, for 12 weeks. The alcohol group was given 20% ethanol orally at a dose of 2.0 g/kg body weight. The exercise plus alcohol group received both treatments as described for the exercise and alcohol groups. At the end of the exposure period, all animals were euthanized, and blood and liver tissue samples were collected for analysis of oxidative stress biomarkers (SOD, CAT, GPx, and MDA) and liver histo-architecture. The ethanol-exposed group showed significantly elevated oxidative stress markers, whereas the normal, exercise, and exercise plus alcohol groups exhibited decreased levels. Marked hepatocellular necrosis and perivascular inflammation were observed in the ethanol group, along with moderate central vein congestion. In contrast, the normal and exercise groups displayed normal hepatocellular architecture with no inflammatory cells and clear central veins. The exercise plus alcohol group showed largely normal liver architecture, with very mild necrotic cells, no inflammatory cells, and a clearly visible central vein, indicating that exercise mitigated alcohol-induced liver changes in adult male Wistar rats. These findings suggest that exercise training can alleviate oxidative stress and prevent liver architecture damage following chronic alcohol consumption, potentially helping to prevent liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma.]]>
<![CDATA[Prediction Model Based on Transfer Characteristics of Heavy Metals from Soils to Yam Tubers Grown in Wukari Farmland ]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 1 No 2 (2024): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
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DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v1i2.3796
<![CDATA[Heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils poses a significant threat to human health because these elements accumulate in food crops. The study's aim was to make a prediction model based on the soil's properties that would show how well yam tubers would take up six heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn) in Wukari farmland soils. Soil and plant samples were collected from different locations within Wukari, and the physiochemical properties of the soils, along with the concentration of heavy metals, were determined. For the yam tubers, the samples were peeled, washed, dried, pulverized, and then analyzed for heavy metals with the atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Step-wise linear regression analysis was employed to develop a prediction model to estimate the potential uptake of heavy metals by yam tubers based on the soil properties. The results showed that the farmland sample soils are sandy loamy and slightly alkaline, with a mean pH of about 7.88. The prediction model demonstrated good performance in predicting the uptake of all six heavy metals, with R2 ranging from 0.683 (Pb) to 0.998 (Zn) in the fitted empirical model. This work's findings will provide other researchers with a cost-effective tool for assessing potential contamination based on readily available soil data.]]>
<![CDATA[RETRACTED: Assessment of Microplastics in Water and Sediment of River Benue Troughs, Benue State, Nigeria ]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 1 No 2 (2024): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
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DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v1i2.3816
<![CDATA[Microplastics (MPs) are emerging environmental contaminants with significant ecological and health implications. This study investigates the presence and risks of microplastics (MPs) in the River Benue, Nigeria, using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Water and sediment samples were collected from five locations along the river, with FTIR analysis revealing key functional groups such as alcohols, alkenes, amines, and carbonyls. Specifically, water samples from one site showed peaks at 3320 cm⁻¹ (O-H stretch, indicating alcohols) and 1640 cm⁻¹ (C=C stretch, indicating alkenes), while another site exhibited peaks at 3264 cm⁻¹ (N-H stretch, indicating amines) and 1640 cm⁻¹ (C=C stretch, indicating alkenes). Sediment samples showed significant peaks at 3622 cm⁻¹ (O-H stretch, indicating alcohols and phenols) and 2326 cm⁻¹ (C=N stretch, indicating nitriles). The Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Risk Quotient (RQ) analyses confirmed varying levels of microplastic contamination, with potential environmental and health risks due to the leaching of toxic additives. The study underscores the need for continuous monitoring, stricter pollution control, and public education to mitigate microplastic pollution in this vital waterway.]]>
<![CDATA[Enhancing the Extraction of 6-Gingerol from Zingiber officinale Rhizomes Using Dry Vacuum Evaporation to Improve Bioavailability ]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 1 No 2 (2024): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
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DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v1i2.3817
<![CDATA[This study optimized the extraction and purification of 6-gingerol from ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizomes through a multi-step process. Initially, cold maceration ethanol extraction was performed, followed by hexane defatting to remove impurities. Further purification was achieved through liquid-liquid extraction using a sequential solvent system of chloroform and ethyl acetate. The resulting extract was then fractionated using silica gel column chromatography with methanol, and finally concentrated using dry vacuum evaporation to minimize heat-induced degradation. HPLC analysis confirmed a significant concentration of 6-gingerol (33 mg/g) in the final extract. Thus, optimized method demonstrates an effective approach to produce high-quality ginger extracts enriched in 6-gingerol, with potential applications in pharmaceutical or nutraceutical products.]]>
<![CDATA[Recent Application of Enzymes and Microbes in Bioremediation ]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 1 No 2 (2024): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
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DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v1i2.3818
<![CDATA[Chemicals used in industry and military, along with poor waste management, cause soil, water, and air pollution. Pollutants pose health risks due to their resistance to degradation processes. Conventional methods are costly and generate secondary pollution. Bioremediation offers eco-friendly alternatives using enzymes and nanotechnology for efficient pollutant removal either in situ or ex sit. Microorganisms play a crucial role in bioremediation by converting toxic elements into less harmful compounds through processes like mineralization. They can survive in diverse environments and utilize various substrates, making them efficient in removing pollutants. Microbes utilize mechanisms like immobilization and mobilization to remove pollutants from the environment, with different types of bacteria specializing in degrading specific pollutants. Enzyme engineering involves manipulating biomolecules and processes for biotechnological applications. Two main strategies are rational design, requiring prior knowledge, and directed evolution, mimicking natural selection in a controlled manner. Rational design combines microorganisms or enzymes for specific reactions, while directed evolution creates gene variants through random mutagenesis for desired characteristics. Both methods aim to improve enzymes for bioremediation applications.]]>
<![CDATA[Effect of Heavy Metals and Risk Analysis on Arable Farmlands in Selected Local Government Areas of Southern Taraba State, Nigeria ]]>
<![CDATA[Bilyaminu Habibu]]>;
<![CDATA[Otitoju Olawale]]>;
<![CDATA[Yakubu Ojochenemi Ejeh]]>;
<![CDATA[Isaac John Umaru]]>;
<![CDATA[John Odiba Oko]]>;
<![CDATA[Chukuma Stephen Ezeonu]]>;
<![CDATA[Egbeadumah Maryanne Odufa]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 1 No 2 (2024): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
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DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v1i2.3819
<![CDATA[Heavy metals are naturally occurring metallic elements that have a relatively high density compared to water. In most of the continent including Africa, the lack of food quality usually stand to be one of the major problem in which most of the food items are laden with lots of pollutants from heavy metals. Soil is said to be the reservoir of nutrients as well as pollutants. These pollutants have been implicated in causing lots of Health issues on human and Animals. Agricultural soil plays major role in food safety, food scarcity and food security, consumption of contaminated foods has serious implication on Human and Animals health. Heavy metals are potential environmental pollutants which are toxic to the human health. When present in an Arable land, they have the ability to bio-accumulate in the soil then to crops and eventually get to humans through food consumption. This study is able to evaluate the effect of heavy metals and risk analysis of arable farmlands in some selected local government areas of southern Taraba state (Donga, Wukari and Takum). All samples were processed, and heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Hg, and As) concentration were assayed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The results showed that Chromium had a high concentration across all the studied areas with values ranging from 1.40 mg/kg to 2.25 mg/kg. However, Cadmium followed with values ranging from 0.04 mg/kg to 0.07 mg/kg and Arsenic with values ranging from 0.03 mg/kg to 0.06 mg/kg while Lead and Mercury had the lowest concentration of less than 0.03 mg/kg across the three LGAs. Ecological Risk Assessments parameters; Target Cancer Risk, Hazard Index (HI) and Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) were determined to assess the non-carcinogenic health risk. Takum recorded the highest levels of HM having the highest health risk followed by Wukari, whereas Donga had the lowest. Consistent use of crops harvested from the sampled location may pose a serious health challenge; bio-accumulation of toxicants in the soil across the studied areas may pose a health risk due to high concentration of heavy metals which are known to generate free radicals that may lead to oxidative stress and other cellular damages in humans.]]>
<![CDATA[Assessment of Organochlorine Pesticide Residues and Associated Health Risks in Some Vegetables Consumed in Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria ]]>
<![CDATA[Hauwa Aduwamai Umaru]]>;
<![CDATA[Mohammed Abubakar]]>;
<![CDATA[Hyelda Stephen]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 1 No 2 (2024): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
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DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v1i2.4001
<![CDATA[The use of pesticides in agriculture can lead to the accumulation of residues in food commodities, posing potential health risks. The levels of organochlorine pesticide residues in selected vegetables (sorrel, spinach, okra, lettuce and sesame) consumed in Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria were assessed. Vegetable samples were collected, extracted using the QuEChERS method and analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Health risk assessment was conducted by estimating the estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI) and lifetime cancer risk (LCR). Organochlorine pesticides, including lindane, aldrin, endosulfan and DDT, were detected in varying concentrations across vegetable samples. Spinach exhibited the highest levels, exceeding European Union Maximum Residue Levels for α-lindane (1.555 mg/kg), β-lindane (1.718 mg/kg), δ-lindane (1.556 mg/kg), aldrin (1.990 mg/kg), endosulfan I (1.960 mg/kg) and endosulfan II (5.209 mg/kg). The HI was 5.56, indicating potential non-carcinogenic health risks. Spinach posed a high cancer risk for α-lindane, β-lindane and p,p'-DDT. Organochlorine pesticide residues in vegetables consumed in Yola exceeded regulatory limits, with spinach posing the highest health risks. Effective monitoring, sustainable agricultural practices and strengthened regulatory frameworks are crucial to safeguard food safety and public health. Thus, consumption of vegetables in Yola should be done with caution.]]>
