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[Qualitative, Quantitative, GCMS, and FTIR Phytochemical Screening of Cassia occidentalis ]]>
<![CDATA[K. A. Ahmad]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 2 No 3 (2025): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
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DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v2i3.7708
<![CDATA[Cassia occidentalis Linn, a plant widely recognized in traditional medicine, was subjected to comprehensive phytochemical analysis to elucidate its bioactive constituents. Both qualitative and quantitative assessments confirmed the presence of key secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, saponins, steroids, and terpenoids. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the methanolic extract identified 30 distinct compounds, notably hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, cis-9-hexadecenal, oleic acid, 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester, and 9,17-octadecadienal, all of which are associated with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) further confirmed the presence of characteristic functional groups such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, and alkene groups, supporting the structural integrity of the compounds identified via GC-MS. These findings provide a detailed phytochemical profile of Cassia occidentalis, offering a scientific foundation for its traditional therapeutic applications and supporting its potential for further pharmacological investigation.]]>
<![CDATA[Determination of Physicochemical Properties of River Sediment and Heavy Metal Content from River Benue in Ibi, Taraba State ]]>
<![CDATA[Ogbonna Goodness]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 2 No 3 (2025): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
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DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v2i3.7787
<![CDATA[This study assessed contamination levels, potential ecological risks, and pollutant sources of five heavy metals (HMs) in sediments of the River Benue within Ibi Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria. Sediment samples were collected and analyzed for physicochemical properties and trace metal concentrations, including total hydrocarbon content (THC), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). The results showed that the mean concentrations of the analyzed heavy metals and THC were below the permissible limits established by Nigerian regulatory standards. Similarly, physicochemical parameters—such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), nitrate, total hydrogen content, sulphate, phosphate, and temperature—were within acceptable environmental limits. Pollution assessment indices, including the Enrichment Factor (EF), Pollution Load Index (PLI), and Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), indicated low contamination levels, with values generally falling within World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Despite these low levels, the study suggests that anthropogenic activities in the region, such as agriculture, domestic discharge, and informal mining, may contribute to the presence of toxic substances in the sediments. The study warns that prolonged exposure to untreated water from this site poses potential health risks. Therefore, continuous environmental monitoring and pollution mitigation strategies are recommended to prevent future ecological degradation and associated public health concerns.]]>
<![CDATA[Effect of Sun-Drying and Oven-Drying Processing Methods on the Chemical Composition of Bitter Leaves (Vernonia amygdalina) ]]>
<![CDATA[Mary Athanasius Udoh]]>;
<![CDATA[Augustina Elochukwu Ijezie]]>;
<![CDATA[Scholastica Ene Abah]]>;
<![CDATA[Abimbola Gbenga Olayemi]]>;
<![CDATA[Musbau Adekunle Yahaya]]>;
<![CDATA[Kulu Sanda Mohammed]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 2 No 3 (2025): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
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DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v2i3.7903
<![CDATA[Leafy vegetables, commonly consumed as edible plant shoots, are rich sources of macro- and micronutrients. Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaves) is a widely consumed vegetable in Nigeria, especially among the Igbo community, where drying—either by sun or oven—is a prevalent preservation method that also enhances taste. This study investigates the effects of sun-drying and oven-drying on the chemical composition of Vernonia amygdalina leaves. Approximately 2.5 kg of fresh leaves were purchased from Watt Market, Calabar (South-South Nigeria), destalked, and divided into three equal portions. One portion was used as a control (fresh, unprocessed), while the other two were subjected to one-month drying treatments—sun-drying and oven-drying—before being pulverized into flours, sealed in airtight containers, and stored under cool, dry conditions. Standard analytical procedures were employed to assess proximate composition, elemental content, and phytochemical properties. Results revealed that both drying methods significantly reduced moisture content, leading to an increase in dry matter. Notably, the sun-dried samples showed increased ash (6.32 ± 0.02% vs. 2.45 ± 0.02% in control) and crude protein (6.23 ± 0.02% vs. 5.40 ± 0.1%), while oven-dried samples exhibited elevated crude fat (3.33 ± 0.2%), crude fibre (14.30 ± 0.1%), and carbohydrate content (52.10 ± 0.01%) compared to the control. Conversely, drying led to reductions in vitamin levels, mineral content, antinutrients, and food toxicants. These findings indicate that drying improves the nutritional density of macronutrients while decreasing potentially harmful components, thus enhancing the digestibility and safety of the leaves. The study concludes that sun and oven-drying are effective preservation techniques that significantly influence the nutritional profile of Vernonia amygdalina, with important implications for food security and dietary quality.]]>
<![CDATA[Effects of Ferrous Nanoparticles of Psidium guajava (Linn.) Leaf on Liver Functions in Male Wistar Rats ]]>
<![CDATA[Musa Azegya Mustapha]]>;
<![CDATA[Arowora K. A.]]>;
<![CDATA[Ezeonu C. S]]>;
<![CDATA[Isaac John Umaru]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 2 No 3 (2025): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
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DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v2i3.8014
<![CDATA[This study evaluated the effects of ferrous nanoparticles (FeNPs) derived from Psidium guajava L. leaves on liver function in male Wistar rats. Fresh leaves were harvested from the Government Reservation Area (G.R.A), Wukari, Taraba State, washed, air-dried, and pulverized prior to FeNP preparation. Twenty-five male albino rats (140–190 g) were randomly assigned to five groups, with Group 1 serving as the control and Groups 2–5 receiving oral FeNP doses of 100, 250, 500, and 1000 ppm, respectively, for three weeks. Post-treatment, serum samples were collected under chloroform anaesthesia for biochemical and histological analyses. Liver function tests revealed non-significant differences (p > 0.05) in measured parameters between Groups 1 and 3, whereas Groups 2, 4, and 5 showed significant alterations (p < 0.05) compared with the control. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels increased significantly in Groups 3–5, while Group 2 showed no significant change; alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels increased significantly in all treated groups except Groups 3 and 4. Albumin concentrations were significantly elevated across all treated groups. Total bilirubin (TB) and indirect bilirubin (IDB) remained unchanged in Group 2 but increased significantly in Groups 3–5, whereas direct bilirubin (DB) did not differ in Groups 2 and 3 but rose significantly in Groups 4 and 5. Total protein (TP) levels were comparable between Groups 1 and 2 but were significantly higher in Groups 3–5. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels did not differ significantly among groups, although apparent increases were observed, while catalase (CAT) activity was significantly elevated in all treated groups, peaking in Group 5. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity remained unchanged in Groups 2 and 3 but increased significantly in Groups 4 and 5. Histological examination revealed dose-dependent structural abnormalities in liver tissue, with the most pronounced damage observed in Group 5. Overall, FeNPs from Psidium guajava leaves induced dose-dependent alterations in liver function and antioxidant enzyme activity in male Wistar rats, with higher doses, particularly 1000 ppm, associated with marked biochemical disturbances and histological damage, suggesting potential hepatotoxicity at elevated concentrations and underscoring the need for further studies to define safe exposure thresholds and long-term effects.]]>
<![CDATA[Assessment of Biological Risk Exposure Among Hospital Housekeepers at Wukari Teaching Hospital ]]>
<![CDATA[Isaac John Umaru]]>;
<![CDATA[Solomon Ossom Asare]]>;
<![CDATA[Akpan Usenobong Morgan]]>;
<![CDATA[Debora Akinola Umogbai]]>;
<![CDATA[Abimbola Gbenga Olayemi]]>;
<![CDATA[Genevieve Akpah Yeboah]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 2 No 3 (2025): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
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DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v2i3.8026
<![CDATA[Hospital housekeepers play a vital role in maintaining hygiene and preventing infections within healthcare facilities, yet they are frequently exposed to biological hazards such as bloodborne pathogens, respiratory droplets, and contaminated waste, often without adequate protection or training. In Nigeria, particularly in tertiary institutions like Wukari Teaching Hospital, limited resources and weak enforcement of safety protocols further increase the vulnerability of non-clinical staff. This study aimed to assess the level of biological risk exposure among hospital housekeepers and identify gaps in personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, hygiene practices, and institutional support. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 hospital housekeepers at Wukari Teaching Hospital, with stratified random sampling ensuring representation across departments including wards, emergency, surgery, and outpatient units. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, direct observation checklists, and key informant interviews with infection control officers, and variables assessed included demographic data, exposure history, PPE usage, hygiene practices, and training experience. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, while qualitative responses were thematically coded. Findings revealed that 78.3% of housekeepers had direct contact with biological waste in the past six months, with blood, sputum, and vomit being the most common contaminants; only 41.7% consistently used full PPE, and just 36.7% reported that PPE was always available. Hand hygiene compliance was observed in 58.3% of cases, while 65% of respondents had never received formal infection control training, and only 30% felt adequately protected at work, with a majority suggesting improvements such as regular training, better supervision, and increased PPE supply. The study concludes that hospital housekeepers at Wukari Teaching Hospital face substantial biological risks due to frequent exposure, inconsistent PPE usage, and inadequate training, highlighting the urgent need for institutional reforms including structured infection control education, reliable PPE provision, and strict enforcement of hygiene protocols to protect this essential workforce and ensure a safe and resilient healthcare environment.]]>
<![CDATA[Neurotoxic Effect of Cassava Cyanide on the Motor Activity and Cytoarchitecture of the Cerebellar Cortex of Albino Rats ]]>
<![CDATA[Isaac John Umaru]]>;
<![CDATA[Tyem Lawal Danjuma]]>;
<![CDATA[Katchim Evelyn Shadrach]]>;
<![CDATA[Julius Ishaya Salman]]>;
<![CDATA[Jibaniya Grace Mchibuma]]>;
<![CDATA[Kerenhappuch Isaac Umaru]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 3 No 1 (2026): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
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DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v3i1.8299
<![CDATA[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.]]>
<![CDATA[Phylogeography Based on Mitochondrial DNA Reveals Large Genetic Differences within Eswatini's Eldana saccharina Populations ]]>
<![CDATA[Mphumelelo Ndlovu]]>;
<![CDATA[Sibusiso Sibandze]]>;
<![CDATA[Bonginkosi Raymond Dlamini]]>;
<![CDATA[Yoseph Assefa]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 3 No 1 (2026): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
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DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v3i1.8803
<![CDATA[The African sugarcane stalk borer, Eldana saccharina, is a widespread pest across sub-Saharan Africa and often exhibits substantial genetic structuring across its broad distribution, yet little is known about its genetic variation within the relatively small nation of Eswatini. This study employed mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequencing to investigate the phylogeography of E. saccharina in sugarcane-producing areas of Eswatini. Analysis of 69 specimens revealed two distinct genetic groups with significant genetic differentiation, despite the limited geographic scale of sampling. A minimum spanning network and a maximum parsimony tree clearly demonstrated the separation of the population into two discrete lineages. The observed genetic differences are likely shaped by the pest’s specialization on different host plants and historical biogeographic processes. This work provides the first DNA-based characterization of E. saccharina in Eswatini and the first report on the phylogeography of its populations in the country. The dataset generated constitutes a valuable addition to existing E. saccharina taxonomic resources and will support more rapid and informed decision making in the design and implementation of biological control programs in Eswatini and across the African continent.]]>
<![CDATA[Prevalence of Tuberculosis in Coastal Communities of Port Harcourt City, Rivers State, Nigeria ]]>
<![CDATA[Chikwendu Chinyere]]>;
<![CDATA[Imarenezor Edobor Peter Kenneth]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 3 No 1 (2026): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
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DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v3i1.9179
<![CDATA[Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with an estimated 586,000 incident cases in 2023, and coastal zones such as Port Harcourt present distinct epidemiological risks due to high population density, informal settlements, frequent flooding, and limited access to diagnostic and treatment services. Against the backdrop of scarce TB data specific to coastal communities and an almost complete absence of information on immunopathological mechanisms in this setting, this study examined TB prevalence and treatment compliance among residents of three coastal communities in Port Harcourt City, Rivers State—Eagle Island, Marine Base, and Borikiri Sea Side—and explored how risk factor exposure, preventive practices, attitudes, and knowledge relate to disease patterns. Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, 400 respondents completed a structured questionnaire capturing socio-demographic characteristics, TB-related knowledge, exposure to risk factors, preventive behaviors, attitudes, and treatment history, and the data were analyzed with descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, mean scores) and hypothesis testing. The findings show an overall TB prevalence of 11.5%, with community-specific prevalence of 12.0% in Eagle Island, 10.5% in Marine Base, and 12.5% in Borikiri Sea Side. Significant exposure to risk factors such as overcrowding, occupational hazards, and household tobacco smoke was positively correlated with TB prevalence (r = 0.462, p < 0.05). Moderate adoption of preventive measures (e.g., mouth covering and ensuring proper ventilation) was associated with better treatment compliance (r = 0.378, p < 0.05), although routine health check-ups were relatively uncommon. Positive attitudes toward TB—recognizing its seriousness and rejecting stigma—were linked to improved adherence (r = 0.421, p < 0.05), and higher TB knowledge similarly correlated with higher treatment compliance (r = 0.394, p < 0.05). The study concludes that TB control in these coastal communities requires an integrated strategy that simultaneously reduces exposure to structural and behavioral risk factors, strengthens preventive practices, promotes positive attitudes, and enhances TB-related knowledge. These context-specific insights provide an empirical basis for designing targeted public health interventions to improve treatment compliance and curb TB transmission in coastal Nigerian settings.]]>
<![CDATA[Anti-Diarrhoeal Activity of Azanza garckeana Fruit Aqueous Extract Using Swiss Mice ]]>
<![CDATA[Benjamin Ogunma Gabriel]]>;
<![CDATA[Grace Nonye Ifechukwude]]>;
<![CDATA[Innocent Inomo Inomo]]>;
<![CDATA[Ofunre Ozolua Eboreime]]>;
<![CDATA[Evonamhe Emmanuel Oloruntoba]]>;
<![CDATA[MacDonald Idu]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 3 No 1 (2026): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
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DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v3i1.9181
<![CDATA[Traditional medicine encompasses medical therapies, methods, theories, and practices that employ products derived from plants, animals, and minerals, as well as spiritual and manual therapies and exercises. This study aimed to evaluate the antidiarrheal potential of Azanza garckeana in Swiss mice. Different doses of the plant extract (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) were assessed using castor oil–induced diarrhea and gastrointestinal transit models. The results showed that the extract produced a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the frequency of defecation of wet feces and in total fecal output compared with the control group. At higher doses, the extract also elicited significant (p < 0.05) antimotility effects relative to untreated controls. These findings validate the ethnomedicinal use of Azanza garckeana as an effective antidiarrheal agent and indicate the need for further studies on compound isolation, characterization, and pharmacological evaluation.]]>
<![CDATA[Exploring the Use of Antenatal and Maternity Services by Mothers Engaged in Child Welfare Programs in Michika LGA, Adamawa State ]]>
<![CDATA[Isaac John Umaru]]>;
<![CDATA[Solomon O. Asare]]>;
<![CDATA[Tyem Lawal Danjuma]]>;
<![CDATA[Julius Ishaya Salman]]>;
<![CDATA[Ingwu Joseph Akem]]>;
<![CDATA[Genevieve A. Yeboah]]>;
<![CDATA[Prince Osei Akumia]]>;
<![CDATA[Hauwa A. Umaru]]>;
<![CDATA[Maryam Usman Ahmed]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 3 No 1 (2026): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
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DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v3i1.9302
<![CDATA[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.]]>
