Asian Journal of Research in Biochemistry

Microbial Interventions in Cancer Therapy: Molecular Mechanisms, Engineering Strategies and Translational Constraints

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Microbial interventions are being developed as anticancer agents, local drug factories, replicating immunotherapies and modifiers of treatment response. Their appeal arises from properties that conventional medicines do not readily reproduce: active replication, environmental sensing, penetration of poorly perfused tissue, programmable payload production and the capacity to engage innate and adaptive immunity. This critical narrative review evaluates tumour-targeting bacteria, engineered bacterial therapeutics, oncolytic viruses and manipulation of the host microbiome from a molecular-biology perspective. Literature published from 1 January 1990 to 29 May 2026 was selected through a transparent search of PubMed/MEDLINE, reference chaining and bibliographic verification of article identity and Digital Object Identifiers. The evidence indicates that microbial therapies operate through partially shared molecular modules: selective localisation or replication, pattern-recognition receptor signalling, immunogenic cell injury, antigen release and cross-presentation, metabolic reprogramming, and spatially restricted expression of therapeutic cargo. Yet the maturity of evidence differs sharply across platforms. Bacillus Calmette–Guérin and talimogene laherparepvec demonstrate that live microbial products can achieve clinical utility, whereas most engineered bacteria remain supported mainly by murine models and early-phase studies. Oncolytic viruses have produced durable responses in selected settings, but apparently strong phase I or II signals have not always translated into improved survival in randomised trials. Gut-microbiome associations with immune-checkpoint inhibitor outcomes are reproducible at a broad ecological level but inconsistent at the level of individual taxa; early faecal microbiota transplantation studies provide proof of principle rather than definitive efficacy. Across platforms, the central translational problem is not simply potency but control: biodistribution, genetic stability, inflammatory dose, immune clearance, manufacturing consistency and reversibility must be treated as molecular design variables. Progress will depend on mechanism-linked biomarkers, standardised pharmacodynamic measurements, rational combination trials and containment architectures that are validated under clinically realistic conditions.

Serum Ferritin Concentration in Haematologic, Infectious and Metabolic Disorders: A Critical Appraisal of Interpretive Thresholds, Mechanistic Assumptions and Clinical Utility

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Serum ferritin is among the most frequently requested laboratory investigations in general medicine, yet its interpretation rests on assumptions that the accumulated evidence supports only in part. The analyte is used simultaneously as a surrogate for body iron stores, as an acute-phase reactant and as a prognostic marker of hyperinflammation, and these roles impose mutually incompatible interpretive rules on a single measurement. This critical narrative review evaluates how serum ferritin performs across haematologic, infectious and metabolic disease, and examines whether the decision thresholds in routine use are supported by the evidence from which they are derived. Literature was identified through searches of open scholarly databases and indexes covering the period from January 2010 to 14 June 2026, supplemented by citation searching and by an authoritative institutional guideline. Sources were appraised for design adequacy, reference-standard quality, treatment of confounding by inflammation and external validity, and were synthesised thematically rather than sequentially. Three findings recur across the disease domains examined. First, the widely used lower thresholds for iron deficiency were derived largely from bone-marrow-referenced observational studies in apparently healthy populations, and functional studies based on the upregulation of iron absorption identify substantially higher inflection points, which implies that current cut-offs define late rather than incipient deficiency. Second, the upper thresholds are weaker still. Marked hyperferritinaemia is aetiologically non-specific in adults, and its prognostic associations in sepsis, coronavirus disease 2019 and clonal marrow disorders are consistent but heavily confounded by illness severity, renal function and hepatocellular injury. Third, in metabolic disease the association between ferritin and adverse outcomes is robust and reproducible, while the inference that iron accumulation causes those outcomes is not, since genetic and interventional evidence diverge. The recurring interpretive failure is the treatment of ferritin as a quantity of iron rather than as a composite signal whose iron-derived component varies with inflammatory state, hepatocellular integrity and renal clearance. Priorities for research include reference-standard-anchored threshold derivation in populations with inflammation, prospective evaluation of ferritin-guided intervention rather than ferritin-associated risk, and adequately powered assessment of iron depletion in metabolic hyperferritinaemia.

Green Synthesis of Iron Nanoparticles: A Critical Review of Characterisation, Applications and Sustainability

Ruchika Khatri, Sweta Vashisth — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Green synthesis has become a prominent strategy for producing iron-based nanomaterials with plant extracts, microorganisms and biogenic residues in place of some conventional reductants, capping agents and organic solvents. Yet the literature frequently treats "iron nanoparticles" as a single material class even when the products are chemically distinct, including nanoscale zero-valent iron, magnetite, maghemite, hematite, poorly crystalline iron oxides and organic-iron hybrids. This critical narrative review evaluates how biological synthesis routes influence phase identity, surface chemistry, particle properties, performance and environmental burden, and asks whether commonly used evidence is sufficient to support claims of greenness and application readiness. Literature from 1 January 2000 to 19 July 2026 was considered, with seminal earlier work used where necessary. The strongest evidence supports the feasibility of phytochemical- and microbe-assisted synthesis and laboratory-scale use in contaminant adsorption, reductive transformation and Fenton/Fenton-like catalysis. However, interpretation is constrained by variable feedstock chemistry, incomplete iron mass balances, inconsistent reporting of yield and process inputs, and frequent reliance on colour change, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and electron microscopy without definitive phase or oxidation-state analysis. Environmental and biomedical claims are also more mature at proof-of-concept than at field or clinical scale. Life-cycle studies demonstrate that biological origin alone does not guarantee a lower footprint because culture media, extraction, washing, heating, separation and drying can dominate impacts. A phase-resolved characterisation framework, quantitative process accounting, realistic matrix testing, transformation and ecotoxicity studies, and coupled life-cycle and techno-economic assessment are therefore needed. Green synthesis is best understood as a design space in which renewable chemistry can reduce selected hazards, rather than as an intrinsic property conferred by a plant or microbial reagent.

Regulatory Effects of Solvent-partitioned Fractions of Cola acuminata Seed on Glucose Metabolism in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus, a metabolism disorder symptomized by high concentration of fasting blood glucose, poses major health challenge.

Aims: This research aimed at assessing antihyperglycemic potentials of n-hexane-partitioned (NHF), n-butanol-partitioned (NBF), ethyl acetate-partitioned (ETHF) and residual-partitioned fractions of Cola acuminata seed in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Effects of these solvent-partitioned fractions were assessed on fasting blood glucose (FBS), serum insulin (SI) and hepatic glycogen (HG) concentration. Also, on activities of hexokinase (HK), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), glucose-6-phospatase (G6Pase), fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (F16BPase) and glycogen phosphorylase GPase).

Study design: Experimental design was completely randomized design and analysis of variance was used to process data with the aid of GraphPad Prism version 6.0.

Methodology: 35 male, non-diabetic albino rats (weights between 120g – 150g) were randomly divided into 7 seven groups. Rats were induced with diabetes using streptozotocin except control group. Diabetic groups were administered distilled water, metformin, NHF, ETHF, NBF and residual-partitioned fraction (RF) of Cola acuminata seed respectively. Effects of these treatments were assessed on FBS, SI and HG concentrations of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats after 15-day experimental period. Also, activities of HK, G6PDH, G6Pase, F16BPase and GPase were determined.

Results: NHF, ETHF, NBF and RF of Cola acuminata seed significantly alleviate (P < .05) increased FBS concentration (from 30.73± 0.52 to 4.73± 0.34 mmol/L) and activities of G6Pase, F16Bpase and GPase (from 13.05 to 7.56; 13.72 to 9.09 and 8.96 to 3.33 U/L/mg protein respectively) while decreased concentration of SI and HG; activities of hepatic HK, G6PDH were notably increased (P < .05) (from 1.57 to 3.20 mg/ml; 35.42 to 73.74 mg/dl; 0.64 to 1.42 mmol/min/mg protein; 1.51 to 2.26 U/L/mg protein).

Conclusion: The study concluded that these solvent-partitioned fractions of Cola acuminata seed shows modulatory potentials on some glucose-metabolizing parameters via inhibition and stimulation of their activities and concentration.

Bioactive Potentials of Dacryodes edulis and Persea Americana Seeds

Stella L. Dumkhana, Charity U. Ogunka-nnoka, Nwikiri Barile — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study compared the phytochemical composition, detected volatile constituents, and in vitro antioxidant activities of aqueous seed extracts from Dacryodes edulis and Persea americana. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride colourimetric methods, respectively. Antioxidant activity was assessed using nitric oxide, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) scavenging assays, while dichloromethane extracts were analysed by gas chromatography–flame ionisation detection (GC-FID). Persea americana contained more flavonoids (1.862 mg/mL) but fewer phenolics (0.645 mg/mL) than Dacryodes edulis, which contained 1.516 mg/mL flavonoids and 0.825 mg/mL phenolics. GC-FID detected 29 compounds in Dacryodes edulis, predominantly fatty acid methyl esters, and 12 compounds in Persea americana, with butylated hydroxytoluene as the predominant peak. Both extracts showed concentration-dependent scavenging activity. Persea americana produced lower IC₅₀ values than Dacryodes edulis in the nitric oxide (4.045 vs 12.319 mg/mL), DPPH (17.93 vs 41.03 mg/mL), and H₂O₂ (5.229 vs 17.866 mg/mL) assays. Ascorbic acid showed lower IC₅₀ values than both extracts in all assays. These findings indicate that both seed wastes contain measurable phytochemicals and detected volatile constituents with in vitro antioxidant activity. Persea americana showed stronger scavenging activity under the tested conditions, whereas Dacryodes edulis showed a more diverse detected compound profile. Replicated analyses and confirmatory GC-MS identification are required before practical applications can be established.

Comparative in Vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase Inhibitory Activities of the Root Extracts of Selected Medicinal Plants: Implications in Diabetes Phytotherapy

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The present study comparatively evaluated the in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of methanolic root extracts of selected medicinal plants and their implications for diabetes phytotherapy. Methanolic root extracts of C. citratus, C. afer, and V. amygdalina were compared with acarbose, a standard synthetic inhibitor. Roots were collected from Ebukuma, Andoni Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria, air-dried, pulverised, extracted with methanol, concentrated, and stored at −4°C before enzyme inhibition assays. Percentage inhibition was determined at concentrations of 20–100 mg/mL, and IC₅₀ values were calculated. All extracts exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of both α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Among the plant extracts, C. citratus showed the strongest inhibitory activity, with IC₅₀ values of 35.8 ± 1.7 mg/mL for α-amylase and 32.4 ± 1.5 mg/mL for α-glucosidase. Costus afer recorded IC₅₀ values of 47.6 ± 2.0 mg/mL and 45.1 ± 1.3 mg/mL, while V. amygdalina exhibited IC₅₀ values of 58.9 ± 2.2 mg/mL and 48.7 ± 1.4 mg/mL for α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively. Acarbose showed the greatest inhibitory potency, with IC₅₀ values of 21.0 ± 1.2 mg/mL for α-amylase and 20.5 ± 1.1 mg/mL for α-glucosidase. These findings demonstrate that C. citratus possesses the highest enzyme-inhibitory potential among the investigated plants and support its further investigation as a potential source of antidiabetic agents. Further studies should isolate the bioactive constituents and elucidate their mechanisms of action.

Biochemical Properties and Stability Profile of Alpha-Amylase Produced by Aspergillus niger from Compost Soil

Nwikiri, Barile, B. M. Onyegeme-Okerenta, M. O. Monanu, S. I. Omeodu — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the biochemical properties and stability profile of α-amylase produced by Aspergillus niger isolated from compost soil collected in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. The fungal isolate was obtained using standard serial dilution and culture techniques and was screened for amylase production using starch hydrolysis assays. Enzyme production was achieved through submerged fermentation using a defined nutrient medium, followed by partial purification using ammonium sulphate fractionation and gel filtration chromatography. The partially purified enzyme was characterised to determine its biochemical behaviour under varying physiological conditions. The results showed that α-amylase activity increased with substrate concentration, reaching optimum activity at higher starch levels before plateauing, suggesting substrate saturation. The enzyme exhibited maximum activity at temperatures between 60 °C and 70 °C, indicating moderate thermostability. pH optimisation studies revealed that the enzyme performed optimally under near-neutral to slightly alkaline conditions, while strongly acidic and alkaline environments markedly reduced activity. Thermal stability analysis showed that enzyme activity was maintained at moderate temperatures but declined after prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures. Metal-ion studies demonstrated that Cu²⁺ enhanced enzyme activity, whereas Ca²⁺, Zn²⁺, and EDTA inhibited enzymatic performance. The findings suggest that α-amylase from compost-derived Aspergillus niger exhibits promising biochemical characteristics, including reasonable stability under industrially relevant conditions. These properties indicate potential applicability in starch processing and related biotechnological industries. However, further purification, molecular characterisation, and process optimisation are required to fully establish its industrial viability.

Nutritional Composition of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) Seeds Treated with Different Concentrations of Dichlorvos Pesticide

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is a nutritionally important cereal that is susceptible to insect infestation during storage. Dichlorvos is commonly used to control storage pests; however, its application may influence the nutritional composition of treated grains. This study evaluated the nutritional composition of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) seeds treated with different concentrations of dichlorvos (DDVP) pesticide. A preliminary survey identified DDVP as the pesticide most commonly used by the sampled grain merchants for pearl millet storage. Treatment solutions containing 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 mL of DDVP were separately diluted in 250 mL of distilled water and applied to 1 kg portions of pearl millet seeds, representing low-, medium-, and high-concentration treatments, respectively. An untreated sample served as the control. After air-drying, the samples were stored for 30 days and analysed for vitamin, mineral, proximate, and amino acid composition using standard procedures. Vitamin A decreased significantly in the low- and high-concentration samples but increased in the medium-concentration sample, while vitamin C decreased significantly in the low- and high-concentration samples. Vitamins B6 and E did not differ significantly among the samples. Phosphorus, calcium, iron, and zinc decreased significantly in all treated samples, while magnesium decreased significantly at the medium and high concentrations. Protein and moisture contents decreased, carbohydrate content increased, and ash and lipid contents showed no significant differences. Most measured amino acid concentrations were lower in the treated samples. These findings indicate that DDVP treatment may alter the nutritional composition of stored pearl millet seeds. Further studies should assess pesticide residues and the biochemical mechanisms associated with these changes.

Phytochemical Profiling and Dual Antioxidant/Anti-Inflammatory Activities of the Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Morinda lucida Benth: A Mechanistic in vitro Study

Sunday O. Bada — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Morinda lucida Benth. is a West African medicinal plant used traditionally for conditions associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, but detailed evaluation of the phytochemical composition and in vitro anti-inflammatory mechanisms of its ethanolic leaf extract remains limited.

Objective: This study evaluated the phytochemical profile, antioxidant capacity, and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanolic leaf extract of M. lucida.

Methods: Dried leaf powder was extracted by ethanol maceration. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses were performed, while antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) scavenging assays. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using inhibition of heat-induced bovine serum albumin denaturation and human erythrocyte membrane stabilisation assays, with ascorbic acid and diclofenac sodium as reference standards.

Results: The crude extract yield was 14.2% (w/w). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 92.64 ± 1.15 mg GAE/g and 48.36 ± 0.84 mg QE/g, respectively. The extract showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activity, with a DPPH IC₅₀ of 42.8 µg/mL, a FRAP value of 812 ± 15 µmol Fe²⁺/g, and 74.6% H₂O₂ scavenging at 100 µg/mL. It also inhibited protein denaturation (IC₅₀ = 121.5 µg/mL) and stabilised erythrocyte membranes (IC₅₀ = 103.2 µg/mL).

Conclusion: The ethanolic leaf extract demonstrated measurable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities under the in vitro conditions employed, supporting further bioassay-guided fractionation and in vivo validation.

Association of Bacterial Uropathogens with Urine Biochemical and Microscopic Indices among Military Personnel with Urinary Tract Infections at Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, Ojo

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) remain a leading cause of morbidity among military personnel, whose occupational exposures predispose them to infection. Despite the high prevalence of UTIs among military personnel, there is a paucity of research evaluating the urinary biochemical profiles of military men and women with UTIs, particularly in Nigeria. This gap in knowledge hinders the development of targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, potentially affecting patient outcomes.

Objective: This study determined the distribution of bacterial uropathogens and urine biochemical and microscopic indices among military personnel with culture-confirmed UTIs.

Methods: In a case-control study, 160 military personnel were evaluated, comprising 80 UTI cases (40 male, 40 female) with culture-confirmed growth (≥10⁵ CFU/mL) and 80 apparently healthy controls (40 male, 40 female) who returned no bacterial growth on culture. Isolates from cases were identified by standard biochemical reactions on Cystine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient (CLED), MacConkey, and Blood agar. Urine dipstick and microscopic indices were compared using Pearson correlation analysis among UTI subjects; significance was set at p<0.05.

Results: Among the 80 culture-confirmed UTI cases, Staphylococcus spp. was the most prevalent isolate overall (37.5%; 20.0% of males, 17.5% of females), followed by Escherichia coli and Streptococcus spp. (16.25% each), Proteus spp. (11.25%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10.0%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (8.75%). E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were more common in males (10.0% and 5.0%) than females (6.3% and 3.8%), whereas Proteus spp. and Streptococcus spp. predominated in females (8.8% each) relative to males (2.5% and 7.5%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed equal sex distribution (5.0% each). Correlation analysis among UTI subjects showed that urine pH was significantly and positively correlated with protein (r = 0.315, p = 0.004) and leucocyte esterase (r = 0.274, p = 0.014); epithelial cells correlated positively with the bacteria count (r = 0.228, p = 0.042). Specific gravity showed no significant correlation with any parameter assessed.

Conclusion: Culture-confirmed UTI cases showed a distinct sex-related uropathogen distribution, with Proteus spp. and Streptococcus spp. more common in females and E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae more common in males, a pattern with implications for empirical antibiotic choice. The significant positive correlations between urine pH, proteinuria, leucocyturia and bacteriuria/epithelial shedding support the interpretation of combined dipstick and microscopic indices as a rapid adjunct to urine culture in military health facilities.

Alterations in Renal Function Markers and Electrolyte Balance in Hypertensive Naval Personnel Attending Naval Medical Center Sapele, Nigeria

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Hypertension can influence renal filtration and electrolyte homeostasis, making assessment of renal function clinically relevant in occupational groups with cardiovascular risk.

Objective: To evaluate renal function markers and electrolyte balance in hypertensive male naval personnel attending Naval Medical Center Sapele, Nigeria.

Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study included 60 hypertensive and 60 age-matched normotensive male naval personnel. Serum creatinine and urea were assessed as renal function markers, while sodium, potassium, and chloride were evaluated as electrolytes. Group differences were examined using independent t-tests, and Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to assess relationships between renal function markers and electrolytes, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Hypertensive personnel had higher serum creatinine concentrations than normotensive controls (102.25 ± 5.57 vs. 93.06 ± 12.30 µmol/L; p = 0.001) and higher urea concentrations (5.03 ± 1.09 vs. 4.26 ± 1.15 mmol/L; p = 0.001). Serum sodium was also modestly higher in the hypertensive group (139.8 ± 3.2 vs. 138.5 ± 2.9 mmol/L; p = 0.023). Potassium and chloride did not differ significantly between groups. Within the hypertensive group, renal function markers were not significantly correlated with sodium, potassium, or chloride.

Conclusion: Hypertensive naval personnel showed higher creatinine, urea, and sodium values than normotensive personnel. These findings support routine monitoring of renal function and electrolyte status in this population.

Cardiotoxic Effects of Manganese Chloride in Albino Rats

A. Victor, O. K. Afolabi, A. S. Adekunle — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element required for normal physiological function, but excessive exposure has been associated with toxic effects on several organ systems, including the cardiovascular system. While the neurotoxic effects of manganese are well documented, less attention has been paid to its direct effects on cardiac tissue. This study investigated the cardiotoxic role of manganese chloride (MnCl) in albino Wistar rats and evaluated the protective potential of the ethanolic extract of Cocos nucifera husk by assessing oxidative stress biomarkers in heart tissue, namely malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Forty (40) adult male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups of ten animals each: a normal control group (Group A); a group administered MnCl alone at 714 µg/kg body weight for 21 days (Group B); a group administered MnCl (714 µg/kg) concurrently with ethanolic extract of Cocos nucifera husk (250 mg/kg) for 21 days (Group C); and a group administered MnCl (714 µg/kg) for 21 days followed by the extract alone (250 mg/kg) for a further 15 days (Group D). Cardiac MDA, catalase, and SOD were determined spectrophotometrically. Results show that MnCl administration (Group B) produced a significant increase in cardiac MDA concentration alongside significant reductions in catalase and SOD activities relative to the control group (p<0.05), consistent with manganese-induced oxidative damage to the myocardium. Co-administration of the extract, whether concurrently or as a post-exposure recovery treatment, significantly attenuated these changes. These findings support the hypothesis that oxidative stress is a central mechanism underlying manganese-induced cardiotoxicity in albino rats, and highlight the heart as a tissue vulnerable to manganese-induced redox imbalance, an effect that has received comparatively little attention relative to its neurotoxic profile.

Steam-distilled Basil Essential Oil for Strawberry Preservation and Its Effects on Fruit Quality

Yuxuan Wu, Xiaoyan Li — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: To compare the yields of basil essential oils (BEOs) extracted from Thai basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflorum) and sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) by steam distillation, with or without cellulase-pectinase pretreatment, and to evaluate the recovered oils as natural fumigants for extending the postharvest shelf life of strawberries.

Study Design: This laboratory-based experimental study aimed to evaluate the preservative effect of basil essential oils (BEOs) derived from two basil varieties using two extraction methods. The BEOs were applied as fumigants to strawberries stored at 25 °C for 72 h. The results were compared with those of a blank control group.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Science Education, School of Education, Zhejiang International Studies University, Hangzhou, China, from March to June 2024.

Methodology: Oven-dried basil leaves (50 °C, 24 h) from both varieties were soaked in water and subjected to steam distillation for 240 min, with or without pretreatment with 1.5% (w/v) cellulase-pectinase in citrate buffer. Oil yields (w/w) were determined in triplicate. Strawberries of uniform maturity were selected and fumigated with Thai basil essential oil or sweet basil essential oil at 25 °C for 72 h. Preservation performance was evaluated by measuring weight loss rate, soluble solids content (SSC), and titratable acidity.

Conclusion: Overall, basil leaves subjected to enzyme pretreatment exhibited lower essential oil extraction efficiency than those without enzyme treatment. Fumigation with both Thai basil essential oil and sweet basil essential oil slowed strawberry weight loss. Additionally, Thai basil oil best preserved soluble solids content (SSC) (6.00%), whereas sweet basil oil marginally outperformed Thai basil oil in maintaining titratable acidity (TA) (1.59%). These findings suggest that BEO fumigation suppresses respiration and the loss of moisture, sugars, and organic acids. Therefore, steam-distilled BEOs—whether extracted directly or with enzyme assistance—represent promising natural preservatives for extending strawberry shelf life.

Effects of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods on Serum Urea and Creatinine in Isoniazid-Induced Renal Function Alterations in Rats

M. H. Abdullahi, Dallah Aminu, Abdullahi Halimatu Sadiya — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Isoniazid (INH), a first-line antituberculosis drug, may alter renal biochemical indices during exposure. This study evaluated the effects of nutraceutical antioxidants and functional foods containing tomato, cabbage and Moringa oleifera on serum urea and creatinine in INH-exposed albino rats. Eight groups were studied: normal control, INH control, nutraceutical, functional food, nutraceutical plus INH, functional food plus INH, post-oxidative-stress nutraceutical, and post-oxidative-stress functional-food groups. Isoniazid was administered at 50 mg/kg body weight to the designated groups, and serum urea and creatinine were measured using standard biochemical methods. Data were analysed by one-way ANOVA. INH increased serum urea from 25.710 ± 0.854 to 34.017 ± 3.995 mmol/L and creatinine from 218.06 ± 1.725 to 225.16 ± 1.690 µmol/L. All intervention groups had significantly lower urea concentrations than the INH control. Nutraceutical-only and functional-food-only treatments reduced creatinine to 185.64 ± 0.747 and 181.94 ± 1.578 µmol/L, respectively. Concurrent functional-food administration with INH reduced creatinine to 211.27 ± 1.677 µmol/L, whereas concurrent nutraceutical administration did not significantly reduce creatinine relative to the INH control. Post-oxidative-stress interventions reduced urea but increased creatinine above both controls. These findings indicate that the interventions produced consistent effects on urea but treatment-dependent effects on creatinine following INH exposure.

Eco-friendly Superabsorbent Polymers from Bambusa vulgaris and Musa paradisiaca L.: A Comparative Study

Subash Pokhrel, Bindu Poudel — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Developing bio-based superabsorbent polymers from agricultural residues may provide a renewable route for producing water-absorbing cellulose-derived materials.

Aims: To isolate cellulose from Bambusa vulgaris and Musa paradisiaca L. stem wastes, synthesise carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based superabsorbent polymers through alkaline carboxymethylation and citric acid crosslinking, and evaluate the effects of synthesis parameters on water absorbency and viscosity.

Study Design: Experimental comparative study involving controlled variation of sodium hydroxide concentration, monochloroacetic acid concentration, reaction time, reaction temperature, and particle size, with comparative evaluation of Bambusa vulgaris and Musa paradisiaca L. cellulose-derived CMC-based superabsorbent polymer.

Place and Duration of Study: Nepal, July 2025 – February 2026.

Methodology: Cellulose was isolated from B. vulgaris and M. paradisiaca L. stem wastes and converted into CMC through alkaline carboxymethylation using sodium hydroxide and monochloroacetic acid. The resulting CMC was crosslinked with citric acid to prepare CMC-based superabsorbent polymers. The effects of sodium hydroxide concentration, monochloroacetic acid concentration, reaction time, reaction temperature, and particle size on water absorbency were evaluated using the centrifuge method. Viscosity was measured using a Brookfield viscometer. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to characterise the functional groups and structural properties of the synthesised materials.

Results: B. vulgaris showed higher absorbency and viscosity than M. paradisiaca L. The maximum water absorbencies were 74.82% for B. vulgaris and 68.76% for M. paradisiaca L. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed characteristic –OH, –CH₂, –COO⁻, and C–O–C vibrations, consistent with carboxymethylated cellulose. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated predominantly amorphous structures in the CMC-based materials. The synthesis parameters and particle size influenced the water absorbency and viscosity of the resulting materials.

Conclusion: Stem wastes of B. vulgaris and M. paradisiaca L. can serve as renewable feedstocks for producing bio-based superabsorbent polymers. B. vulgaris showed greater potential for producing materials with higher water-absorption and viscosity properties. Further optimisation of crosslinking conditions, biodegradability, and mechanical stability is recommended to improve their practical applicability.

Trace Element Assessment among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study in Nasarawa State Hospitals, Nigeria

Caleb Luka Kyari, Isomah Jeff, Ibeh Chinelo Favour — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease are associated with metabolic disturbances that may influence circulating trace-element concentrations. This comparative cross-sectional study assessed serum selenium, zinc, copper, and chromium levels among patients with diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and apparently healthy controls in selected hospitals in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A total of 180 consenting participants were recruited, comprising 60 patients with diabetes mellitus, 60 patients with chronic kidney disease, and 60 controls. Each group included 40 males and 20 females. Demographic information was collected using a structured questionnaire, and ethical approval was obtained from the State Ministry of Health Headquarters, Lafia, Nasarawa State. Biochemical assessment involved the determination of fasting blood glucose and creatinine using the glucose oxidase method and Jaffe’s method, respectively, while serum trace elements were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.0, with analysis of variance used to compare trace-element levels across the groups. The reported findings showed differences in serum trace-element concentrations among the three groups, including the controls. The diabetes mellitus group showed higher mean selenium and copper concentrations (160.07 13.668 & 165.422 17.309) and lower mean zinc and chromium concentrations (50.186 13.668 & 0.658 0.145), compared with the controls (121.30 22.119 & 125.608 22.9156). The chronic kidney disease group showed lower mean selenium, zinc, copper, and chromium concentrations (88.93 ± 10.437, 59.588 ± 6.705, 58.132 ± 6.795, and 0.582 ± 0.145) than the controls (121.30 22.119, 91.656 11.879, 125.608 22.9156 & 1.045 0.186). These findings revealed altered serum trace-element profiles among patients with diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease in the study population.

Association between Sleep Duration, Serum Trace Minerals, Electrolytes and Academic Performance in Medical Students in Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study

Oluwaseun Toluwalase Okeowo, Ayobola Abimbola Sonuga — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Medical students are at high risk of chronic sleep restriction due to demanding academic schedules, clinical duties, and examination pressure. Although the psychological and academic consequences of poor sleep in this group are well documented, comparatively little is known about how sleep duration relates to serum electrolyte and nutritional biomarker profiles. Objective: This study assessed the relationship between self-reported sleep duration and serum bicarbonate, chloride, sodium, potassium, total protein, albumin, zinc, and iron levels among medical students, and whether sleep duration was associated with academic performance.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at a private tertiary institution in Ibadan between December 2025 and February 2026.

Study Design: This was an analytical cross-sectional study involving 80 undergraduate medical students at a private tertiary institution in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, participants were categorised into four sleep-duration groups (<4 hours, 4–5 hours, 5–6 hours, and >7 hours per night). Serum HCO3⁻, Cl⁻, Na⁺, K⁺, total protein, albumin, zinc, and iron were measured and compared across groups using one-way ANOVA with post hoc testing. Academic performance was categorised as poor, average, or excellent, and its association with sleep duration was assessed using the chi-square test.

Results: Serum bicarbonate, chloride, potassium, albumin, and zinc all showed statistically significant, graded increases with longer sleep duration (p < 0.05), with zinc showing a distinct three-tier stepwise pattern across sleep categories. Sodium, total protein, and iron did not differ significantly across sleep-duration groups. Sleep duration category was not significantly associated with academic performance.

Conclusion: Longer sleep duration was associated with more favourable serum electrolyte and nutritional biomarker profiles among medical students, independent of any measurable association with academic performance. These findings suggest that inadequate sleep may have physiological consequences for electrolyte and micronutrient status in this population, warranting further longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes.

Effects of Short-duration Microwave Treatment on Biochemical Properties, Essential Oil Characteristics and Storage Behavior of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Seeds

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (fennel) seeds were evaluated to determine the effects of short-duration microwave irradiation on biochemical attributes, essential oil characteristics, storage infestation and subsequent field performance. Seeds were exposed to 2.45 GHz microwave radiation for 0–100 s at 10 s intervals and assessed immediately after treatment, after 3.5 months of storage and after field cultivation. Before storage, total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were highest at 30 s (3.27% and 1.23%, respectively), whereas antioxidant capacity was highest at 40 s (10.28% inhibition). Essential oil content and density declined with increasing exposure, from 1.39% and 0.99 g mL⁻¹ in the untreated control to 0.52% and 0.91 g mL⁻¹ at 100 s. After storage, the highest TPC, TFC and antioxidant capacity occurred at 10, 30 and 40 s, respectively. Red flour beetle infestation decreased as exposure duration increased and was not observed at 50–100 s. Storage significantly reduced essential oil content, oil density and TFC, whereas TPC and antioxidant capacity remained statistically unchanged. In the field experiment, seed yield was highest in the untreated control (398.67 g) and lowest at 100 s (49.00 g). Among harvested seeds, the 40 s treatment produced the highest TPC and antioxidant capacity, while the 30 s treatment produced the highest TFC. Overall, moderate microwave exposures favoured selected biochemical attributes, whereas prolonged exposure reduced essential oil retention and field seed yield.

Comparative Phytochemical Profiling and Anti-Lipid-Peroxidative Activity of Justicia secunda Vahl Leaf Extract and Solvent Fractions

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Justicia secunda Vahl is a medicinal plant rich in antioxidant phytochemicals. This study evaluated the phytochemical profiles and in vitro anti-lipid-peroxidative activities of its crude ethanol extract and solvent fractions.

Materials and Methods: Extraction was performed with 70% ethanol, and the crude extract was fractionated using water, methanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane. Chemical constituents were characterised by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Identified compounds were classified according to major chemical groups, and their relative abundances were calculated. Lipid peroxidation was evaluated using an iron-induced liver homogenate model by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) formation using the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances assay. Samples were tested at graded concentrations, and IC₅₀ values were estimated by regression analysis using butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) as the reference antioxidant.

Results: Marked solvent-dependent differences occurred in phytochemical composition. Phenolic compounds accounted for 14.82%, 18.08%, 19.80% and 6.90% of the aqueous, methanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane fractions, respectively, while terpenes predominated in the n-hexane fraction (51.84%). The aqueous, methanol, ethyl acetate and n-hexane fractions exhibited MDA inhibition of 43.35%, 33.27%, 44.41% and 51.84%, respectively, with the n-hexane fraction showing the highest inhibitory activity and an extrapolated IC₅₀ of −16.19 mg/mL, compared with 0.22 mg/mL for BHT.

Discussion and Conclusion: The differential antioxidant activity observed among the fractions corresponds with their distinct phytochemical profiles. The strong activity of the n-hexane fraction despite its lower phenolic abundance suggests an important contribution from lipophilic constituents, particularly terpenoids. Overall, solvent fractionation significantly influenced the phytochemical composition and anti-lipid-peroxidative activity of J. secunda. The n-hexane fraction warrants further bioassay-guided investigation to identify compounds responsible for its activity.

Seasonal GC-MS Profiling and in silico Screening of Vernonia amygdalina Metabolites against Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme and Arginase

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Hypertension remains a major global health burden, and plant-derived products continue to be investigated as sources of bioactive compounds. Vernonia amygdalina Delile has documented experimental cardiovascular and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-related activity, but the extent to which its chemical profile varies across seasonal collection periods is incompletely characterised. This exploratory study compared season-associated GC-MS profiles of V. amygdalina leaves and prioritised selected metabolites by physicochemical/ADMET prediction and molecular docking against an ACE structural homologue and human arginase 1.

Leaves were collected from ten randomly selected V. amygdalina trees on one farm in Ogbomoso, southwestern Nigeria, (8.133º North, 4.267º East) during pre-wet (March-May), wet (June-August), dry (September-November), and harmattan (December-February) periods of the year 2024. Methanolic extracts were analysed by GC-MS and library-matched peaks were treated as putative annotations. Sixty-seven compounds were carried forward to physicochemical and ADMET screening using ADMETLab 2.0, and selected compounds were docked with AutoDock Vina. PDB 2X8Z (Drosophila melanogaster AnCE) and PDB 6V7C (human arginase 1) were used as the structural targets. Seasonal comparisons were descriptive due to the unavailability of replicate-level inferential testing.

The presented GC-MS tables contain 30 pre-wet, 22 wet, 18 dry, and 31 harmattan peak entries, with benzoic acid methyl ester and eugenol being the only two compounds detected in the four seasons. Among the prioritised plant metabolites shown for ACE docking, chondrillasterol had the most negative reported score (-8.5 kcal/mol), while captopril, a reference antihypertensive drug included in the screening, scored -5.5 kcal/mol. For arginase, cyclopentadecanone, 2-hydroxy- had the most negative displayed plant-metabolite score (-6.2 kcal/mol) surpassing the two reference antihypertensive drugs; indapamide and captopril screened along with the ligands.

The data indicate season-associated differences in the putatively annotated chemical profile of V. amygdalina and identify compounds for subsequent experimental testing. Meanwhile, the docking values are computational rankings rather than evidence of biochemical inhibition, and the findings does not correspond to clinical antihypertensive efficacy. Confirmation requires orthogonal analytical identification and target-appropriate biochemical research.