Asian Journal of Research in Biochemistry

Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Organ-Protective Effects of Combined Ethanol Leaf Extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. and Chromolaena odorata (L.) in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

Adimchinobi Precious, Ngozi Kalu Achi, Solomon Nnah Ijioma, Chinecherem Goodluck — Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Medicinal plants play a pivotal role in traditional medicine systems worldwide and represent a rich source of bioactive compounds with potential antidiabetic effects. Phytochemical analyses reveal the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenolic compounds that contribute to its antioxidant and hypoglycemic effects.

Aims: This study evaluated the antidiabetic effects and associated biochemical changes, including oxidative stress status, inflammatory response, lipid profile, haematological indices, and organ function parameters, of the combined ethanol extract of Moringa. oleifera and Chromolaena odorata leaves in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Study Design: Experimental animal study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology animal house and associated laboratories, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria, between 2023 and 2024.

Methodology: Fresh leaves of M. oleifera and C. odorata were collected, authenticated, air-dried, and extracted using ethanol in a 3:2 ratio. Acute toxicity was evaluated using Lorke’s method in mice. A total of forty-six (46) male albino rats were used, comprising eighteen (18) rats for acute toxicity testing and twenty-eight (28) rats for the antidiabetic experiment. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (120 mg/kg). Diabetic rats were divided into seven groups and treated orally for 14 days with 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg of the combined extract or 3 mg/kg glibenclamide, alongside appropriate controls. Fasting blood glucose and body weight were monitored throughout the study. At the end of treatment, blood samples were collected for biochemical, haematological, antioxidant, inflammatory, lipid profile, and organ function analyses using standard methods.

Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenols, tannins, steroids, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides, with alkaloids (16.46 ± 0.12 mg/100 g) and flavonoids (13.33 ± 0.16 mg/100 g) being most abundant. The extract was safe with LD₅₀ > 5000 mg/kg. The combined extract significantly reduced fasting blood glucose in diabetic rats, with 800 mg/kg reducing levels to 148.25 ± 16.60 mg/dl compared to 302.25 ± 73.65 mg/dl in diabetic controls. It also improved antioxidant status by increasing GSH, GPx, SOD, and CAT while reducing malondialdehyde (0.34 ± 0.01 mMol/L). Inflammatory cytokines, lipid profile, liver enzymes, renal markers, cardiac enzymes, and haematological indices were significantly improved. Body weight loss associated with diabetes was also reversed in treated groups.

Conclusion: The combined ethanol extract of M. oleifera and C. odorata exhibits significant antidiabetic activity and protective effects against oxidative stress, inflammation, and organ dysfunction in alloxan-induced diabetic rats, supporting its therapeutic potential in diabetes management.

Assessment of Nutritional and Functional Properties of Fifteen IAR&T Developed Pigeon Pea Varieties

Sat, 30 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) is a grain legume that serves as a good and cheap source of protein and minerals after cowpea. It is an important constituent of the human diet, a drought-tolerant crop that is invulnerable to climate change in developing nations worldwide, mostly in tropical and subtropical regions. The present work aims to evaluate the nutritional and functional properties of Fifteen IAR&T Developed Pigeonpea varieties. Fifteen IAR&T developed Pigeonpea varieties (NSWCC13D4, NSWCC35A, NSWCC29B-2, CITA-3, NSWCC-18A, NSWCC-24, NSWCC-51, NSWCC-32, NSWCC-19A, NSWCC-35, NSWCC-29A, NSWCC46B, NSWCC-7D, A0/TB79-9a, NSWCC-28) were obtained from the seed store unit of Institute of Agricultural Research &Training, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria. Proximate and Mineral element composition, cooking time, peeling characteristics and sensory properties were evaluated. The data was analysed using descriptive statistic and anova at P≤0.05. The results showed that NSWCC-18A, NSWCC46B, NSWCC-7D and NSWCC35A are rich in protein, A0/TB79-9a, NSWCC35A and NSWCC-70 are rich in zinc, NSWCC35A and NSWCC-51 are rich in iron, NSWCC-18A, NSWCC-19A, A0/TB79-9a and NSWCC29B-2 are rich in potassium. The cooking time of the pigeon pea varieties ranges between 230 and 280 minutes, with the lowest time observed in NSWWCC-29A. All the Pigeon pea varieties showed good sensory properties, with the highest general acceptability observed in CITA-3 and NSWCC-19A. Peeling with hand was effective in NSWCC-32, NSWCC-19 and NSWCC-29A, while peeling with a mortar and pestle were effective in CITA 3, NSWCC-51, NSWCC-35 and NSWCC-7D.

Effects of Selected Food Processing Methods on Nutrient, Antinutrient and Phytochemical Composition of African Yam Bean (Sphenostylics stenocarpa)

Bukola Victoria Ailenokhuoria, Arinola Becky Adediran, Omowonuola Temilade Oni — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

African Yam bean (AYB) (Sphenostylics stenocarpa) is an underutilised legume with relatively high protein. The study was carried out to assess the effects of the four different processing methods on nutrient, antinutrient and phytochemical composition of African yam bean. The processing methods employed are soaking, cooking, fermentation and germination. African yam bean (AYB10) was obtained from seed store section of Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (I.A.R&T). For soaking methods, 200g of African yam bean were cleaned, sorted and soaked for 14 hours, after which the water was drained off. For cooking methods, soaked seeds of (AYB) were cooked in a pressure pot for 2 hours (121^oC). For fermentation method, cooked seeds were transferred into a local calabash lined and wrapped with banana leaves and were left for 3 days for fermentation. For germination method, clean seeds of (AYB) were spread on a tray, lined with tissue paper, distilled water was sprinkle on the seeds and kept in a dark for 3 days. Samples were taken from each of the processing methods for laboratory analysis; Proximate (moisture content, crude protein, ash, crude fibre, crude fat and carbohydrate), phytochemicals (total phenolics and flavonoids)), antinutrients (alkaloids, phytate, tannin, saponin, protease inhibitor). The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and anova at (P≤0.05). The results showed that different processing methods examined significantly reduced the antinutrient, phytochemical and nutrient composition of AYB. However, an increased in the moisture content was observed in all the processing methods. This suggests that soaking for 14hours, cooking for 2 hours at 121^oC, fermentation for 72 hours and germination for 72 hours could be appropriate methods for reducing antinutrients in African yam bean which could possibly increase its utilization.

Evaluation of Glycemic Status Using Blood Glucose and HbA1C in Hypertensive Patients at a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Enugu, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Hector Okechukwu Obianyido, Ozioma Ebere Obianyido, Sylvanus Precious Ihechiluru — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Hypertension is a contributing factor to chronic kidney disease, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Aim: This study is an evaluation of glycemic status using blood glucose and HbA1c in hypertensive patients at a tertiary healthcare facility in Enugu, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among adult hypertensive patients receiving care at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, a tertiary hospital in Enugu state. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained, and FBG and HbA1c levels were measured using standard laboratory methods. GraphPad Prism version 8.0 was employed for data analysis. Descriptive statistics and comparative tests (t-test) were expressed as mean and standard deviation with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

Results: The test group exhibited markedly higher fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels than the control group (4.61 ± 0.74 vs 3.41 ± 0.58 mmol/L, p < 0.001). HbA1c levels were significantly higher in the test group than in the control group (5.93 ± 0.15% vs 5.12 ± 0.19%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that hypertensive patients exhibit significantly poorer glycemic status compared with non-hypertensive controls, underscoring the need for integrated cardiovascular and glycemic assessment in hypertension management.

Optimal Leaf: Fruit Ratios of Gongronema latifolium Extracts for Preserving Electrolyte Homeostasis in Naphthalene-induced Oxidative Stress

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Environmental toxicants such as naphthalene and heavy metals induce oxidative stress that disrupts serum electrolyte balance, while Gongronema latifolium fruit and leaf extracts may offer protective effects against naphthalene-induced electrolyte disturbances in experimental models.

Aims: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as naphthalene induce oxidative stress that disrupts electrolyte homeostasis, posing cardiovascular and renal risks. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of combined Gongronema latifolium fruit and leaf extracts on serum electrolytes in naphthalene-exposed Wistar rats as a possible natural therapeutic alternative for toxicant-induced electrolyte imbalance.

Study Design: A controlled experimental design was adopted. Serum electrolyte assays were conducted in vivo studies using Wistar rats administered naphthalene to induce oxidative stress, with concurrent treatment using aqueous extracts of G. latifolium at varying fruit: leaf ratios.

Methods: Forty-eight Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups (n=6): Group A (normal control), Group B (positive control, Silymarin), Group C (negative control, naphthalene-only), and Groups D–H treated with naphthalene + G. latifolium extracts at 20:80, 40:60, 50:50, 60:40, and 80:20 leaf: fruit ratios, respectively. Serum Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^-, Ca²⁺, and HCO₃^- were assayed after 14 days. Data are Mean ± SEM and analyzed by one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post-hoc test. Significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: Extract-treated groups D–H showed no significant difference against Group A for Na⁺, K^+, and Ca²⁺ at p > 0.05. Group G (60 leaf:40 fruit) had Na⁺ (106.33 ± 2.95), K⁺ (2.53 ± 0.33), Ca²⁺ (1.67 ± 0.33), and HCO₃^- (3.90 ± 0.16 mmol/L) not significantly different from Group A and significantly lower than Group C at p < 0.05 while other ratios showed partial responses at different serum electrolyte levels. Group C showed significant increases against Group A in Na⁺ (126.52 ± 28.04 vs 107.73 ± 9.09 mmol/L), Cl^- (88.61 ± 1.75 vs 59.74 ± 2.26 mmol/L), K⁺ (3.43 ± 0.30 vs 2.86 ± 0.06 mmol/L), Ca²⁺ (2.55 ± 0.56 vs 1.91 ± 0.31 mmol/L), and HCO₃^- (4.60 ± 0.16 vs 3.32 ± 0.37 mmol/L) at p < 0.05.

Conclusion: Gongronema latifolium fruit–leaf extracts helped preserve serum electrolyte balance in naphthalene‑exposed rats, with the 60:40 (leaf:fruit) ratio (Group G) demonstrating the most consistent and favorable profile across multiple electrolytes. These findings suggest its potential as a safe, natural, and cost-effective option for managing toxicant-induced electrolyte disturbances. Further studies are recommended to elucidate its mechanisms of action, molecular docking of the extracts and evaluate long-term safety.

Effect of a Six-month Attenuation Study on the Concentration of Heavy Metals in Crude-oil-impacted Soil from Ubeji, Nigeria

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Crude oil contamination alters the soil chemistry and can enhance the mobility and bioavailability of heavy metals. At toxic concentrations, these trace metals pose significant risks to ecological integrity, soil functionality, plant physiology, and human health. This study evaluated the capacity of indigenous soil microorganisms to modulate the bioavailability of selected heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Pb) in crude oil impacted soils from Ubeji, Nigeria. Contaminated soil samples were incubated under ambient conditions for six months, after which heavy metal concentrations and selected physicochemical parameters were assessed. The study integrated measurements of salinity, water holding capacity, particle size distribution, pH, total nitrogen, organic carbon, available phosphorus, nitrate content, and dehydrogenase activity, alongside flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination of selected heavy metals, to provide a comprehensive assessment of soil quality changes across impacted and control sites. Statistical analysis was performed using R software (version 2025.09.1+401), and results were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. Overall, the results demonstrated a reduction in the concentration of the investigated metals following the attenuation period, with Cr, Fe, and Mn exhibiting statistically significant declines after incubation. The observed decrease in heavy metal concentration suggests active microbial mediation by autochthonous soil microorganisms during natural attenuation. These findings provide important insights into heavy metal dynamics in petroleum contaminated soils and highlight the potential of monitored natural attenuation as a sustainable and cost-effective remediation strategy for crude oil polluted environments in the region.

Evaluation of the Feasibility of Using CO₂ from Molasses-Based Ethanol Fermentation as a Carbon Source for Arthrospira platensis Cultivation in a Closed Tubular Photobioreactor

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Carbon dioxide generated during ethanol fermentation is a biogenic carbon source that may support cyanobacterial cultivation, although its direct use in closed photobioreactors may be constrained by gas-liquid mass transfer, pH variation and reduced bicarbonate buffering.

Aims: This study evaluated the feasibility of using off-gas from molasses-based ethanol fermentation as a supplemental carbon source for Arthrospira platensis cultivation in a closed tubular photobioreactor.

Study Design: A. platensis was cultivated under three carbon-supply conditions: standard Zarrouk medium containing NaHCO₃ with ambient-air aeration; bicarbonate-free modified Zarrouk medium with ambient-air aeration; and bicarbonate-free modified Zarrouk medium supplied with fermentation off-gas.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the Institute of Life Sciences, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, between March and September 2025.

Methodology: Biomass concentration, medium pH, biochemical composition, inlet and outlet CO₂ levels and an apparent CO₂ retention indicator were evaluated.

Results: The fermentation off-gas treatment reached a maximum biomass concentration of 0.79 ± 0.03 g/L, which was higher than that in the bicarbonate-free treatment with ambient air (0.66 ± 0.06 g/L) but markedly lower than that in standard Zarrouk medium containing NaHCO₃ (3.49 ± 0.02 g/L). The fermentation off-gas treatment produced biomass containing 52.43 ± 0.03% crude protein, 11.65 ± 0.05% carbohydrate, 6.14 ± 0.05% lipid, 7.12 ± 0.08 mg/g chlorophyll, 65.62 ± 0.11 mg/g phycocyanin and 1.29 ± 0.05 mg/g carotenoid. The apparent CO₂ retention indicator was approximately 1.8%, suggesting limited CO₂ retention under the current configuration.

Conclusion: Fermentation-derived CO₂ can support A. platensis growth, but it did not replace bicarbonate completely under the tested operating conditions.