Nigerian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences

Study on the Effects of Dictyota ciliolata Polysaccharides on Proliferation and AntiOxidation Status of Cyprinus carpio (common carp) leukocytes

U.P. Aluta — 2025-04-14

The brown seaweed (Dictyota ciliolataa Sonder ex Kutzing) has been identified as a valuable source of anionic polysaccharides with remarkable biological properties that may render them suitable for application in aquaculture. In this study, the chemical composition of D. ciliolata polysaccharides (DCP) was analysed using spectrophotometry and HighPerformance Anion-Exchange Chromatography/ Pulsed Amperometric Detection (HPAEC-PAD). The result showed that DCP had a total carbohydrate content of 56.56 ± 1.17 %, sulphate content of 4.58 ± 0.26 %, uronic acid content of 6.54 ± 0.26 %, and protein content of 7.31 ± 0.24 %. HPAEC-PAD revealed that DCP composed of fucose (27.16 ± 4.27 mg/l), galactose (11.47 ± 1.38 mg/l), arabinose (11.88 ± 1.24 mg/l) and glucose (1.64 ± 0.07 mg/l). DCP was non-toxic to carp leukocytes at dosages ≤ 50 µg/ml but was found to induce cell proliferative activity. Cellular antioxidant assays showed that DCP did not disrupt glutathione and superoxide dismutase activities in carp leukocytes cells when compared to the control. However, a decrease in malondialdehyde levels in carp leukocytes cells indicated that DCP did not induce oxidative stress. Therefore, DCP is a promising antioxidant source that could be effectively utilised in enhancing the health status of cultured fish species.

Supplementation of High-Fat Diet with Cinnamon Powder has Weight-Controlling and AntiHyper- Insulinemic Effects in Wistar Rats

A.S. Idoko — 2025-04-14

This study investigated the effects of cinnamon supplementation in preventing high-fat diet-related diseases in Wistar rats. Thirty (30) Wistar rats weighing an average of 120 g were divided into six (6) groups of five (5) rats in each group as follows; Groups A and B were respectively maintained on a standard diet and high-fat diet. Groups C and D were fed 2% cinnamon-supplemented HFD and 5% cinnamon-supplemented HFD respectively, while groups E and F were fed a 2% cinnamon-supplemented standard diet and 5% cinnamon-supplemented standard diet respectively. Weight changes, organ to body weight ratio, fasting blood glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and lipid profile were determined. The groups fed cinnamon-supplemented diets had lower body weight gain in comparison with the groups fed non-supplemented diets. All the groups fed either cinnamon-supplemented standard diets or cinnamonsupplemented high-fat diets had significantly (p<0.05) lower serum insulin concentration and computed HOMA-IR when compared with the group fed high-fat diet. No Significant (p>0.05) differences were observed in organ to body weight ratio and lipid profiles. It is concluded that the supplementation with cinnamon reduces the increase in weight and improves insulin sensitivity in rats exposed to a high-fat diet. However, a longer duration may be required to ascertain the possible effects of the cinnamon supplements on blood lipids.

Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitory and Antigylcation Effects of Compounds Isolated from Detarium microcarpum Stem Bark

K.M. Salawu — 2025-04-14

Diabetes is a leading cause of death and accounted for about 2 million deaths globally in 2019 alone. The disease is characterized by hyperglycaemia and protein glycation. This study was designed to examine the antidiabetic potential of Detarium microcarpum stem bark. The plant material was extracted into 70% methanol by cold maceration. The extract was concentrated in vacuo and partitioned into n-hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate soluble fractions. The crude extract and fractions were subjected to alpha-glucosidase inhibitory assay. The active fractions were subjected to a combination of chromatographic techniques, and the isolated compounds were characterized using spectroscopic data. In vitro alpha-glucosidase inhibitory and anti-glycation activities of the isolated compounds were evaluated. The crude extract, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and aqueous soluble fractions displayed potent alpha- glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values of 8.93±2.03, 24.67±1.32, 12.89±2.41 and 7.69±1.09 µg/mL, respectively. The isolated compounds were identified as methyl gallate, quebrachitol, catechin, catechin gallate, and gallic acid. The compounds all displayed potent alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Methyl gallate and catechin displayed the highest activity with IC₅₀ values of 83.43±2.68 and 106.27±2. 98 μM compared to acarbose (377.75±1.34 μM). Catechin and catechin gallate displayed antiglycation activity with IC₅₀ values of 108±0.30 and 576.34±22.92 μM, respectively. However, a catechin that displayed the highest activity produced about 50% of the antiglycation activity of rutin (54.59±2.20 μM) used as standard. Detarium microcarpum stem bark displayed alpha-glucosidase inhibition and the compounds isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction showed protective effects against glucose-induced protein glycation

Heterogeneous Distributed Ensemble Feature Selection: An Enhancement Approach to Machine Learning for Phishing Detection

B.M. Olukoya — 2025-04-14

Phishing is a significant cybersecurity issue due to the rapid technological advancements facilitating it. Detecting these attacks is
challenging as the techniques continually evolve. While numerous strategies have been deployed, no single solution is foolproof.
Machine learning is currently favoured for combating phishing, this particular method comprises several steps, with feature
selection playing a critical step. The quality of the features selected in building the machine learning model plays a significant role.
Traditional feature selection methods have limitations, such as determining a cutoff point and high computation. To overcome
these, a novel ensemble feature selection strategy was used, discarding correlated features and using a Borda count algorithm to
enhance selection performance. Three filter-based predictors were used in the first phase, and the innovative HDEFS was applied
in the second phase, producing unique baseline webpage features. The results showed that models using HDEFS features
improved phishing detection. The bagged SVM model achieved the highest accuracy of 97.4%, outperforming other models. The
study suggests that the selection of optimal webpage features through the innovative proposed ensemble feature selection
approach astronomical improves the performance of the phishing detection performance. Likewise, it produced efficient new
features different from outdated features such as IpAddress, AtSymbol, QueryLength, MissingTitle, NumQueryComponents
previously used by the prior studies.

Probiotic Potential of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Local Foods in Ado-Ekiti, South West Nigeria

A.O. Ajayi — 2025-04-14

Probiotics are live microorganisms acclaimed to provide health benefits when consumed and are generally considered safe for consumption. The lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are common groups of bacteria with certain health benefits, including the ability of some strains to play probiotic roles. Some indigenous fermented foods localized in Ado-Ekiti carry LAB that may have some probiotic properties. The aim of this study was to determine the probiotic potential of some LAB isolated from some local fermented foods in Ado- Ekiti. Samples of locally fermented foods: “garri”, “iru”, “ogi”, and “fura de nono” were obtained from the local market in Ado-Ekiti for isolation of LAB. All samples were cultured using standard methods. A total of sixteen (16) isolates were recovered from the samples and screened for their antibacterial activity against four human pathogenic bacterial strains which were Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, and Staphylococcus aureus. The LAB with enhanced antibacterial activity were further screened for potential probiotic characteristics using pH tolerance test, bile salt tolerance test, NaCl tolerance test, temperature sensitivity, and lactose utilization. The LAB isolates identified from the local food samples included: Lactobacillus fermentum, Acetobacter spp., Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactococcus lactis. Out of the 16 strains obtained, five strains that showed considerable antibacterial activity were evaluated for their probiotic potential. The five strains were susceptible to conventional antibiotics. It was also shown that the five strains were able to grow at the selected range of pH 4.0 – 7.0, they were able to survive at the temperature ranges between 20 oC and 45 oC, they were lactose-tolerant, and they were able to tolerate 1 – 5% sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration. Some isolated LAB exhibited excellent probiotic characteristics and thus can be recommended as a potential use as probiotics. The findings of this study suggest that popular local foods in Ado Ekiti, such as “garri”, “iru”, “ogi”, and “fura de nono”, harbor some LAB with potential probiotic properties, and can be explored for possible health benefits.

Phytochemical, Proximate Composition, Mineral, Antioxidant, and Radical Scavenging Capacity of Picralima nitida Fruit Pulp Aqueous Extract

J.O. Ilenowa — 2025-04-14

Picralima nitida (Apocynaceae) is widely known for its efficacy in ameliorating the discomfort associated with different diseases. The objective of this research is to investigate the phytochemicals, proximate composition, antioxidant, and antioxidant capacity of unripe aqueous fruit pulp extract of P. nitida. The unripe fruit pulp of P.nitida was dried, ground to powder, and soaked in distilled water. The aqueous extract obtained was analyzed for phytochemicals and found to contain alkaloids, eugenols, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids, according to phytochemical analysis. Proximate composition showed a low fiber (0.43%), moisture content (13.09%), fat (14.51%), protein (8.17%), ash content (10.30%), and moderate carbohydrate (53.50%). The antinutrients present in the aqueous extract are alkaloids (8.72 mg/g), Saponins (8.65 mg/g), oxalate (75.95 mg/g) tannins (89.23 mg/g) and phytate (140 mg/g). Mineral analyses showed the presence of Calcium (11.60 mg/g), sodium (21.00 mg/g), and potassium (161.84mg/g) having the highest concentrations. Total phenol, total flavonoid, and vitamin C contents of the aqueous extracts of P.nitida fruit pulp had values of 39.24 mgGAE/g, 24.39 mgQE/g, and 17.02 mgAAE/g, respectively. Increased concentration of the extract led to increased percentage inhibition of DPPH and hydroxyl radicals. These findings revealed the inherent properties of P. nitida fruit pulp and its potential to be utilized therapeutically.

Physiological Modifications of Growth, Biochemical Compositions and Anti-Oxidant Activities in Water-Stressed Beniseed (Sesamum indicum) as Affected by Glycine Betaine

A.W. Ojewumi — 2025-04-14

Water imbalance limits growth and antioxidant production in plants. This study assessed varying concentrations (1, 2, 3 and 4 g/L) of glycine betanine (GB) on growth, nutritional contents, and antioxidant production in beniseed under drought conditions. Plant height (49.40 cm), number of leaves (27), leaf area (231.93 cm² ), specific leaf area (57.98 m2kg^-1 ), and leaf area index (0.62 m²m^-2 ) were higher in beniseed treated with 4g/L GB compared with lower concentrations of the osmolyte. However, the well-watered treatment improved significantly the relative growth rate (0.06 mgg^-1day^-1 ) and net assimilation rate (0.02 gm-2day^-1 ). Chlorophyll-a (3.38 mg/g), chlorophyll-b (3.81mg/g) and total chlorophyll (7.20 mg/g) showed a significant increase in the plant under 3g/LGB. Moisture (91.07%), fat (2.74%), ash (3.55%), crude fiber (3.51%), and crude protein (4.47%) were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the treatments grown under 4g/LGB. The observation was consistent in sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium as well as vitamin A, vitamin B5 and vitamin C. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) (1.58 u/gt), APX (1.18 u/g), CAT (1.58 mg^-1 ), GR (1.59 u/g), GST (14.07 mg^-1 ) and SP (19.06 u/ml) were higher in the roots of beniseed grown under drought. Conclusively, beniseed grown under,3 and 4g/L GB improved growth attributes and nutritional contents while high antioxidant production was observed in the roots of beniseed droughted compared with other parts.

Influence of Spent Oyster Mushroom Substrates on Growth of Waterleaf (Talinum triangulare) and Microbial Population

P.O. Willie — 2025-04-14

Agricultural waste poses a significant environmental pollution problem annually. Repurposing waste, like spent mushroom substrate, can address economic challenges. This study examined microbial populations in spent oyster mushroom substrate and their impact on the growth of water leaf (Talinum triangulare). Microbial analysis of the spent mushroom substrate (SMS) was conducted before and after planting, measuring total microbial counts. Planting substrates comprised three ratios (9:1, 8:2, and 7:3 SMS to soil mix), with a control group using only soil. Six-centimetre water leaf stems were sown in sixteen polythene nursery bags, with each group of three bags containing 2 kg of a planting substrate. Growth parameters were assessed four weeks after planting. Microbial analysis revealed various bacterial species (e.g., Pseudomonas sp., Micrococcus leuteus, Shigella sp., Salmonella sp., Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella sp., Staphylococcus sp.) and fungal species (e.g., Aspergillus sp., Fusarium sp., Penicillium sp., Alternaria sp., Rhizopus sp.) in SMS. The control group exhibited superior growth compared to SMS-amended soil. The study concluded that while microbes in spent mushroom substrate facilitate organic nutrient decomposition, improving nutrient availability and moisture retention, they adversely affect water leaf growth due to excessive moisture, making it unsuitable for water leaf cultivation

Protective Effect of Methionine and Vitamin C on Hepatic Glucose Metabolism in ChlropyrifosExposed Male Wistar Rats

S.T. Shittu — 2025-04-14

Chlorpyrifos exposure is associated with impairment in hepatic glucose metabolism. This study investigates the effect of methionine and/ or vitamin C on hepatic glucose metabolism in chlorpyrifos-exposed male Wistar rats. Twenty-five male Wistar rats (120-180g) were grouped into 5 as I-V. Group I (control) received sunflower oil (1ml/kg) while II-V were orally administered chlorpyrifos (6.8mg/kg) followed by methionine (100 mg/kg), vitamin C (200 mg/kg) and a combination of both to III, IV and V, respectively for 28 days. Plasma was obtained for acetylcholinesterase activity and liver function test (AST, ALT, and ALP) while the liver was obtained for determination of glycogen content, hexokinase activity, lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH), and markers of oxidative stress (MDA, SOD, and catalase). Hepatic MDA level increased in II and decreased in III-V compared with control. Increased LDH activity was observed in II relative to control. Glycogen content and hexokinase activities were decreased in II relative to control while they were increased in V compared with II. Acetylcholinesterase activity decreased in II compared with control and increased in V compared with II. In conclusion, methionine and vitamin C prevented chlorpyrifos-induced hepatic glycogen depletion and hexokinase inhibition through a mechanism that involves prevention of lipid peroxidation and promotion of acetylcholinesterase activity.

2×3 Factorial Analysis to Study Lubrication and Mixing Variables’ Impact on Orodispersible Composite Tensile Strength

I. Salim — 2025-04-14

This study hypothesized that the tensile strength of placebo tablets produced from newly engineered α-lactose-starch orodispersible composite using a single-punch tablet press was dependent on the combined effects of magnesium stearate concentration, tumbling speed of a double cone mixer, and the duration of mixing. A 2x3 full factorial experiment was designed to: (i) understand the main effects associated with each of the factors, and (ii) to understand the interactions between the factors using main effect, interaction, pareto, cube, response surface plots, and regression modelling tools of Minitab® 19 (Minitab Limited, United Kingdom). The main effects plots indicated that the tensile strength of the novel αlactose-starch orodispersible composite increases at low factor settings of magnesium stearate concentration, and low tumbling speed, but diminishes at low settings of mixing time. Conversely, for mixing time the effect on tensile strength was greater at the high setting. Conclusively, the magnesium stearate concentration, tumbling speed of a double cone mixer, and the duration of mixing are critical factors affecting the tensile strength of the α-lactose-starch orodispersible composite, suggesting further optimization in future formulation design.

Heavy Metals and Carcinogenic Risk Assessment in Free-Ranged Livestock of LeadContaminated Goldmine Communities of Zamfara State, Northern Nigeria

S. Rabiu — 2025-04-14

The consumption of meat is of great importance as it provides a good source of proteins and a significant amount of essential trace elements to the body. However, contamination of meat and meat products with heavy metals is becoming a serious threat to food safety and public health. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the concentration of some heavy metals in the muscles and entrails of free-ranged cattle, sheep, and goats. A total of sixty (60) fresh samples of muscles, liver, kidney, small intestines, and stomach of free ranged cattle, sheep, and goats were collected from abattoirs of different goldmine communities of Anka, Bukkuyum, Maru, and Talata- Mafara Local Government Areas of Zamfara State, Nigeria. The samples were digested using 10 mL of a mixed 70% high-grade concentration of HNO3 and 65% HCl (4:1 v/v); the mixture was heated until dense fumes disappeared forming a clear transparent solution and diluted to 50 mL with deionized water. Actual concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Co, As, Ni, Mn, Pb, and Zn were determined using a Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer (MP-AES). Results indicate goat liver had the highest mean concentration of lead, arsenic, cobalt, and manganese (12.43± 0.31, 14.25±0.32, 3.47± 0.86, and 12.68± 0.92 mg/kg respectively), and the kidney had the highest concentration of copper and zinc (10.08±0.61 and 24.16±1.30 mg/kg respectively). Sheep kidneys had the highest bioaccumulation of cadmium and nickel (7.75± 0.65 and 2.08±0.10 mg/kg respectively) while chromium was observed to accumulate mostly in cattle muscles when compared with all other organs analysed. The target hazard quotients (THQs) for all the metals analyzed were below 1.0, but the risk indices for carcinogenicity (TR) predictably suggest exposed individuals were most likely to develop the disease. Therefore, intensive public health awareness of the risks associated with the consumption of heavy metal-contaminated meat should be prioritized.

Growth and Yield Response of Soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) Upon Exposure to Gibberellic Acid Concentrations

B.P. Mshelmbula — 2025-04-14

The aim of the study was to evaluate the response of soybeans exposed to gibberellic acid (GA3) on the growth and yield of soybeans. Field experiments were conducted during the 2019 rainy season at the Botanical Garden of the Federal University of Lafia. Seeds were collected from AGRO TROPICS LTD Lafia, Nasarawa state. The Soybean variety was submerged in various concentrations of GA3 90mg/m, 120mg/m, and 150mg/m respectively). The experiment was laid in a randomized completely block design (RCBD) with three replicates each and one control. Growth and yield parameters were measured. Results showed that GA3 at different concentrations both in 1 and 2 hours of treatment increased the number of leaves (19.85), (24.23) at 90 mg/L and 120 mg/L in 1- and 2-hours exposure time respectively. In the same exposure time (1 hour), treatment 90mg/L increased the plant height (19.98cm) while in 2 hours exposure time, treatments 120 and 150mg/L increased the plant height. The leaf area, number of flowers, and number of seeds increased at 90mg/L at the same exposure time (1 hour) but this was so in the 2 hours concentration as leaf area and number of flowers increased at different treatments 150 mg/L,90mg/L respectively while the number of seeds increased 150 mg/L.

Effects of Consumption of Methanol Extracts of Ficus platyphylla Del. Holl and Ximenia americana L. on Liver Function Indices in Albino Rats

S. Shaayau — 2025-04-14

Ficus platyphylla Del. Holl and Ximenia americana L. are medicinal plants used in the treatment of several diseases. This study was designed to investigate their effects on some markers of hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Twenty-four (24) adult Wistar rats of both sexes were divided into four (4) groups of six (6) rats each. Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were treated with distilled water, F. platyphylla, X. americana, and a mixture of F. platyphylla and X. americana extracts, respectively. LD50 showed that all three extracts are not toxic even at values as high as 5000 mg/kg body weight. A dose of 250 mg/kg body weight was administered orally daily for twenty-one (21) days, after which blood samples were collected in a clean container and centrifuged for 10 minutes at 3000 rpm. The serum obtained was used for biochemical analysis. Markers of hepatocellular injury specifically, ALT, AST, albumin, total bilirubin, and protein, were assayed accordingly. The activity of ALT showed no significant (p>0.05) difference in group 4 with the control. In AST, there was a significant difference (p<0.05) between group 4 and the control group. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in total bilirubin across the groups when compared to the control, there is no significant difference in total protein between group 3 and the control group. For albumin, group 4 was not significantly (p>0.05) different from the control. These findings illustrated that aqueous extracts of X. americana and F. platyphylla are not hepatotoxic and may, therefore be considered safe for consumption as medicinal plants

Calcareous Nannofossils Biostratigraphy and Paleoecology of Well 03, Shallow Offshore, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Y.B. Alkali — 2025-04-14

This study presents the calcareous nannofossils biostratigraphy of well 03, shallow offshore, Niger Delta, Nigeria using ditch cuttings samples analyzed for nannofossils to determine age, biozonation, and paleoecological interpretation. A quantity (5 g) each of the cuttings were subjected to standard smear slide preparation technique for nannofossils using Norland adhesive and the slides examined under light microscope at 1000 × magnification. Lithologically the studied sequences were composed of shale, siltstone / mudstone which are grey with intercalation of sandstones belonging to Agbada Formation. A fairly diverse 37 species of nannofossils assemblage was recovered. Two major nannofossil zones of Helicosphaera ampliaperta and Sphenolithus heteromorphus were delineated. Establishment of these zones aided the assignment of the early Miocene - late Miocene age range to the section. Paleoecology of the studied section reveals fluctuations between warm and cool climates evidenced from the variation in the assemblages of diagnostic species across the intervals, Sphenolithus heteromorphus predominates intervals 7900 – 12420 ft and the occurrence of Discoaster berggrenii between 9300 -9420 ft suggest intervals under warm climate conditions while Coccolithus pelagicus and coccolithus miopelagicus strives between 7000 -10780 ft, between 6670 -10980 ft, respectively indicating cooler environmental conditions.

Subacute Toxicity Studies on Aqueous Stem Extract of Cissus Populnea in Wistar Albino Rats

U.I. Aletan — 2025-04-14

Cissus populnea is a plant whose medicinal benefits have been well but there is a dearth of studies on subacute toxicity of any part of the plant. The aim of the study is to ascertain the subacute toxicity of the aqueous stem extract of C. populnea in Wistar albino rats. Forty animals (20 males and 20 females) grouped into 8 groups (n=5) (4 males, 4 females) were used. The animals were treated with daily oral doses (125mg/kg, 250mg/kg, and 500mg/kg) of the extract for 28 days, while the control groups received distilled water. The animals were weighed at 7-day intervals. After the test period, the animals were anaesthetised. Blood samples were taken for haematological and biochemical analysis, the organs were harvested and weighed. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference between the weight of the control groups and all the treated groups. Treatment with the various doses of the extract did not cause any significant (p>0.05) changes in the relative organ weight, biochemical parameters, red blood cell count, haemoglobin, and white blood cell count of the experimental animals. Oral administration of the aqueous stem extract of C. populnea in the doses used in this study caused no observable toxic effect on the experimental animals.