Nigerian Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Investigation of the effect of Justicia secunda on the meat quality and health of broilers

2025-06-03T11:56:34+00:00

Ethanol and aqueous leaf extracts of Justicia secunda were tested to ascertain how they affected the health and quality of broiler meat. A total of 288 (Ross 208) broilers with weights of 48 ± 1 g were used in the study. The birds were randomly divided into 9 groups, each with 4 replicates containing 8 birds. For 56 days, the birds were fed a basal diet, a basal diet containing 0.75 g of aqueous leaf extract per kg of feed, a basal diet containing 0.5 g of aqueous leaf extract per kg of feed, a basal diet containing 0.25 g of aqueous leaf extract per kg of feed, a basal diet containing 0.75 g of ethanol leaf extract per kg of feed, a basal diet containing 0.5 g of ethanol leaf extract per kg of feed, basal diet with 0.25 g of ethanol leaf extract per kg of feed, basal diet with 0.5 g Albiovit per kg of feed, and basal diet with 0.5 g B-vit-extra per kg feed. Standard methods were employed in the determination of hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count, white blood cell count, packed cell volume, blood weight, drip loss, and cooking loss. Drip loss and cooking loss were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the group given a basal diet alone (5.01 ± 0.44 % and 45.0 ± 0.57 % respectively) than in the other groups. The test groups had significantly more red blood cell counts (p < 0.05) but fewer white blood cells than the group that was only given the basal diet. Therefore, the results suggest that, in order to improve the health and quality of broiler meat, aqueous and ethanol leaf extracts of J. secunda can be used in place of commercial growth promoters.

Evaluation of effect of Vitex doniana stem-bark on liver histopathology and haematological indices of Augmentin-induced liver-dysfunction in mice

2025-06-03T12:06:33+00:00

This study assessed the effect of aqueous extract of Vitex doniana stem-bark (VDSB) on liver histology and haematological indices in augmentin-induced liver-dysfunction in mice. Forty-two adult mice of both sexes were used. Twelve mice were used for acute toxicity test using Lorke method. Thirty mice were randomly grouped into 6 groups (n=5), with 0.9% normal saline as vehicle. Groups A and B orally received 0.2 mL vehicle (control), group C orally received 100 mg/kg silymarin, while groups D-F received 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of the extract. 3 hr after the first treatment, groups B-F were intraperitoneally administered a single dose of augmentin (80 mg/kg) in the vehicle. Inductions were repeated every 72 hr, while treatment was done daily for 14 days. LD50 was 1318.0 mg/kg, while flavonoids, tannins, phenolics, alkaloids, saponins, steroids, glycosides, and triterpenes in 255.26, 25.09, 5.48, 3.36, 0.21, 0.18, 0.11, and 0.08 mg/100g, were detected respectively. Body and organ weights of treated mice increased while organ-body weight decreased compared to untreated. White and red blood cells indices, and platelets counts in extract-treated rats increased compared to untreated. Histopathology of liver indicated the presence of hepatoprotective activity in the extract by revealing improved cyto-architecture of hepatocytes in treated mice. This study therefore confirms that VDBS reversed liver damage caused by augmentin in the liver of the mice.

Comparative analysis of vitamin, mineral and phytochemical composition of aqueous leaf extracts of Justicia carnea and Mucuna pruriens

2025-06-03T12:15:05+00:00

Justiciacarnea (Acanthaceae) and Mucuna pruriens (Fabaceae) leaves are used separately in traditional medicine for diverse therapeutic benefits and both possess anti-anaemic effects. This study was undertaken to compare the vitamin, mineral and phytochemical compositions of Justiciacarnea, Mucunapruriens and their combined aqueous leaf extracts. The analysis was carried out using standard biochemical methods. Vitamin analysis showed that Vitamins B1, B2, B6, B9, C and E were significantly higher (p<0.05) in Justiciacarnea (1.41 mg/g, 2.34 mg/g, 0.07 mg/g, 0.78 mg/g, 27.68 m/g and 0.29 mg/g respectively) than in Mucuna pruriens (0.31 mg/g, 1.14 mg/g, 0.04 mg/g, 0.05 mg/g, 4.55 mg/g and 0.23 mg/g, respectively) and combined extract (0.75 mg/g, 1.51 mg/g, 0.04 mg/g, 0.36 mg/g, 12.83 mg/g and 0.24 mg/g, respectively). Vitamin A was significantly higher in Mucuna pruriens (4.61 µg/g) than in Justiciacarnea (2.81 µg/g) and combined extract (3.27 µg/). In the Mineral analysis, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the composition of the minerals in all the extracts except Calcium which was significantly higher in Mucuna pruriens. The phytochemical analysis showed no significant difference in the Tannins, Oxalate and Phytate composition of the three extracts; Terpernoids and Alkaloids were significantly higher (p<0.05) in Justiciacarnea while Flavonoids and Phenols were significantly higher (p<0.05) in Mucuna pruriens. Saponins were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the combined extract. Alkaloids were not detected in Mucuna pruriens. These findings indicate that Vitamin, Mineral and phytochemicals are found more in the extracts when used separately than in their combined form.

Jatropha tanjorensis attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and electrolyte balance in rats

2025-06-03T12:19:47+00:00

Jatropha tanjorensis is traditionally acclaimed for its nutraceutical properties, including the promotion of good health. This study evaluated the nephroprotective and cardioprotective potentials of aqueous leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis on Doxorubicin (DOX)-induced renal and cardiotoxicity in rats. Thirty-five male Wister albino rats were divided into five groups: Group 1 (control) received only normal saline orally once daily. Group 2 received DOX (15 mg/kg) intraperitoneally on days 10 - 12. Group 3 received 300 mg/kg Jatropha tanjorensis orally once daily for 12 days. Group 4 received 300 mg/kg Jatropha tanjorensis orally once daily for 12 days followed by DOX (15 mg/kg) intraperitoneally on days 10 -12 and Group 5 received 100 mg/kg Vitamin C orally once daily for 12 days followed by DOX (15 mg/kg) intraperitoneally on days 10 - 12. Biochemical and electrolyte analyses were performed on serum samples and histopathological examination were conducted on kidney and heart tissues. DOX administration significantly increased Creatine kinase, Urea and Creatinine serum levels indicating nephrotoxicity and cardiotoxicity. However, Jatropha tanjorensis extract significantly reduced these biomarkers and improved electrolyte (Sodium and Potassium) thereby mitigating DOX-induced organ damage. Histopathological findings supported the biochemical results, showing reduced tissue damage in the Jatropha tanjorensis-treated groups. This study demonstrates that Jotropha tanjorensis leaves can attenuate DOX-induced kidney and heart damage, maintaining electrolyte balance and promoting overall health.

Glycation and nanomaterials: The role of nanoparticles in mitigating advanced glycation end-products and related complications

2025-06-03T12:25:30+00:00

Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) form via glycation, a process were reducing sugars nonenzymatically react with biomolecules like proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, playing a significant role in degenerative diseases. This review explores the use of nanoparticles - materials with distinctive physical and chemical properties, to address glycation-related challenges. Recent advances in nanoparticle design have expanded their application in glycobiology and medicine, particularly in combating AGEs. Bio-enzymatically synthesized nanoparticles, such as gold and silver nanoparticles, along with nature-inspired nanoformulations like propolis, curcumin, and resveratrol nanoparticles, have shown significant inhibition of AGE formation through mechanisms such as free radical scavenging, metal chelation, and protein stabilization. Furthermore, nanoconjugation strategies enhance drug efficacy against AGEs. The review highlights these emerging applications of nanoparticles in AGE modulation, with implications for mitigating glucose toxicity and countering hyperglycemia. Additionally, innovative nanoengineered biosensors, including gold nanoparticle-based colorimetric sensors and carbon nanotube-based FET biosensors, have shown exceptional promise in glycation research. Furthermore, integration of nanomaterials with glycans has led to formation of glyconanomaterials, enhancing carbohydrate-mediated interactions and facilitating targeted drug delivery. The nanoconjugation of anti-glycation drugs, exemplified by aminoguanidine-gold nanoparticle bioconjugates, demonstrates enhanced efficacy, reduced toxicity, and improved pharmacokinetics. Ultimately, the convergence of nanotechnology and glycation research holds significant potential for advancing healthcare by providing effective strategies to detect, prevent, and treat AGE-related diseases.