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This study assessed the Climate Smart Agricultural Practices (CSAP) adopted by arable crop farmers in adapting to climate change and environmental issues in Zamfara State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling techniques was used to select six local government areas in the state. Three hundred and fifty (350) farmers were randomly selected and administered questionnaire. Sets of standardized questionnaires survey and interview were used to elicit information on CSAP from the farmers. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Total Factor Productivity (TFP), and Least Squares Regression (LSR). The analyzed results were presented on tables and charts. The results show that the prevalent CSAP adopted by the farmers were: cover cropping, application of organic manures, adoption of minimum tillage, practice of crop rotation with legumes, usage of mulching, application of inorganic fertilizers and planting of improved seed varieties. Results of the determinants of TFP estimate reveals that age (-1.328), education (0.427), farm size (0.41), organic fertilizer (0.48), access to extension services (0.342), cover cropping (0.023), inorganic fertilizer (.47), improved seed varieties (0.503), crop rotation with legumes (0.54), access to credit facilities (0.273) significantly contribute to productivity at different levels of significance in the study area. While age impacted negatively on productivity, all others impacted positively on productivity. The study concluded that CSAP had positive impacts on crop productivity. The study recommends the adoption of sustainable CSAT such as the use of organic and inorganic fertilizer, cover cropping, and the use of improved seed varieties; provision of agricultural credit facilities to the farmers and availability of extension workers in the study area.

The level of heavy metals in soybeans samples were evaluated to ascertain their likely health risks to the Katsina State populace. Atomic absorption spectrometry method was employed for the evaluation, while the three senatorial zones of the state were used for sampling. Using methods adapted from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), the health risks to the population from the heavy metals in the samples were determined. The results have revealed the mean concentration (mg/kg) in decreasing order of concentrations to be for Zn (range: 1.204-1.432), Pb (range: 0.658-0.998), Fe (range: 0.563-0.687), Cr (range: 0.128-0.151) and Cd (range: 0.041-0.046), with the concentrations of Mn and Ni below the level of detection. The computed non-carcinogenic health risks from consumption of the samples were below 1 (THQ and HI>1). The cancer risk to the population lies beyond the threshold limit with the heavy metal Pb being the major contributor to the violation. It may be presumed that the Soybean samples in the study may add to the cancer manifestations in the population.

This study was aimed at studying the effect of solvents (n-hexane, chloroform and methanol) fractions of Cucurbita maxima (pumpkin) cuticular lipids on metabolic biomarkers of cardiovascular disease using L-NAME induced hypertensive rats. A total of thirty-six (120-150 g) albino rats were randomly selected and placed into twelve groups of three rats each were used for this study. Each rat was weighed and tagged and thereafter weighed weekly for five weeks of the experiment. Rats were induced with hypertension using 40mg/Kg body weight/24hours. Other rats were placed on normal feeds and water while biomarkers were assayed and recorded on weekly basis. Group I served as normal control, Group II were hypertensive control, Group III were induced with hypertension and administered with standard drug while Groups IV-XII were induced with hypertension and administered with varying doses of n-hexane, chloroform and methanol fractions. A slight alteration on metabolic biomarkers between the normal control group and hypertensive control group was recorded, which was reversed by the administration of methanol fraction. Thus, cuticular lipids from Cucurbita maxima might have some anti-hypertensive potentials.

Cabbage and lettuce were collected from three locations each along the irrigation farms of Rivers Jakara and Getsi. Domestic and industrial waste are freely discharge into these rivers. Thirty Nine Albino Rats were divided into Thirteen (13) groups where Animals in groups 1-12 were fed with diet containing 10% cabbage or lettuce. The 13th group were fed with normal diet. After 90 days, the Animals were sacrificed, blood and organs were collected. Fe had the highest level in the blood and significantly different from the control in all the groups. The level of other essential heavy metals is in the following order of decreasing concentration, Fe> Zn > Cu > Cr > Mn > Co while Pb has the highest concentration and in the following order of decreasing concentration Pb > As > Cd > Ni > Hg. A significant decrease in weight of the heart, kidney and pancreas was observed and a significance difference in the organ/body weight coefficient was observed in the Liver (group 3, 4 and 11) Kidney (group 5, 6 and 7) and Pancreas (group 1, 3 and 9). The bioaccumulation index (BAI) shows that eight (8), Seven (7) and Six (6) of the elements analyzed accumulates in the Liver and the Pancreas, Kidney and Heart respectively. Liver accumulated more Cadmium, Lead and Nickel while Pancreas accumulated Nickel, Manganese and Cobalt. Consumption of these vegetables led to reduction in organ weight, increase blood levels and bioaccumulation of some heavy metals in vital organs of albino rats

Ecological models have become paramount for assessing the pesticides effect on the function and structure of aquatic ecosystems. The most paramount concerns are assessments of pesticides/toxicants that have the potential to change from one form to another when they are released into the aquatic ecosystem. Optimal control model is formulated from the nonlinear mathematical model for assessing dual-level toxicity of pesticides effect on aquatic species with the goal to minimizing the pesticides concentration in the aquatic species environment and maximizing the aquatic species population. Two control functions were introduced to represent a policy of not allowing pesticides concentration into the aquatic species environment and the removal of those pesticides that are already in the aquatic environment. The resulting optimal controls are characterized in terms of the optimality system and it was solved quantitatively for different scenarios using both forward and backward sweep iterative method with Runge-Kutta fourth order scheme. The result of the system showed different levels of the aquatic species population stability due to the different levels of the pesticides influx. It was also observed that the degradation of pesticides concentration causes pesticides concentration to vary significantly between the water body and the sediment region with significant level effect on the aquatic species.

Two field experiments were conducted at the Research Farm of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State during the 2018 and 2019 rainy seasons to determine the effect of neem fertilizer rates and weed control methods on the growth and yields of soybeans. The experimental treatments were made up of four neem fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1) and six weed control methods (pendimethalin at 1.5 kg a.i ha-1 followed by one hoe weeding, pendimethalin at 2.0 kg a.i. ha-1 followed by diuron at 1.5 kg a.i ha-1, weeding once at 3 WAS, weeding twice at 3 and 6 WAS, weed free and weedy check. The experiment was a 3 × 3 factorial experiment laid out in a Randomize complete block design replicated three times. TGX 1448 – 2E variety of soybean was used for the study. Result showed that weed control efficiency was better with the use of 150 kg ha-1 of neem fertilizer, while decrease in weed dry matter was obtained at 50 kg ha-1. Increase in number of leaves and leaf area were encouraged with 150 kg ha-1 of neem fertilizer. Weed free treatments recorded the highest grain yield and 100 seed weight of soybean. Pendimethalin at 1.5 or 2.0 kg a.i ha-1 supplemented with one hoe weeding or diuron at 1.5 kg a.i ha-1 respectively can be an alternative for better control of weeds to obtain greater yield of soybean in the study area.

Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is a term that describe the presence of conditions that increase an individual risk for heart disease and other disorders such as diabetes and stroke, and its occurrence is in the rise in residents of North-Western Nigeria, The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and determinants of metabolic syndrome in respondents from Katsina senatorial zone attending the Out-patient Department of the Federal Medical Center Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria. A total of 211 (male 109; female 102) respondents aged 10 to 80 years were recruited for the study. Anthropometric parameters and blood pressure of respondents were determined using standard methods; serum lipid profile was determined using enzymatic methods. From the results, 11.8% of the male respondents were under weight, 51.6% were within the normal range, 25.4% of the study male population was found to be overweight and 12.8% were obese. 13.5% of the female respondents were under weight, 51.9% were within the normal range, 22.8% of the study female population was found to be overweight and 13.1% were obese. All serum lipids measurements with the exception of serum LDL-C concentration correlated positively with age. There were no statistically significant differences between the frequencies of total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and TRIG between the male and female respondents. The most common form of Dyslipidemia in the male and female respondents is low HDL-C. BMI, SBP, LDL-C, HDLC and TRIG were associated metabolic syndrome with the association being significant for SBP and HDL-C (0.05; 0.03) in the male respondent, in the female respondents BMI, SBP, DBP, LDL-C and TRIG were associated metabolic syndrome with the association being significant for SBP, DBP, and TRIG (0.04; 0.04; 0.04) respectively. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was highest in male (31.75%) than in the female respondents (28.33).The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is common in the population under study with the male respondents having the highest prevalence. A robust and well design intervention program by concerned authorities is desirable to address complications of the risk factors for metabolic syndrome in the population.

Bioaccumulation of toxic substances in liver poses a serious threat to its functionality and consequently leads to damage/injury. Medicinal plants have been reported to be effective in the treatment and management of various diseases. The present study is aimed at evaluating the hepatocurative potentials of Tapinanthus bangwensis and Moringa oleifera on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry were respectively used to assay for mineral elements and antioxidant activity of methanol extracts/fractions of T. bangwensis and M. oleifera. Concentrations of potassium in methanol extract of M. oleifera (MeCE 2) and magnesium in T. bangwensis (MeCE 1) were found to be significantly high (p < 0.05). Concentrations of trace elements were low in the range of 0.07 mg/kg to 0.60 mg/kg. The in vitro lipid peroxidation assay showed that ethylacetate fraction and acetone fraction of T. bangwensis (ETF 1 and ACF 1) respectively exhibited the strongest and lowest antioxidant activity compared to other extracts/fractions. Oral administration of methanol extracts/fractions of T. bangwensis and M. oleifera significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, increased glutathione (GSH) level and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) level. The liver function indices (or liver biomarkers) such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin, total protein, total and conjugated bilirubin and lipid parameters (low density lipoprotein (LDL-c), cholesterol and triglyceride) were also significantly reduced. However high density lipoprotein (HDL-c) increased in the groups induced and treated with methanol extracts/fractions of T. bangwensis and M. oleifera compared to the group induced but untreated. It can be concluded that the plants possessed hepatocurative potential against CCl - 4 induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats Keywords: Bioaccumulation, Hepatotoxicity, Liver biomarkers, Moringa oleifera Tapinanthus bangwensis

Aim: To evaluate hypolipidaemic potentials of column chromatography fractions (F1 to F6) of the chloroform leaf extract of Ficus polita and to detect the bioactive compounds present in the most active fraction using spectroscopic techniques. Study Design: Fourty-five (45) wistar rats were grouped into nine groups of five rats each: normal control, hyperlipidaemic control, hyperlipidaemic administered with standard drug control/ atorvastatin (10 mg/kg body weight), and hyperlipidaemic administered groups administered with 50 mg/kg body weight of column chromatography fractions (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, and F6) for a period of two weeks. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria, from May 2018 to April 2019. Methodology: Chloroform leaf extract of F. polita was fractionated by using column chromatography, and the resulting fractions were pooled, based on their retention factor (Rf), into six (6) fractions by using analytical thin layer chromatography. The resulting six (6) fractions were screened for hypolipidaemic activity. Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) were determined. The rats treated with the best fraction in terms hypolipidaemic activity (fraction 3) were screened for serum HMG Co A reductase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) activities, as well as troponin I level. Oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were determined in the heart tissue homogenate of the rats treated with fraction 3. Results: Fraction 3 treated hyperlipidaemic group showed significant (p

The present study was conducted to evaluate anti-diabetic potentials of column chromatography fractions (F1-F6) of chloroform leaf extract of Ficus polita and to detect the probable bioactive compounds present in the most active fraction using spectroscopic techniques. Antidiabetic potential of the fractions (F1-F6) were tested at a dose of 50 mg/kg on wistar rats. Fraction 3 and metformin treated diabetic groups showed significant decreases in fasting blood glucose (FBS) level, ameliorate hepatic and renal damages by decreasing the levels of serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin AST, ALT, creatinine, urea, potassium and chloride, but increasing the levels of serum total protein, albumin, sodium, and bicarbonate compared to untreated diabetic rats. Fraction 3 also stimulates insulin secretion by β cells. After alloxan administration, the levels of hepatic and renal tissues antioxidant markers such as GSH, SOD and catalase were decreased whereas the level of hepatic and renal tissues MDA was elevated. The levels of these antioxidant markers were brought to normalcy by fraction 3 (F3). Histological studies of the pancreas supported the biochemical findings, and treatment with fraction 3 (F3) was found to be effective in restoring alloxan-induced pancreatic toxicity in rats. FTIR and GCMS and analyses were conducted for the detection of bioactive compound(s) in fraction 3 (F3) and the result revealed the presence of "8-methoxy-4-phenylquinoline and narceine The study concludes that; the anti-diabetic property of the leaf of Ficus polita is mediated by the bioactive compounds " 8-methoxy-4-phenylquinoline, and narceine." through their antioxidant properties and stimulation of damaged pancreas to produce more insulin.

Vegetable fields in Katsina State are increasingly being loaded with heavy metals through various pollution sources such as agricultural activities mining and traffic. Onion bulb samples from the three senatorial zones that constitute to make up Katsina state in the North West of Nigeria were collected and the concentrations of seven heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Fe, Zn, Mn and Ni) in all the samples were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The health risk assessment methods developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) were employed to explore the potential health hazards of heavy metals in the samples on the children and adult population. The highest mean concentration (mg/kg) was observed for Fe, followed by Pb, Zn and Mn. While Cd has the lowest concentration with the heavy metals Cr and Ni being below detection level (BDL). Overall hazard index (Hi) for the heavy metals were within the safety limit. The overall cancer risk to the adults based on pseudo-total metal concentrations exceeded the target value, mainly contributed by Pb. Mn and Zn were the primary heavy metals posing non-cancer risks while Pb caused the greatest cancer risk. It was concluded that consumption of the onion samples from Katsina State may contribute to the population cancer burden.

Previous studies showed that Ziziphus mauritiana is ethnomedicinally beneficial against various diseases, however the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of this plant have not been well investigated. Therefore this study was undertaken to investigate cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of four different solvents extracts of Ziziphus mauritiana (Lam) leaf at different concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mg/L) using Allium cepa model. The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity parameters evaluated were mitotic index, root tip growth length and chromosomal aberration respectively. The result revealed a decrease in mitotic index percentage (%MI) and a dose dependent decrease in root tip length with increase in extracts concentration for all the extracts studied - with the ethanol extract showing the most significant effect in mitotic index. Furthermore, the effective concentrations (EC50) obtained were 81.30, 52.01, 90.68 and 112.30 mg/l for aqueous, ethanol, ethyl acetate and hexane extract respectively. Finally chromosomal aberrations such as vagrant chromosome, c-mitosis, bridged anaphase, sticky telophase were also observed in all four extracts and the percentage chromosomal aberration were observed to decrease with increased concentrations of extracts. Therefore based on the result obtained in this study it may be concluded that the plant (Ziziphus mauritiana (Lam)) extracts are cytotoxic and genotoxic in nature and the observed decrease in percentage chromosomal aberration may be as a result of antimutagenic bioactive principles present in the plant extracts. Hence care must be taken in its consumption and use in folk medicine.

Medicinal plants are considered two-edged swords. They are pharmacologically beneficial and sometimes toxic when abused. The health benefit of medicinal plant is due to their abundant phytochemical endowment. The present study is aimed at evaluating the biosafety potentials of methanol extracts/fractions of Tapinanthus bangwensis (T. bangwensis) and Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) leaves using Allium cepa (A. cepa) model. Cytotoxicity assay was carried out by A. epa model. The cytotoxicity parameters studied were number of dividing cells, percentage mitotic index (% MI), root tip growth length and chromosomal aberrations. The phytochemistry was determined by UV-spectrophotometry while 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) were used to assay antioxidant activity. The A. cepa assay result showed that the inhibitory effect of M. oleifera on root tip growth length was higher compared to T. bangwensis at 60-100mg/100ml concentrations. Decreased number of dividing cells and percentage mitotic index as concentrations increased observed indicate cytotoxicity however the acetone fractions were most cytotoxic. The frequently occurring chromosomal aberrations observed were vagrant, bridged, attached and sticky chromosomes while C-mitosis and binuclear chromosomes were not observed. Therefore cytotoxic effect was significant at 100mg/100ml. The phytochemical screening of methanol extracts/fractions of T. bangwensis and M. oleifera leaves revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins and tannins however saponins were significantly abundant in both plants compared to others. Alkaloid content was found to be low but was not detected in the acetone fractions of the plants. Methanol extracts/fractions of the plants' leaves exhibited antioxidant activities but was more prominent in the ethylacetate fraction of T. bangwensis and acetone fraction of M. oleifera. In conclusion, administration at 100mg/100ml could be unsafe for the biological system.

This study was conducted to determine the heavy metals concentration in pepper fruits cultivated in Katsina state Nigeria. The objectives were mainly to detect the presence of heavy metals in the cultivated pepper fruits in the study area, compare the concentration of heavy metals in samples in relation to the permissible limits specified by WHO/FAO/USEPA Standards. Samples of the pepper fruits were collected in the year 2017 from the selected area. Analysis for the concentration of these heavy metals; Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn was conducted by the use of AAS (by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) method. The health risks to the local inhabitants from the consumption of the samples were evaluated based on the Target Hazard Quotient. The possibility of cancer risks in the samples through intake of carcinogenic heavy metals was estimated using the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk. Results from this study has shown that with the exception of the mean values for the heavy metal Pb (1.200-1.333 mg/kg), the mean concentration range (mg/kg) values of Fe (0.901-0.967), Zn (0.899-0.911), Mn (0.250-0.287), Cd (0.053-0.0556) in the samples were generally lower than the USEPA, WHO/FAO maximum permissive limits. With the heavy metals Cr and Ni being below detection level (BDL) The results have indicated that the estimated daily intake (EDI) of the heavy metals were lower than the tolerable daily intake limit set by the USEPA in all the samples. Risk level of Target Hazard Quotient (THQ < 1) was observed for all the evaluated heavy metals for both adults and children. The THQ for the samples were in the decreasing order Mn>Zn>Pb>Fe>Cd, for all the pepper fruits respectively. The sequence of risk was the same for both adults and children although the children had higher THQ values in all cases. ILCR for Cd violated the threshold risk limit (>10−4) and ILCR for Pb reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) in all the studied samples in adults, While in children ILCR for both Pb and Cd violated the risk. The sampling area trend of risk for developing cancer as a result of consuming the studied samples showed in decreasing order: Funtua senatorial zone > Daura senatorial zone> Katsina senatorial zone for both adult and children. The Cumulative cancer risk (∑ILCR) of all the studied pepper fruits reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) in adults, while in children it is above the moderate risk limit (>10−2). Among all the studied samples, pepper sample from Funtua senatorial zone has the highest chances of cancer risks (ILCR 6.863273 × 10−3 in adults; ILCR 1.715815 × 10−2 in children) and pepper sample from Katsina senatorial zone has the lowest chances of cancer risk (ILCR 6.260100 × 10−3 in adults; ILCR 1.565025 × 10−2 in children). The study suggests that consumption of the studied pepper fruits in Katsina state is of public health concern as they may contribute to the population cancer burden.

Vegetables play important roles in human nutrition and health. They can also contain some undesirable components that can be harmful, e.g. Pesticides and heavy metals. The objectives of the study were mainly to detect the presence of heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn) in sampled Baobab leaf in Katsina state Nigeria and assessed the human health risks associated with the consumption of the Baobab leaves. The content of these metals was assayed by the AAS method. The health risk to the local inhabitants was evaluated by estimating daily heavy metal intake and computing the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) and the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) for cancer and non-cancer risks. The results were compared with the safety standards established by the WHO/FAO and USEPA. With the exception of the heavy metal Pb (0.526-0.981) the mean concentration (mg/kg) range values of Cr (0.116-0.352), Cd (0.041-0.054), Fe (1.016-1.951) and Zn (0.940-1.229) in the samples were generally lower than the USEPA, WHO/FAO maximum permissive limits. The risk level of Target Hazard Quotient (THQ < 1) was observed for all the evaluated heavy metals for both adults and children. The THQ for the samples was in the decreasing order Zn>Fe>Pb>Cr>Cd, for all the baobab leaf samples respectively. All the studied samples showed the risk level (HI < 1). ILCR for Cd violated the threshold risk limit (>10−4) and ILCR for Pb reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) for cancer in all the studied samples in adults, While in children ILCR for Pb in samples from Dabai and Daura have reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3), while the ILCR for Pb in rest of the samples and ILCR for Cd of all the samples are beyond the moderate risk level (>10−2). The consumption of the Baobab leaf sample may contribute to the population cancer burden.

Correlational study and evaluation of pollution indices of toxic metals distribution in soil and crops of a population are imperative for assessing the risk of chronic diseases associated with these metals. Correlational analysis for the distribution of; lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and mercury (Hg) in soil (S), bean (B) and maize (M) was conducted around Bunkure (BKR), Danbatta (DBT), Gwarzo (GRZ), Ungogo (UGG) and Wudil (WDL) as sampling zones around Kano State, Nigeria. The samples were collected from farm harvests in each of the sampling zones. The metal concentration was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Results in mg/kg across the local governments indicate respective ranges for Hg, Pb, Cd, and Cr of; 0.33 - 3.13, 0.14 - 0.84, 0.02 - 0.05 and 0.01- 0.49 in soil, 0.04-4.23, 0.06-0.23, 0.02-0.04 and 0.00-0.10 in maize and 0.20-4.23, 0.16-0.19, 0.03-0.04 and 0.00-0.03 in beans. Although with the exception of mercury, the ranges of the toxic metals are within the tolerable range set by International Standard Tolerable Limits and European Regulatory Standard. Potential hazard may be speculated because the detected levels are on higher tolerable ranges. A higher level of mercury in almost all the samples indicates potential hazards associated with human activities in those areas. A strong positive correlation between soils samples in respect to the level of some of the toxic metal may suggest a common nature of the soil, while the negative correlation may be due to variation in agrochemicals in-use. For the pollution load index, Wudil had the highest soil pollution load index for Hg (3.13 ± 0.16), Cd (1.6×10-2 ± 0.01) and Cr (4.9×10-3 ± 0.01), while Ungogo had the highest pollution load for Pb. Also, all grains within the study zones exhibited a positive transfer factor, except Cr in Bunkure, Danbatta and Gwarzo. It may be concluded that crops grown in those areas may bioaccumulate some of these toxic metals, thereby incorporating them into the food chain, hence potential health risk.

Aim: To investigate the effect of Carica papaya seed extract on KBrO3 - induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Renal toxicity was induced by a single oral dose of 100 mg/kg body weight of KBrO3. Study Design: Thirty (30) male albino rats were divided into six groups, five rats per group; normal control, KBrO3 control, papaya control and KBrO3 group administered with methanol seed extract of 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg body weight for 48 hours. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria, from April 2018 to August 2018. Methodology: Serum urea, creatinine, uric acid and electrolytes were determined using kits from randox laboratories. Furthermore, activities of renal brush border membrane marker enzymes namely γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), maltase (Mal) and leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) and some parameters of oxidative stress including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined in homogenates prepared from renal cortex and medulla of the kidney of rats using colorimetric methods. Results: Administration of KBrO3 significantly (P

This study was conducted to determine the heavy metals concentration in Tomato fruits cultivated in Katsina State Nigeria. The objectives were mainly to detect the presence of heavy metals in the cultivated Tomato fruits in the study area, compare the concentration of heavy metals in samples in relation to the permissible limits specified by WHO/FAO/USEPA Standards. Samples of cultivated tomato fruits were collected in the year 2017 from the selected areas. Analysis for the concentration of these heavy metals; Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn was conducted by the use of AAS (by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) method. The health risks to the local inhabitants from the consumption of the samples were evaluated based on the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ). The possibility of cancer risks in the samples through intake of carcinogenic heavy metals was estimated using the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR). Results from this study has shown that with the exception of the mean values for the heavy metal Pb (1.171–1.21 mg/kg), the mean concentration (mg/kg) range values of Zn (0.558- 1.851), Fe (0.880–1.181), Mn (0.458-0.671) and Cd (0.054-0.062) were below the WHO/FAO maximum permissive limits. The results have indicated that the estimated daily intake (EDI) of the heavy metals were lower than the tolerable daily intake limit set by the USEPA in all the samples. All the studied tomato fruits showed the risk level (HI < 1). Risk level of Target Hazard Quotient (THQ < 1) was observed for all the evaluated heavy metals for both adults and children. The THQ for the samples were in the decreasing order Mn>Zn>Pb>Fe>Cd, for all the tomato fruits respectively. ILCR for Cd violated the threshold risk limit (>10−4) and ILCR for Pb reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) in all the studied samples in adults, While in children ILCR for both Pb and Cd violated the risk. The sampling area trend of risk for developing cancer as a result of consuming the studied samples showed in decreasing order: Daura senatorial zone > Funtua senatorial zone> Katsina senatorial zone for both adult and children. Cumulative cancer risk (∑ILCR) of all the studied tomato fruits reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) in adults, while in children it is above the moderate risk limit (>10−2). The study suggests that consumption of the studied tomato fruits in Katsina state is of public health concern as they may contribute to the population cancer burden.

This study was conducted to determine the heavy metals concentration in maize cultivated in Katsina state Nigeria. The objectives were mainly to detect the presence of heavy metals in the cultivated maize in the study area, compare the concentration of heavy metals in samples in relation to the permissible limits specified by WHO/FAO/USEPA Standards and asses the health risks to the local consumers. Samples of cultivated maize were collected in the year 2017 from the selected areas. Analysis for the concentration of these heavy metals; Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn was conducted by the use of AAS (by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) method. The health risks to the local inhabitants from the consumption of the samples were evaluated based on the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ). The possibility of cancer risks in the samples through the intake of carcinogenic heavy metals was estimated using the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR). Results from this study have shown that with the exception of the heavy metal Pb the concentration values of Cr, Cd, Fe, Mn and Zn in the samples were generally lower than the USEPA, WHO/FAO maximum permissive limits. The results have also indicated that the estimated daily intake of the heavy metals was lower than the tolerable daily intake limit set by the USEPA in all samples. The risk level of Target Hazard Quotient (THQ < 1) was observed for all the evaluated heavy metals for both adults and children.. The THQ for the samples was in the decreasing order Zn>Pb>Fe>Cr>Cd, for all the samples respectively. All the studied samples showed the hazard index (HI < 1) with highest in the sample from Dabai and lowest in the sample from Funtua. In adults the ILCR for Cd violated the threshold risk limit (>10−4) in all the studied samples, while the ILCR for Pb reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) except for the sample from Kafur which is above the limit (>10−2). In children ILCR for Cd in all samples and Pb for samples from Birchi, Katsina and Malunfashi has reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) while the ILCR for Pb in samples from Dabai, Funtua and Kafur is above the limit (>10−2). The trend of risk for developing cancer as a result of consuming the studied maize samples showed: Kafur> Dabai > Funtua> Malunfashi > Katsina. Cumulative cancer risk (∑ILCR) in adults of all the studied maize samples reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) except for sample from Kafur which is above the moderate risk limit (>10−2). While the cumulative cancer risk (∑ILCR) in children of all the studied maize samples is above the moderate risk limit (>10−2) except for sample from Katsina which is within the moderate risk limit (>10−3). Among all the studied samples maize sample from Kafur has the highest chances of cancer risks (ILCR 1.297980 × 10−2 in adults, 1.510018 × 10−2 in children) and sample from Katsina has the lowest chances of cancer risk (ILCR 1.68603093 × 10−3 in adults, 7.775840 × 10−3 in children). The study suggests that consumption of the studied maize samples in Katsina state is of public health concern as they may contribute to the population cancer burden.

This study was conducted to determine the heavy metals concentration in Hibiscus leaves cultivated in Katsina State Nigeria. The objectives were mainly to detect the presence of heavy metals in the cultivated Hibiscus leaves in the study area, compare the concentration of heavy metals in samples in relation to the permissible limits specified by WHO/FAO/USEPA Standards. Samples of cultivated Hibiscus leaves were collected in the year 2017 from the selected area. Analysis for the concentration of these heavy metals; Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn was conducted by the use of AAS (by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) method. The health risks to the local inhabitants from the consumption of the samples were evaluated based on the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ). The possibility of cancer risks for the adult and children population through intake of carcinogenic heavy metals in the samples was estimated using the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR). Results from this study shows that with the exception of Pb with mean concentration of (0.508-0.978), the mean concentration (mg/kg) range values of Cr (0.135-0.261), Cd (0.042-0.051), Fe (0.684-0.978) and Zn (1.048-1.208) in the samples were generally lower than the USEPA, WHO/FAO maximum permissive limits. The results have indicated that the estimated daily intake (EDI) of the heavy metals were lower than the tolerable daily intake limit set by the USEPA in both samples and the health risk index (HRI) for all the heavy metals were Pb>Fe>Cr>Cd. ILCR for Cd is below the threshold risk limit (>10−5) and ILCR for Pb reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) in all the studied samples in adults, While in children ILCR for both Pb and Cd in samples from Dabai, Daura, Funtua, Matazu and Zango for all samples have reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3), while the ILCR for Pb in samples from Birchi, Dutsinma, Kafur, Katsina and Malunfashi were beyond the moderate risk level (>10−2). The sampling area trend of risk for developing cancer as a result of consuming the studied samples showed: Funtua > Daura > Dutsinma > Katsina > Malunfashi > Matazu > Zango > Ingawa > Kafur > Dabai > Birchi for both adult and children, cumulative cancer risk (∑ILCR) of all the studied Hibiscus samples have reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) in adult. While in children with the exception of the sample from Birchi, Dabai and Kafur which are within the moderate cancer risk (>10−3) limit, all other samples were beyond the moderate cancer risk (>10−2) limit. The study suggests that consumption of the studied samples in Katsina state is of public health concern as they may contribute to the population cancer burden.

Graphical abstract Toxicological study of aqueous-methanol solvent fraction of methanol extract of Dacryodes edulis leaves., Highlights • Toxicity of aqueous-methanol solvent fraction of methanol extract of Dacryodes edulis leaves was evaluated. • The oral median lethal dose (LD50) was greater than 5000 mg/kgbw –practically non-toxic. • Erythrocytic indices – RBC, HB, HCT – were significantly decreased. • No renal or liver toxicity observed on treating (200−600 mg/kgbw) for 28- days. • Mitotic depression and chromosomal aberrations were observed in the Allium cepa model., Dacryodes edulis (G. Don) H.J. Lam) is the most popular species under the genus Dacryodes. It is well known for its nutritional and ethno-medicinal uses in South-eastern and South-western Nigeria. This study was aimed to evaluate the toxicity of the aqueous-methanol fraction of crude methanol extract of Dacryodes edulis leaves (AMDE). The test rats were randomized to groups of single oral treatment of AMDE (10−5000 mg/kgbw) for the acute toxicity study. They were monitored for obvious signs of behavioural change and mortality. For the subacute toxicity study, the rats were randomized to three daily treatment groups (of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kgbw of AMDE) for 28 days. The fourth group (control) received 2.5 %v/v DMSO. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for hematology and clinical chemistry evaluation. The histopathology of the livers and kidneys were assessed using the excised organs. The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of AMDE were also evaluated using Allium cepa model. The result showed that acute administration of AMDE, up to a dose of 5000 mg/kgbw did not result in mortality of the test rats. The observed median lethal dose (LD50) was greater than 5000 mg/kgbw. The subacute oral administration of AMDE for 28 days showed no significant (p > 0.05) effect on liver function, kidney function indices, organ - body weight ratio, but significantly (p

Study on the evaluation of the nutritional quality of poorly utilized plant products is of immense importance. This research work, therefore, evaluates the amino acid profile and mineral content of Balanites aegyptiaca kernel using standard analytical methods. The amino acid profile analysis revealed the presence of essential and the non-essential amino acids of which Total sulphur and Total aromatic amino acids content were 2.86 g/100 g protein and 7.21 g/100 g protein respectively. Analysis of the mineral content showed the presence of the following minerals in the order; Magnesium ˃ Sodium ˃ Calcium ˃ Potassium ˃ Iron ˃ Zinc ˃ Manganese ˃ Lead ˃ Copper ˃ Nickel ˃ Chromium ˃ Cadmium. The kernel could, therefore, be used as a good source of protein and minerals in supplementing other sources in order to reduce food insecurity and hence malnutrition from lack of protein diets.

Objectives: High lipids and carbohydrate have been seriously implicated to cardiovascular problems, which has led to several uses of medicinal plants for traditional remedies. The present study investigated the lipid lowering activity of fresh leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata in Albino wistar rats. Methods: Twenty (20) rats used for the study were grouped into four groups of five (5) rats each. Group I served as normal control, group II, III and IV served as test groups, fed 75, 108 and 148 g of cholesterol enriched diet for one week and thereafter, administered with 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg body weight of fresh leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata respectively for four (4) days. Lipid profile and blood glucose were assayed at fed state and after administration. Results showed a significant (p

This study was conducted in the year 2016 to determine the heavy metal concentrations in whole fish (Clarias gariepinus) samples and water obtained from some selected Dams (Ajiwa, Zobe and Dannakola) in Katsina state Nigeria. The objectives were mainly to detect the presence of heavy metals in whole fish and water from some selected Dams in the study area, compare the concentration of heavy metals in samples from the selected Dams concerning the permissible limits specified by WHO/FAO and USEPA Standards. Eight (8) water samples were collected at 8 random points within approximately 1000 meters on each extremity and median parts of the selected dams. Fish (Clarias gariepinus) was sampled using standard methods (AOAC, 1990). The fish and water samples were collected from Ajiwa, Zobe and Dannakola Dams of Katsina state Nigeria. Nine adult fish samples, three each from Ajiwa Dam, and Dannakola were procured from fishermen. Analysis of the concentration of these heavy metals; Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn was conducted by the use of AAS (by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) method. The results showed wide mean concentrations of the heavy metals in the selected dams water; iron recorded the highest level (range 0.4596 μg / g - 2.9510 μg / g) and lead (range 0.0031 μg / g -0.0323 μg / g) recorded the lowest level, for the fish samples the mean concentrations of the same heavy metals showed iron recording the highest level (range 1.8847 μg / g -10.0474 μg / g) and cadmium (0.0130 μg / g -0.0138 μg / g) recording the lowest level. Results from this study indicate that with the exception of the heavy metals Cd, Fe and Pb (from Zobe dam sample) values of Mn, Pb (Ajiwa and Dannakola dams samples) and Zn in the water samples were generally lower than the USEPA, WHO/FAO maximum permissive limits while Ni was below the detection level (BDL) in all the samples. the results of this study showed that apart from Mn (PI range = 0.02-0.09), Zn (PI range = 0.01-0.03) and Pb for sampled water from Dannakola dam (PI= 0.77) which have no effect on the water quality, all the other heavy metals have pollution indices which suggest slightly, to moderate and strong effect on the selected dams water quality consideration for human and aquatic health. The metal indices also showed that all the heavy metals are at the threshold level (MI > 1) except for the heavy metals Mn and Zn in sampled waters from all the selected dams, Pb for water samples from Ajiwa and Dannakola dams and Cr for Zobe dam water sample. With the exception of the heavy metals Pb, Ni and Cr that were BDL in the fish samples the levels of the heavy metals all fall below the USEPA, WHO/FAO permissible limit for fish. The results from the present study suggests that the selected dams water quality is threatened by heavy metals pollution and may have adverse implication for drinking and aquatic health, in the fish samples the concentration levels of the heavy metals all fall below the USEPA, WHO/FAO permissible limit for fish. However, the fish’s bio-accumulation factors of the metals suggest that they have high potentials to bio-accumulate some of the heavy metals to high levels and this may have adverse implication for human consumption.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • The extracts revealed cytotoxic potential which was most prominent in the acetone fractions • Vigrant, bridged, attached, and sticky chromosomal aberrations were observed more prominently • Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins and tannins. • Ethylacetate fraction of T. bangwensis and acetone fraction of M. oleifera exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity., Medicinal plants are considered two-edged swords. They are pharmacologically beneficial and sometimes toxic when abused. The health benefit of medicinal plant is due to their abundant phytochemical endowment. The present study is aimed at evaluating the biosafety potentials of methanol extracts/fractions of Tapinanthus bangwensis (T. bangwensis) and Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) leaves using Allium cepa (A. cepa) model. Cytotoxicity assay was carried out by A. epa model. The cytotoxicity parameters studied were number of dividing cells, percentage mitotic index (% MI), root tip growth length and chromosomal aberrations. The phytochemistry was determined by UV-spectrophotometry while 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) were used to assay antioxidant activity. The A. cepa assay result showed that the inhibitory effect of M. oleifera on root tip growth length was higher compared to T. bangwensis at 60-100mg/100ml concentrations. Decreased number of dividing cells and percentage mitotic index as concentrations increased observed indicate cytotoxicity however the acetone fractions were most cytotoxic. The frequently occurring chromosomal aberrations observed were vagrant, bridged, attached and sticky chromosomes while C-mitosis and binuclear chromosomes were not observed. Therefore cytotoxic effect was significant at 100mg/100ml. The phytochemical screening of methanol extracts/fractions of T. bangwensis and M. oleifera leaves revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins and tannins however saponins were significantly abundant in both plants compared to others. Alkaloid content was found to be low but was not detected in the acetone fractions of the plants. Methanol extracts/fractions of the plants' leaves exhibited antioxidant activities but was more prominent in the ethylacetate fraction of T. bangwensis and acetone fraction of M. oleifera. In conclusion, administration at 100mg/100ml could be unsafe for the biological system.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Aim this study is to evaluate cytotoxic & genotoxic Potentials of different solvents extract of Ziziphus mauritiana leaf. • Mitotic index decreases with increase in dose concentration of these extracts. • Dose dependent decrease in root tip growth except ethanol extract. • Effective Concentration of extracts are aqueous (81.30), ethanol (52.01), Ethylacetate (90.68) and hexane (112.30) mg/L. • Chromosomal aberrations such as vagrant, c-mitosis, bridged anaphase, sticky Telophase were predominant. • Evaluated parameters in the plant extracts suggest cytotoxic and genotoxic effects., Previous studies showed that Ziziphus mauritiana is ethnomedicinally beneficial against various diseases, however the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of this plant have not been well investigated. Therefore this study was undertaken to investigate cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of four different solvents extracts of Ziziphus mauritiana (Lam) leaf at different concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mg/L) using Allium cepa model. The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity parameters evaluated were mitotic index, root tip growth length and chromosomal aberration respectively. The result revealed a decrease in mitotic index percentage (%MI) and a dose dependent decrease in root tip length with increase in extracts concentration for all the extracts studied - with the ethanol extract showing the most significant effect in mitotic index. Furthermore, the effective concentrations (EC50) obtained were 81.30, 52.01, 90.68 and 112.30 mg/l for aqueous, ethanol, ethyl acetate and hexane extract respectively. Finally chromosomal aberrations such as vagrant chromosome, c-mitosis, bridged anaphase, sticky telophase were also observed in all four extracts and the percentage chromosomal aberration were observed to decrease with increased concentrations of extracts. Therefore based on the result obtained in this study it may be concluded that the plant (Ziziphus mauritiana (Lam)) extracts are cytotoxic and genotoxic in nature and the observed decrease in percentage chromosomal aberration may be as a result of antimutagenic bioactive principles present in the plant extracts. Hence care must be taken in its consumption and use in folk medicine.

Introduction: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common and sometimes fatal disease. It is due to obstruction of a pulmonary artery or one of its branches by material (e.g., thrombus, tumor, air, or fat) that originated elsewhere in the body. Objective: To review and evaluate the potentially serious adverse effects of prolonged use of combined oral contraceptive pills in a 50-year-old woman. Case Presentation: A 50-year-old Saudi female admitted to our hospital,(King Fahad hospital Alhfuof) with an eight-day history of right leg swelling associated with pain, she is not known diabetic or hypertensive. She is para8 with no history of abortion and she was using oral contraceptive pills for the past fourteen years. Diagnosis of deep Vein thrombosis was made by color duplex ultrasonography. She was started on enoxaparin sodium 70 mg twice per day and warfarin 5 mg daily. She improved and the INR was in the therapeutic range in Day 5 of admission it was 2.2; but she developed dyspnoea, chest pain and had tachycardia. CT pulmonary angiography and showed an acute pulmonary embolism in the right pulmonary artery. The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit and managed with high flow oxygen and low molecular weight heparin was continued and the warfarin dose was increased; she became well without significant sequelae and was discharged from hospital in good condition. Conclusion: This case illustrates the development of a life-threatening condition such as pulmonary embolism as a result of prolonged use of combined oral contraceptive pills in a 5o-year-old woman. Keywords: Deep Vein thrombosis; pulmonary embolism; oral contraceptive pills.