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In recent years, scientific interest in Moringa oleifera has surged due to its potential health-promoting properties in traditional healthcare services. Hence, the objective of this paper was to evaluate the antioxidant activities of ethanol extract of different parts of Moringa oleifera tree and the anti-anaemic potential of the parts in phenylhydrazine-induced heamatotoxicity in forty-eight (48) male Wistar albino rats using appropriate standard techniques. Qualitative phytochemical screening showed that Moringa oleifera parts contain flavonoids, saponins, and steroids and have antioxidant capabilities. The IC50 values for M. oleifera leaves and flowers DPPH were MOL 24.26 ± 2.92 µg/ml, MOF 43.69 ± 2.68 µg/ml, and gallic acid 16.71 ± 0.63 µg /ml. There was a significant increase in WBC, MCH, MCHC, and NEU in anaemic rats (14.07 ± 0.64 x 103, 22.6 ± 0.44 pg, 32.5 ± 0.85 g/dl, 33 ± 1.00 %, respectively) compared to the normal control (9.98 ± 0.92 x103, 18.98 ± 0.42 pg, 30.45 ± 0.5 g/dl, 29.05 ± 1.80 %, respectively) but lowered significantly with the treatment of different parts of Moringa oleifera. Histopathology showed moderate myeloblastic and lymphoblastic cellular traits in anaemic rats. The groups treated with hydroxyurea and Moringa oleifera parts showed varying frequencies of mild myeloblastic and lymphoblastic cellular traits, indicating improvement in the bone marrow. Findings from this study showed that Moringa oleifera parts have antioxidant capabilities and anti-anaemic potentials in a rat model of phenylhydrazine-induced heamatoxicity. However, the leaf is the most potent and efficient part based on the results of these findings.

Phytochemicals are bioactive plant chemicals nutrients typically found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and other plant foods which may provide desirable health benefits beyond basic nutrition and can help reduce risks of major chronic diseases. This study was conducted to evaluate the phytochemical constituents of fresh roots ethanolic and aqueous extracts of medicinal plants of Uvaria chamae, Anthocleista djalonensis and Euadenia eminens using standard methods of phytochemical screening and Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Phytochemical screening revealed a diverse array of phytochemical constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, isoprenoids, steroids, phlobatanins and cardiac glycosides. The results of GC-MS analysis of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of U. chamae revealed the presence of four and fourteen compounds respectively. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of A. djalonensis had ten and seventeen compounds respectively while the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of E. eminens was found to have six and twenty compounds respectively. These results indicate U. chamae, A. djalonensis and E. eminens possess phytochemicals which have potential antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory activity amongst others and as such, can be recommended as plants of phytopharmaceutical importance.

Breast cancer represents the most common neoplastic disease in females, accounting for up to one third of new diagnoses of women’s cancer in certain regions of the world. The chemo-preventive activity of ethanolic extracts of Newbouldia laevis and Olax subscorpioidea leaves on methylnitrosourea (MNU)–induced stroma fibrosis in female albino rats was evaluated. Quantitative and qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out to identify and determine the quantity of bioactive compounds. Haematoxylin and Eosin staining procedure was used to assess breast tissues of experimental animals. Cancer antigen (CA) markers 15-3, 27-29 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the blood of experimental animals were evaluated using an automated procedure. Quantitative phytochemical screening showed that Olax subscorpioidea and Newbouldia laevis contained alkaloid in the highest amount. Histopathological assay revealed the presence of stromal fibrosis in the breast tissues of 8 out of 10 rats administered with NMU. Levels of CA 15-3, CA 27-29, CEA were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated in MNU administered group in comparison to the negative control. Treatment with Olax subscorpioidea leave extract significantly (p < 0.05) ameliorated CA 15-3, CA 27-29 and CEA levels. However, treatment with Newbouldia laevis leave extract significantly (p < 0.05) ameliorated CA 15-3 and CEA levels only. Findings from this study showed that ethanolic extracts of Olax subscorpioidea and Newbouldia laevis leaves have chemo-preventive activity in NMU-induced stroma fibrosis in the breast tissue of female albino rats. However more studies on the discovery and validation of bioactive components of the plants are needed.

The rationale at the basis of targeted approach in oncology is radically shifting-from development of highly specific agents aiming at a single target towards molecules interfering with multiple targets. This study was performed to isolate and characterize bioactive molecules from Olax subscorpioidea stem and investigate their potentials as multi-targeted inhibitors against selected non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer and chronic myelogenous leukemia oncogenic targets. Three compounds: β-sitosterol ( 1 ), α-amyrin ( 2 ) and stigmasterol ( 3 ) were isolated. The structures of 1 - 3 were elucidated by analysis of their spectroscopic data (NMR, MS and IR). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time these compounds were isolated from O. subscorpioidea stems. Furthermore, integrated analysis of MS/MS data using the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) workflow enabled dereplication and identification of 26 compounds, including alkaloids (remerine, boldine), terpenoids (3-hydroxy-11-ursen-28,13-olide, oleanolic acid), flavonoids (kaempferitrin, olax chalcone A) and saponins in O. subscorpioidea stem. Molecular docking studies revealed that some of the compounds, including olax chalcone A (-9.2 to -10.9 kcal/mol), 3-Hydroxy-11-ursen-28,13-olide (-6.6 to -10.2 kcal/mol), α-amyrin (-6.6 to -10.2 kcal/mol), stigmasterol (-7.7 to -10.1 kcal/mol), β-Sitosterol (-7 to -9.9 kcal/mol) and kaempferitrin (-7.7 to -9 kcal/mol) possessed good inhibitory potentials against selected cancer targets, when compared with reference inhibitors (-8.4 to -13.7 kcal/mol). A few of these compounds were shown to have considerable to favorable pharmacokinetic and drug-likeness properties. This study provides some rationale for the use of O. subscorpioidea in ethnomedicinal management of cancer and identifies some potential anticancer agents.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Advances in synthetic biology have led to the design of biological parts that can be assembled in different ways to perform specific functions. For example, genetic circuits can be designed to execute specific therapeutic functions, including gene therapy or targeted detection and the destruction of invading viruses. Viral infections are difficult to manage through drug treatment. Due to their high mutation rates and their ability to hijack the host's ribosomes to make viral proteins, very few therapeutic options are available. One approach to addressing this problem is to disrupt the process of converting viral RNA into proteins, thereby disrupting the mechanism for assembling new viral particles that could infect other cells. This can be done by ensuring precise control over the abundance of viral RNA (vRNA) inside host cells by designing biological circuits to target vRNA for degradation. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have become important biological devices in regulating RNA processing. Incorporating naturally upregulated RBPs into a gene circuit could be advantageous because such a circuit could mimic the natural pathway for RNA degradation. This review highlights the process of viral RNA degradation and different approaches to designing genetic circuits. We also provide a customizable template for designing genetic circuits that utilize RBPs as transcription activators for viral RNA degradation, with the overall goal of taking advantage of the natural functions of RBPs in host cells to activate targeted viral RNA degradation.

Background: Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a hereditary blood disorder caused by a single mutation in the haemoglobin gene. The disease burden of SCA is highest in Nigeria. The allele specific polymerase chain reaction (ASPCR) method is applicable for the direct detection of known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)., Objective: To investigate the use of the single tube ASPCR as an accurate and affordable method for SCA screening in Nigeria., Methods: DNA was extracted from study subjects with normal haemoglobin, HbAA (20), sickle cell anaemia, HbSS (20) and carriers, HbAS (1). Haemoglobin was genotyped by ASPCR using two primer sets that amplifies the wildtype and mutant haemoglobins in each sample. Amplicon sizes were analyzed by gel electrophoresis., Results: Amplicons were visible after electrophoresis at regions 517 base pair (bp) for HbA and 267 bp for HbS. ASPCR correctly and unambiguously detected the presence or absence of haemoglobins A and S from all samples collected, demonstrating its accuracy and precision for the screening of SCA., Conclusion: This study validates ASPCR as an effective, low cost approach for the clinical screening of SCA in Nigeria. ASPCR is also applicable for other genetic diseases, paternity testing, and forensics where more expensive fluorescence-based approaches are not obtainable.

Aim: A polyherbal formulation prepared from a mixture of leaves of Gongronema latifolia, Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina (GOV) was evaluated for hepato-nephro protective properties against acetaminophen-induced toxicity in Wistar albino rats., Materials and Methods: Normal Wistar albino rats were orally treated with different doses of GOV extract (2, 4 and 8 g/kg b. wt), distilled water and some standard hepatoprotective drugs such as Liv 52 and silymarin for 14 days. However, a day prior to the 14th day, 3 g/kg body weight dose of Acetaminophen (APAP) was administered p.o. 1h before GOV and the standard drugs to induce hepatic and renal damage. The normal control was setup which received only distilled water. The serum levels of liver marker enzymes, biochemical analytes, antioxidant enzymes and hematological parameters were monitored., Results: The results showed that pretreatment of experimental animals with a different doses of the polyherbal formulation dose dependently caused a significant (p≤0.05) increase in the levels of most of the measured hematological parameters but significantly (p≤0.05) reduced the levels of MCV and monocytes when compared to the APAP induced toxin control group. Rats pretreated with GOV exhibited significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum levels of ALP, ALT, AST, GGT, LDH, Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Urea and a subsequent decrease in Albumin, Creatine and Total protein when compared to the normal rats. This trend in enzyme and biochemical analytes levels were significantly (p < 0.05) reversed when compared to toxin control group. GOV significantly (p < 0.05) and dose dependently increased the serum, kidney and hepatic CAT, GPx, GSH, GST, SOD and total protein activity in APAP induced damage in rats compared to the toxin control groups., Conclusion: The data from this study suggest that the polyherbal formulation possess hepato and nephron-protective potential against acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity in rats, thus providing scientific rationale for its use in traditional medicine for the treatment of liver diseases.

Context: Joloo is a Nigerian herbal decoction used for managing breast tumor, ulcer, pain, fever and general malaise in southwestern Nigeria., Objective: The evaluation of the sub-chronic toxicity of Joloo, a Nigerian herbal decoction, is done by investigating its effects on biochemical, antioxidant, histopathologic and hematologic indices in normal albino rats., Materials and Methods: Albino rats of either sex weighing between 128 and 160 g were divided into 4 groups of 10 rats each. Three test groups were orally administered 400, 800 and 1600 mg kg(-1) body weight (b. wt.) doses of Joloo while control animals received distilled water over 28 days. Animal were weighed weekly and sacrificed after day 28. Organs were harvested, weighed and subjected to histopathologic assessment. Liver and blood samples were used for biochemical, antioxidant and hematological studies., Results: Mortality and signs of toxicity were absent in animals treated with 400 and 800 mg kg(-1) doses of Joloo. At 1600 mg kg(-1) dose, 20% mortality occurred. Decreased body weight and red blood cells (P < 0.05) observed at 1600 mg kg(-1) differed significantly from control animals. No significant changes in body and organ weights presented. Significant increases in biochemical analytes and histopathologic parameters were unobserved. Rather, Joloo increased leukopoiesis and exhibited antioxidant activities at all doses., Discussion: Joloo proved safe at lower doses. The mortality at 1600 mg kg(-1) could be due to disturbances in the physiology of the animals. The significant reduction in erythropoiesis could indicate early signs of toxicity. However, the unremarkable increases in hepatic and antioxidant enzymes may suggest that Joloo modulated oxidative status in the animals., Conclusion: Joloo seems safe at lower doses, but caution is advised at higher doses.

This study aims to identify the types of proteins in malted and dry Bambara groundnut seeds and through a comparative analysis, identify similarities and their known uses. Dry viable bambara seed was stored for five days to malt. The proteins in the dry and malted seed were subsequently extracted in potassium phosphate buffer pH 7.0 and precipitated with saturated ammonium sulphate. MudPit (multidimensional protein identification technology) and LC-MALDI TOF-TOF (liquid chromatography - matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization tandem time-of-flight) mass spectrometry were thereafter used to identify the different types of proteins. A total of ten and twelve different types of proteins present in other legume species were identified in the malted and dry seeds respectively from the 214 peptides isolated after searching 586 proteins of the genus Vigna . Seed storage protein B and vicilin were observed to be the major proteins common to both malted and dry seeds and are similar to Vigna luteola . Some of the other proteins observed showed amino acid sequence homology with Vigna radiata and Vigna unguiculata species. The following proteins BV1, Heat shock and Bowman-Birk Inhibitor (a protease), were observed only in the malted state. This information may enhance the appreciation of the nutritional and health benefits of the seed.

The cytological and toxicological potentials of an ethanol extract of a decoction used in South Western Nigeria for the management of breast tumors were evaluated using mice and Allium cepa models. The oral administration of the extract to the mice within the range of 400-1600 mg kg(-1) b. wt., dosage did not result in any mortality until 2000 mg kg(-1) body weight (b. wt.), when 60% mortality occurred. The LD50 of the extract administered intraperitoneally, was 400 mg kg(-1) b. wt. Furthermore, the extract induced macroscopic and microscopic changes causing a dose-related root growth inhibition and chromosomal aberrations in Allium cepa. The effect of the extract was more pronounced at 1600 mg kg((-1), dose while the EC50 was at 380 mg after 72 h. This decoction may present cytological and toxicological potential for managing breast tumors and corroborates its use in ethno medicine.

The ability of microorganisms to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons is important for finding an environmentally-friendly method to restoring contaminated environmental matrices. Screening of hydrocarbon-utilizing and biosurfactant-producing abilities of organisms from an estuarine ecosystem in Nigeria, Africa, resulted in the isolation of five microbial strains identified as Corynebacterium sp. DDV1, Flavobacterium sp. DDV2, Micrococcus roseus DDV3, Pseudomonas aeruginosa DDV4 and Saccharomyces cerevisae DDV5. These isolates grew readily on several hydrocarbons including hexadecane, dodecane, crude oil and petroleum fractions. Axenic cultures of the organisms utilized diesel oil (1.0% v/v) with generation times that ranged significantly (t-test, P < 0.05) between 3.25 and 3.88 day, with concomitant production of biosurfactants. Kinetics of growth indicates that biosurfactant synthesis occurred predominantly during exponential growth phase, suggesting that the bioactive molecules are primary metabolites. Strains DDV1 and DDV4 were evidently the most metabolically active in terms of substrate utilization and biosurfactant synthesis compared to other strains with respective emulsification index of 63 and 78%. Preliminary biochemical characterization indicates that the biosurfactants are heteropolymers consisting of lipid, protein and carbohydrate moieties. The hydrocarbon catabolic properties coupled with biosurfactant-producing capabilities is an asset that could be exploited for cleanup of oil-contaminated matrices and also in food and cosmetic industries.

A crude enzyme extract from Dioscorea esculenta var. fasiculata tissue subjected to ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex A-50 column. This procedure resolved the extract into two main protein peaks one of which eluted through the column relatively unbound while the other protein peak which remained bound to the column was eluted with 1.0 M NaCl. Both protein peaks contained polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activities. The non-binding protein peak was resolved by gel filtration on Sephadex G-200 into distinct PPO and POD activities and by virtue of their apparent molecular weights of 95.5 Kd and 38.0 Kd for PPO and POD respectively were determined to be the typical enzymes. The PPO activity was completely inhibited invitro by 5 mM polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). The binding protein peak was not resolved by gel filtration. It contained PPO activity which was not inhibited by PVP and a POD activity which was completely inhibited by dithiothreitol (DTT) This ionic protein peak contained 60% of total POD in the tissue, has an apparent molecular weight of 56 Kd and is suggested to be a strongly anionic peroxidase which also exhibits polyphenol oxidase activity.