Hassan Abdulsalam Adewuyi

Anemia remains a major global public health concern, underscoring the need for innovative nutritional and therapeutic strategies. Indigenous food plants such as Carica papaya (pawpaw) have attracted attention as potential remedies; however, their claimed benefits require rigorous scientific confirmation through well-designed experimental models prior to clinical consideration. This study was designed to formulate and demonstrate a validated, two-stage experimental framework for the systematic assessment of plant-based anti-anemic activity, with C. papaya leaf and seed extracts used as a representative model. Anemia was experimentally induced in Wistar rats using aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) administered orally at 0.5 mg/kg daily for 14 days. The evaluation protocol consisted of two consecutive phases. In Stage 1, crude methanol extracts were screened at graded doses of 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg. Stage 2 focused on the most active extract identified in Stage 1, from which alkaloid and flavonoid fractions were isolated and tested at 75 and 150 mg/kg. Key hematological indices red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), and full blood count were assessed throughout the 14-day treatment period. Administration of AlCl₃ produced marked anemia, evidenced by a decline in RBC from 7.15 to 5.05 × 10¹²/L and a reduction in Hb from 13.65 to 8.55 g/dL in untreated anemic controls. During Stage 1, methanol extracts of C. papaya leaves at 300 and 500 mg/kg demonstrated the strongest hematological recovery, significantly improving RBC, Hb, and PCV values toward normal ranges. In Stage 2, the leaf-derived alkaloid fraction at 150 mg/kg emerged as the most potent intervention, surpassing flavonoid fractions and exhibiting a clear dose-responsive effect. Overall, this work introduces a reliable and reproducible two-stage experimental approach for screening and characterizing plant-derived anti-anemic agents. The results highlight C. papaya leaf methanol extract, particularly its alkaloid fraction, as a promising candidate for anemia management and provide a standardized methodological framework for future studies in this area.

Background: The integration of traditional food plants like Carica papaya (paw paw) into public health nutrition is hindered by inconsistent phytochemical methods, leading to irreproducible data and stalled implementation. Objective: This study aimed to develop and validate a comprehensive, reproducible laboratory protocol for the extraction, fractionation, and quantitative phytochemical analysis of C. papaya leaves and seeds. Methods: A stepwise protocol was developed, encompassing: botanical authentication and optimal drying, sequential methanol extraction, bioactivity-guided fractionation for alkaloids and flavonoids, qualitative screening, and quantitative spectrophotometric assays for key phytochemical classes. The protocol was applied to leaf and seed samples with yield calculations and statistical validation. Results: Methanol extraction yielded 17.51% from leaves and 11.59% from seeds. Fractionation successfully isolated target compounds, with flavonoid yields (7.05–7.96%) exceeding alkaloid yields (2.65–2.97%). Quantitative analysis revealed a phytochemical profile dominated by saponins (1249.83 mg/g in leaves, 723.65 mg/g in seeds), followed by phenolic compounds and alkaloids. Conclusion: This standardized methodology provides an essential toolkit for generating consistent, chemically defined plant extracts. It ensures reproducibility and comparability, supporting the evidence-based development of C. papaya and similar plants as sustainable nutritional resources in public health initiatives addressing malnutrition and dietary deficiencies.

Background Hypertension involves complex biochemical disturbances that extend beyond elevated blood pressure. Salt-loading in rodents is a reliable model that reproduces dyslipidemia, electrolyte imbalance, renal impairment, and hepatic stress. Plant-derived phytochemicals with antioxidant and cardioprotective properties are being explored as potential adjuncts to standard therapy. Objective This study examined the effects of salt-loading on biochemical markers of hypertension in Wistar rats and evaluated the modulatory effects of Euphorbia hirta and Leptadenia hastata extracts at two dose levels compared to amlodipine. Methods Forty adult Wistar rats were allocated into eight groups (n = 5 per group). Hypertension was induced by 8% NaCl chow for six weeks. Groups 3–6 received low (100 mg/kg) or high (200 mg/kg) doses of E. hirta or L. hastata extracts from weeks 3–6, while Group 7 received amlodipine (5 mg/kg). Blood pressure and body weight were monitored weekly. At the end of the study, serum lipid profile, electrolytes, renal and hepatic function indices, and fasting glucose were assessed. Results The study found out that a high-salt diet had significant negative effects on various health markers, including a substantial increase in systolic blood pressure to 158.4 mmHg, worsening cholesterol levels with LDL cholesterol rising to 146.3 mg/dL and HDL cholesterol decreasing to 32.8 mg/dL, and a spikes in triglycerides to 189.6 mg/dL, sodium to 149.2 mmol/L, creatinine to 1.42 mg/dL indicating potential kidney strain, and liver enzymes levels with ALT rising to 62.5 U/L. However, high doses of E. hirta and L. hastata had positive effects, lowering systolic blood pressure to around 123–125 mmHg, improving cholesterol levels with LDL cholesterol dropping to around 102–106 mg/dL, normalizing potassium levels, and reducing creatinine levels to 1.02 mg/dL suggesting improved kidney function, with effects comparable to the medication amlodipine. Conclusion Salt-loading induced hypertension reproduced characteristic biochemical disturbances. Euphorbia hirta and Leptadenia hastata extracts, particularly at higher doses, significantly ameliorated these abnormalities in a manner comparable to amlodipine, suggesting strong translational potential as adjunct therapies.

Background: Drug-induced hepatotoxicity and reproductive dysfunction remain significant clinical challenges, necessitating novel protective agents. Existing therapies often fail to concurrently address liver and gonadal damage, highlighting the need for multifunctional interventions. Aim: This study evaluated the hepatoprotective and fertility-preserving effects of a novel compound in a atrazine-induced rodent model, comparing its efficacy against standard and experimental treatments Study design: Experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacy Technician, Federal College of Health Technology Ilese-Ijebu Ogun State Nigeria, between August 2024 and November 2024.. Methodology: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n=5): Group I (normal control), Group II (positive control, toxin-exposed), and Groups III-VI (toxin + test compounds). After 28 days, serum AST, ALT, GGT, ALP, 5'NT, albumin, total protein, sperm parameters, and hormonal levels were analyzed using standard procedures. Statistical significance was assessed via ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc tests (p < 0.05). Results: Group II exhibited severe hepatotoxicity (AST: 81.56±1.245 IU/L; ALT: 57.32±0.412 IU/L) and reproductive impairment (sperm count: 22.6±1.8×10⁶/mL; testosterone: 3.45±0.18 ng/mL). Group VI demonstrated near-normal liver enzymes (AST: 70.62±0.495; ALT: 38.94±3.872), preserved albumin (4.660±0.0512 g/dL), and improved sperm count (42.6±2.0×10⁶/mL) versus Group II (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The novel compound in Group VI significantly mitigated both hepatic and reproductive toxicity, outperforming other interventions. These findings suggest a dual-organ protective mechanism, potentially mediated through antioxidant or anti-inflammatory pathways. Future studies should isolate the active constituents of Group VI and validate results in higher mammalian models. Clinical trials are warranted to assess translational potential in chemotherapy-associated toxicity.

This study reports the green synthesis of ZnONPs using aqueous leaf extract of Senna occidentalis, a phytochemically rich medicinal plant. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). UV-visible analysis confirmed nanoparticle formation through a characteristic absorption peak at 393 nm with 13.85% intensity. TEM micrographs revealed predominantly spherical and aggregated ZnONPs with an average size of 93 nm. EDS analysis confirmed the presence of elemental zinc through distinct peaks at 1.0, 8.8, and 9.8 keV. FTIR spectra identified a prominent O–H stretching vibration at 3493 cm⁻¹, indicating the presence of polyphenolic compounds involved in nanoparticle stabilization. The antimicrobial activity of both ZnONPs and doped ZnO/AgNPs was evaluated via agar well diffusion assays against clinical strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes. The doped nanoparticles demonstrated enhanced and species-selective antimicrobial effects, particularly against S. pyogenes, suggesting possible differential mechanisms of bacterial inhibition. This research highlights the viability of Senna occidentalis-mediated biosynthesis of ZnONPs as a scalable, eco-conscious approach to nanoparticle production. In addition to the antimicrobial results, the biosynthesis route employed here aligns with the principles of green chemistry, eliminating the need for hazardous reducing agents and minimizing energy consumption. The rich phytochemical profile of S. occidentalis, including flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenolic acids, not only facilitates the reduction of zinc salts into ZnONPs but also contributes to the stabilization and capping of the nanoparticles, enhancing their colloidal stability and bioactivity. Furthermore, doping ZnONPs with silver particles resulted in synergistic effects, likely due to the combined mechanisms of reactive oxygen species generation, membrane disruption, and interference with essential metabolic pathways in bacteria. The observed enhanced antimicrobial effect of doped ZnO/AgNPs over pure ZnONPs may also be attributed to improved surface reactivity and increased particle–cell contact, which can accelerate bacterial cell wall penetration. Considering the urgent need for alternative antimicrobial strategies, such biosynthesized nanomaterials offer a sustainable route toward developing next-generation therapeutics. Future studies should also focus on shelf-life assessment, scalability trials, and potential integration with other natural biocidal agents to broaden their application scope in medical, agricultural, and environmental sectors. The eco-friendly synthesis described in this work presents several advantages over conventional chemical and physical methods of nanoparticle production. By harnessing the phytochemical constituents of S. occidentalis, the process achieves dual functionality—acting both as a reducing and capping agent—while avoiding toxic solvents or high-energy inputs. This approach not only reduces the overall cost but also minimizes potential environmental hazards. Moreover, the resulting ZnONPs and ZnO/AgNPs exhibit promising bioactivity that can be tailored for specific therapeutic applications through controlled synthesis parameters. Such versatility enhances their potential use in topical antimicrobial formulations, medical device coatings, and targeted drug delivery systems. In addition, their biocompatibility, once validated through in vitro and in vivo studies, could support broader applications in regenerative medicine. Overall, these findings contribute to advancing sustainable nanotechnology in addressing the growing problem of multidrug-resistant infections. These advancements reinforce green-synthesized nanoparticles in future biomedical and pharmaceutical innovations.

This study explores a sustainable method for producing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) through the use of Senna occidentalis leaf extract, while evaluating their antimicrobial potential against clinically relevant bacterial pathogens. The AgNPs were biosynthesized by reacting an aqueous extract of Senna occidentalis with a silver nitrate solution. To verify nanoparticle formation and analyze structural and elemental composition, the synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-Visible spectroscopy, FTIR, EDS, and TEM. Their antibacterial activity was assessed against Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa via the agar well diffusion technique. The presence of an absorption peak at 331 nm in the UV-Vis spectrum confirmed the formation of AgNPs. FTIR analysis indicated that phytochemicals from the plant played a role in the synthesis, as shown by the –O-H stretch observed at 2893 cm⁻¹. EDS signals in the 3.0–3.5 keV range confirmed the presence of silver, while TEM imaging revealed moderately clustered nanoparticles with an average size near 100 nm. The AgNPs exhibited a concentration-dependent antibacterial effect. These results demonstrate that Senna occidentalis is an effective mediator for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles with notable antimicrobial properties. The findings support the use of this method as a safe, affordable, and sustainable approach to developing antimicrobial agents for potential application in healthcare and beyond.

Vernonia amygdalina, a traditionally used medicinal plant, has been purported to possess health-promoting properties.The aim of this study is to investigate the phytochemical and nutritional composition of V. amygdalina, evaluate its antioxidant and antidiabetic efficacy, and assess its hematological benefits. Phytochemical screening, proximate analysis, antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS), antidiabetic evaluations in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, and hematological assessments were conducted according to standard protocol. V. amygdalina exhibited a rich phytochemical profile, comprising flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids, alongside significant antioxidant activity (IC50 = 12.5 μg/mL) and complete source of protein. Proximate analysis revealed high protein (21.1%) and fiber (15.6%) content. Antidiabetic evaluations demonstrated significant reductions in blood glucose levels (p < 0.01). Hematological assessments showed significant improvements in hemoglobin (14.1 ± 0.6 g/dL), packed cell volume (42.9 ± 1.8%), red blood cell count (7.1 ± 0.3 x 10^12/L), and differential WBC count, including reduced monocyte (6.3 ± 0.9%) and eosinophil (2.6 ± 0.6%) percentages, and increased lymphocyte (34.4 ± 2.4%) percentage. This study provides comprehensive evidence for the phytochemical, nutritional, and pharmacological value of V. amygdalina, underscoring its potential as a functional food and phytomedicine for oxidative stress and diabetes management, as well as a natural adjunct for improving hematological parameters.

Background: Disorders affecting blood components, such as anemia, coagulopathies, and hematologic malignancies, continue to pose significant global health burdens. Traditional therapies often fall short due to adverse effects, limited bioavailability, and insufficient targeting of disease sites.Objective: This review synthesizes current advances in nano-hematinics and plant-based nanomedicines (phyto-nanomedicines) as innovative strategies for managing blood-related conditions. These nanoscale interventions are designed to enhance therapeutic precision, bioactivity, and safety.Methods: A systematic review was conducted using major scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. Search terms were carefully selected to retrieve literature published between 2015 and 2024 that discussed the use of nanotechnology in the treatment of blood disorders. Eligibility criteria included relevance to hematological applications, nanocarrier use, and study quality.Results: Findings highlight the effectiveness of iron oxide, gold nanoparticles, and liposomal formulations in improving hematologic markers and reducing systemic toxicity. Plant-derived nanomedicines incorporating agents such as curcumin and quercetin demonstrated strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hematopoietic potential. Preclinical outcomes across several studies indicate improved efficacy and pharmacokinetics.Conclusion: Both nano-hematinics and phyto-nanomedicines represent promising alternatives to conventional treatment approaches. Their ability to address therapeutic limitations while offering targeted delivery supports their future integration into hematologic care. However, clinical translation will require further investigation into long-term safety, regulatory oversight, and scalable production.

Adansonia digitata and Annona muricata are traditionally used medicinal plants with reported pharmacological properties. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial properties of partition fractions of Adansonia digitata and Annona muricata extracts obtained using chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and aqueous solvent systems. The plant extracts were successively partitioned using chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and aqueous solvent systems. Phytochemical analysis was performed using standard methods. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using FRAP and DPPH assays. Antibacterial activity was assessed using agar well diffusion and MIC determination. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids (10.2-15.6%), flavonoids (8.5-12.1%), and phenolic acids (5.6-9.2%) in all fractions. The ethyl acetate fraction of Annona muricata exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (IC50 = 20.5 μg/mL) in the DPPH assay, while the chloroform fraction of Adansonia digitata showed significant antioxidant activity (IC50 = 35.2 μg/mL) in the FRAP assay. The antibacterial evaluation demonstrated that the chloroform fraction of Adansonia digitata exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity (MIC = 0.5-1.5 mg/mL) against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, whereas the ethyl acetate fraction of Annona muricata showed potent antibacterial activity (MIC = 0.25-1.0 mg/mL) against Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, the ethanol fraction of Adansonia digitata displayed moderate antibacterial activity (MIC = 1.0-2.5 mg/mL) against Gram-positive bacteria, and the aqueous fraction of Annona muricata exhibited weak antibacterial activity (MIC = 2.5-5.0 mg/mL) against all tested bacterial strains. Comparison of antioxidant and antibacterial activities among fractions revealed significant variations, indicating the importance of solvent selection in extracting bioactive compounds. The study validates the traditional use of Adansonia digitata and Annona muricata, highlighting their potential as natural antioxidants and antibacterial agents.

Velvet Bean and African Spinach are traditional plants utilized in folk medicine, yet their nutritional value, proximate analysis, mineral content, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial properties, and phytochemical characteristics remain inadequately defined. This study aimed to assess the nutritional, phytochemical, and antimicrobial properties of these plants through standard analytical methods. DPPH and ABTS assays were employed to evaluate antioxidant activity, while antimicrobial activity was tested against various microorganisms. The phytochemical analysis indicated that Velvet Bean contained higher levels of alkaloids (4.23 mg/g), glycosides (2.56 mg/g), phenolic compounds (6.78 mg/g), and flavonoids (1.23 mg/g) than African Spinach. In terms of antioxidant activity, Velvet Bean demonstrated greater DPPH (85.45%) and ABTS (92.12%) inhibition compared to African Spinach. Antimicrobial testing revealed that Velvet Bean was more effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans than African Spinach. The proximate analysis indicated that Velvet Bean had higher moisture (9.56%), ash (3.21%), protein (23.45%), fat (11.23%), and fiber (14.56%) content, whereas African Spinach had a higher carbohydrate content (52.11%). Mineral content analysis showed that Velvet Bean also had elevated levels of calcium (184.50 mg/100g), phosphorus (346.70 mg/100g), potassium (1246.50 mg/100g), sodium (21.40 mg/100g), iron (6.50 mg/100g), and zinc (3.20 mg/100g) compared to African Spinach. Velvet Bean contained higher amounts of antinutritional factors like phytate (3.92 ± 0.31 mg/g), tannins (2.35 ± 0.20 mg/g), and oxalate (1.63 ± 0.14 mg/g) than African Spinach, which had a higher saponin content (0.78 ± 0.04 mg/g). The results suggest that both Velvet Bean and African Spinach are nutritionally valuable and rich in phytochemicals, offering potential health benefits, including antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. These plants may serve as functional foods or nutraceuticals to enhance health and prevent diseases.