African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research

Prevalence of Malnutrition Among Children Under Five in Iware, Taraba State

Isaac John Umaru — 2026-04-09

Malnutrition remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly among children under five years of age, with serious consequences for morbidity, mortality, cognitive development, and long-term human capital. In rural communities such as Iware, Taraba State, this burden is intensified by poverty, poor feeding practices, limited access to healthcare, and low caregiver education. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight among children aged 0–59 months in Iware and to examine the associations between nutritional status and socio-economic factors, including household income, caregiver education, feeding practices, and recent illness episodes, while also assessing the coverage of exclusive breastfeeding and vitamin A supplementation. A cross-sectional design was employed, with a sample size estimated using Cochran’s formula at 200–400 children. A multistage sampling technique was used in which households were randomly selected and eligible children were stratified by age group. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, feeding practices, and household conditions, alongside anthropometric measurements of weight, height/length, and mid-upper arm circumference, with nutritional status classified according to WHO Growth Standards. Data collection was conducted over 2–4 weeks by trained enumerators following a pilot study, and the data were analyzed using SPSS and STATA through descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. The findings revealed a high prevalence of malnutrition, with stunting at 35%, underweight at 30%, and wasting at 25%. Although 60% of children were exclusively breastfed and 65% had received vitamin A supplementation, 42.5% had experienced recent illness. Socio-economic findings further showed that 72.5% of households earned below ₦30,000 per month and that 20% of caregivers had no formal education. Statistical analysis indicated significant associations between malnutrition and low household income, poor caregiver education, and inadequate complementary feeding practices (p < 0.05). The study concludes that malnutrition among children under five in Iware is driven by the combined effects of chronic poverty, limited maternal education, suboptimal feeding practices, and frequent illness. These findings underscore the need for multi-sectoral interventions focused on nutrition education, economic empowerment, improved healthcare access, and community-based strategies tailored to rural populations.

The Effect of Punica granatum Leaf Tea on Potassium Oxonate Induced Gout in Male Wistar Rats

Akinniyi Ezekiel Wonderful — 2026-04-10

Gout is a prevalent and debilitating inflammatory condition caused by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in the joints, leading to acute pain, swelling, and redness. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Punica granatum leaf tea on potassium oxonate-induced gout in male Wistar rats. Thirty rats were allocated into six groups of five animals each, and gout was induced by intraperitoneal administration of potassium oxonate at 250 mg/kg body weight for 14 days. P. granatum leaf tea was administered at doses of 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg body weight. The findings showed that potassium oxonate significantly increased serum uric acid, creatinine, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and hepatic xanthine oxidase activity relative to the normal control. Among the tested doses, 30 mg/kg body weight produced a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in uric acid (4.80 ± 0.06 mg/dL vs. 7.37 ± 0.15 mg/dL), IL-1β (25.41 ± 0.79 pg/mL vs. 31.45 ± 2.71 pg/mL), and hepatic xanthine oxidase activity (5.93 ± 0.20 U/L vs. 11.89 ± 1.11 U/L), with effects comparable to the standard drug group. The same dose also showed a more pronounced effect than the standard drug in reducing TNF-α (7.44 ± 0.58 pg/mL vs. 10.95 ± 1.87 pg/mL) and ALP (63.16 ± 2.06 U/L vs. 68.00 ± 1.98 U/L). The study concludes that Punica granatum leaf tea exhibits anti-hyperuricemic, anti-inflammatory, and organ-protective effects in potassium oxonate-induced gout, highlighting its potential contribution as a natural therapeutic candidate for gout management.

Potential of the Ethanol Extract of Luffa Leaves in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

Ogana Moses Miracle — 2026-05-30

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and progressive damage to vital organs. This study investigated the antidiabetic and biochemical effects of ethanol extract of Luffa acutangula leaves in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Fresh leaves of Luffa acutangula were collected, authenticated, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted with 95% ethanol using maceration. Twenty-five adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups: normal control, diabetic control, diabetic rats treated with metformin, and diabetic rats treated with 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg ethanol extract of Luffa acutangula leaves. Diabetes was induced through a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin at 50 mg/kg body weight, and treatments were administered orally for 14 days. Blood glucose levels, liver function enzymes, bilirubin fractions, serum proteins, kidney function markers, electrolytes, and lipid profile parameters were evaluated. The findings showed that streptozotocin induction increased blood glucose levels, liver enzymes, renal biomarkers, and lipid abnormalities in diabetic rats. Treatment with Luffa acutangula leaf extract reduced blood glucose levels from 210.20 ± 7.30 to 140.50 ± 10.60 mg/dL at 200 mg/kg and from 198.60 ± 7.80 to 130.40 ± 9.80 mg/dL at 400 mg/kg. The extract also improved selected liver function markers, reduced creatinine levels, and ameliorated lipid profile disturbances, particularly total cholesterol and triglycerides. However, the elevated urea levels observed in extract-treated groups indicate the need for further renal safety evaluation. Overall, ethanol extract of Luffa acutangula leaves demonstrated promising antihyperglycemic, hepatoprotective, and hypolipidemic effects in diabetic rats, providing preclinical evidence for its potential relevance in managing diabetes-related metabolic complications.

Effect of Leaf Extract of Azadirachta indica (Neem Tree) on Mosquito Larvae

Bode A. S. — 2026-05-30

The larvicidal effect of neem leaf extract on early fourth-instar larvae of Anopheles gambiae was investigated under laboratory conditions of 23–30°C and 70%–75% relative humidity. Neem leaves were extracted using 70% ethanol, and the extract was evaluated at concentrations of 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, and 550 mg/L. Distilled water was used as the control. Each treatment was replicated twice, with 20 fourth-instar larvae of Anopheles gambiae exposed to each concentration and an equal number exposed to the control. The larvae were fed with Regal dried yeast during the experiment to minimize background mortality. Larval mortality was assessed after 24 hours of exposure, and the median lethal concentration was determined. The results showed that neem leaf extract exhibited larvicidal activity against Anopheles gambiae, with an LC50 value of 349.95 mg/L after 24 hours of exposure, while no mortality was recorded in the control group. The study concludes that Azadirachta indica leaf extract has potential as a plant-based biopesticide for mosquito larval control. These findings support further investigation into neem leaves and other plant parts for pesticide development and highlight the need for public education and institutional support for bio-pesticides as accessible, plant-derived alternatives for vector control.

The Role of Earthworms as Bioindicators of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Soil Fauna within Mubi North Local Government Area, Adamawa State

Bode A. S — 2026-06-05

Heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils poses ecological and public health concerns, requiring reliable biological indicators for monitoring soil quality. This study examines the role of earthworms as bioindicators of heavy metal contamination in Mubi North Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Earthworm samples were collected from two farms and analyzed for concentrations of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn). The results revealed that copper had the highest concentration, followed by nickel and zinc, while manganese and chromium were comparatively lower. Pearson correlation analysis showed that chromium and nickel exhibited moderate positive correlations across both farms, suggesting possible common sources or similar uptake mechanisms. Manganese showed a weak correlation in Farm 1 but a stronger correlation in Farm 2, indicating site-specific environmental influences. In contrast, copper and zinc showed consistently weak correlations, suggesting that their accumulation may be influenced by localized environmental factors. Comparisons with World Health Organization permissible limits indicated that copper and nickel concentrations were relatively high, raising concerns about potential ecological risks and human health impacts through bioaccumulation in the food chain. These findings support the use of earthworms as reliable bioindicators of soil contamination because of their sensitivity to environmental pollutants and capacity to accumulate heavy metals. The study contributes to environmental monitoring and soil quality assessment by demonstrating the relevance of earthworm-based biomonitoring in agricultural ecosystems and highlights the need for regular environmental surveillance and sustainable agricultural practices in Mubi North to protect soil health and public welfare.

Phytochemical and Anti-Sickling Properties of Aqueous Extract of Pennisetum purpureum Schumach (Elephant Grass) Shoots

Onwubiko U. I. — 2026-06-06

Sickle cell disease remains a major haematological disorder associated with haemoglobin S polymerization and erythrocyte sickling, highlighting the need to explore plant-derived compounds with potential anti-sickling activity. This study aimed to determine the anti-sickling potential of the aqueous extract of young shoots of Pennisetum purpureum using microscopy after 2% sodium metabisulphite-induced sickling of sickle red blood cells. The findings showed that Pennisetum purpureum extract significantly reversed many sickled cells to normal-shaped cells, with the percentage reversal depending on both concentration and exposure time. At 250 μg/mL, sickle cell reversal was 88.82% at 0 min, 86.09% at 30 min, and 85.19% at 60 min, whereas the control without extract showed no reversal. At 500 μg/mL, the reversal percentages were 80.14% at 0 min, 92.27% at 30 min, and 90.51% at 60 min. At 1000 μg/mL, reversal increased from 79.13% at 0 min to 94.82% at 30 min and 96.50% at 60 min. Phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of aromatic and alkylic compounds, including quercetin, epicatechin, resveratrol, vanillic acid, ellagic acid, and kaempferol. These compounds may contribute to anti-sickling activity through hydrophobic interactions that interfere with haemoglobin S polymerization and stabilize the hydrophobic erythrocyte lipid bilayer membrane. This study contributes to phytomedicine and sickle cell research by demonstrating the potential of Pennisetum purpureum young shoot extract as a source of bioactive compounds with anti-sickling properties, although further biochemical, toxicological, and clinical validation is required.

Protective Effects of Ethanol Extract of Chrysophyllum albidum Stem Bark on Antioxidant Enzymes and Lipid Peroxidation Induced Kidney Toxicity in Albino Rats Exposed to Bonny Light Crude Oil

Jemimah Hebrew — 2026-06-06

Exposure to petroleum hydrocarbons such as Bonny Light crude oil (BLCO) is associated with oxidative stress and organ toxicity, particularly renal damage. Chrysophyllum albidum is a medicinal plant rich in antioxidant phytochemicals, yet its protective role against crude-oil-induced renal oxidative injury remains insufficiently explored. This study evaluated the effect of ethanol extract of C. albidum stem bark on renal antioxidant enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation in Wistar rats exposed to BLCO. Wistar rats were assigned to control, BLCO-only, and BLCO plus C. albidum extract treatment groups. Renal tissues were analyzed for catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities, as well as malondialdehyde levels as a marker of lipid peroxidation. The findings showed that BLCO exposure significantly reduced catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities and markedly increased malondialdehyde levels compared with the control group, p < .05. Treatment with C. albidum extract produced a dose-dependent increase in antioxidant enzyme activities and significantly reduced malondialdehyde levels relative to the BLCO-only group, p < .05, indicating attenuation of renal oxidative stress. The study concludes that ethanol extract of C. albidum stem bark exhibits antioxidant and nephroprotective effects against BLCO-induced renal oxidative damage. These findings contribute to toxicological and phytomedicinal research by highlighting the potential of C. albidum to enhance endogenous antioxidant defenses and suppress lipid peroxidation in crude-oil-related kidney toxicity.