ABUAD International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences

Comparative Study of Nutritional Composition of Unfortified and Fortified Fermented Prosopis Africana Seeds

Folakemi E. Bernard-Awe, Yinka D. OLUWAFEMI, Esther A. EKUNDAYO — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Protein malnutrition is a significant challenge in many African countries. This contributes to inadequate nutritional security, resulting in alternative approaches to enhance plant-based foods' protein and mineral content and improve overall dietary health. Prosopis africana is one of the lesser-known perennial leguminous plants that play a key role in West African cuisine. Fermented P. africana seeds are said to be a rich source of protein, fatty acids, minerals, and some other vital nutrients. This study, therefore, aimed to examine the nutritional composition of fermented seeds of P. africana fortified with garlic and ginger. One (1 kg) of raw P. africana seeds and 500g of Allium sativum and Zingiber officinale were obtained, composited in different ratios (100:0, 90:10, 80:20, and 70:30), and fermented for 5 days. The fermented seeds were evaluated for microbial, proximate, and mineral composition, antioxidant properties, and vitamin C content. Among the formulations, 70% fermented seeds of P. africana fortified with 30% garlic showed the highest protein, fiber, and ash content, while 80% fermented seeds of P. africana fortified with 20% garlic exhibited the highest carbohydrate content and antioxidant properties. Zinc is the most abundant mineral found in all samples. 100% fermented seeds of P. africana have a major quantity; calcium, manganese, and copper were found in minute amounts. During the period of fermentation, the following microorganisms were isolated: Micrococcus sp, Bacillus sp, Staphylococcus sp, Enterococcus sp, Proteus sp, Klebsiella sp, Lactobacillus sp, and Pseudomonas sp in which Bacillus and Mucor species were predominant, alongside Micrococcus, Lactobacillus, and Aspergillus niger. These results demonstrate that fortifying fermented seeds of P. africana with ginger and garlic enhanced their nutritional profile, making it a healthier alternative to traditional seasoning salts and animal protein.

Antioxidant Activity, Phytochemical Composition of Extracts of Peperomia Pellucida and its Effect on Drosophila Melanogaster

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background/Aim: The therapeutic influence of medicinal plants is predominantly based on the several secondary metabolites inherent in them. Peperomia pellucida, a plant with great importance in traditional medicine, have been considered as an excellent remedy for numerous diseases. In this study, the antioxidant properties and phytochemical quantification of extracts of Peperomia pellucida whole plant was carried out, and a 21-day survival and longevity study to evaluate the toxic effect. Materials and Methods: Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening, as well as in vitro antioxidant potential was done using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, 2,2’ aminio-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6 sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). For the in vivo study, Drosophila melanogaster (Fruit flies) was expose to AEPP (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/g diet) for 21 days. Thereafter, flies were homogenized, and parameters such as reduced glutathione, glutathione-s-transferase (GST), catalase, nitric oxide, locomotive ability, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and glucose assays were carried out. Results: The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, and FRAP were found to be 87.29 ± 0.03 % ellagic acid, 65.47 ± 0.04 µg/g, and 32.17 ± 0.02 mg/100g, respectively. The phytochemical screening
indicated the presence of phenols (80.75 mg/100g), saponins (61.21mg/100g), alkaloids (41.63 mg/100g), and flavonoids (28.19mg/100g), among others. The plant extract at different doses showed no significant difference on the survival rate, reduced glutathione, GST, nitric oxide, and glucose levels, as well as acetylcholinesterase activity and climbing ability. However, a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the catalase activity was noted at 1 and 2 mg AEPP/g diet, although, other parameters did not show any sign of toxicity. Further toxicological studies should be conducted to ascertain this. Conclusions: This study could therefore, be concluded that AEPP is not toxic, most especially at lower doses, and could therefore be considered for therapeutic applications.

An Ethnobotanical Study of Herbal Contraceptives Used by Local Medicine Practitioners in Bida, Niger State, Nigeria

Olayinka T. OGUNMEFUN, Pauline U. OBI, Onome M. ADEBOYE — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background/Aim: Most plants are naturally endowed with curative abilities now commonly sourced in phytotherapy. Medicinal plants usage for regulating fertility in Nigeria is popular due to their effectiveness, cheapness, easy accessibility and minimal side effects. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with about 218.5 million people as at 2021 and 232.68 - 237.5 million in late 2024 to 2025 mid-year; where birth rate outnumbers the death rate and most users are young women who prefer the medicaments after sexual intercourse; so, there is the need to control birth rate to prevent further escalation in population growth. Methods: Questionnaires were administered to both the Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs) and users of herbal birth control medicines in three major markets in Bida metropolis, Niger state. Results: Data presented are from the ethnobotanical survey from 220 participants. The names of the plants used as contraceptives or abortifacients and the methods of preparation of these recipes are presented. The results from the survey contained 26 species of medicinal plants including Crotalaria mucronata, Mangifera indica, Securidaca longepedunculata and Vernonia amygdalina. The most frequently used plants for contraception or abortifacient are Newbouldia laevis, Ricinus communis and Azadirachta indica. Conclusion: Further pharmacological screening into the reported plants distributed in 28 genera belonging to 24 families is strongly suggested to ascertain or disprove the claims of the TMPs.

Ficus Exasperata (VAHI), A Tree of High Medicinal Value and Economic Importance – A Review

Olayinka T. OGUNMEFUN — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Ficus exasperata is popularly known as sand paper tree, forest sandpaper fig, white fig or sand paper leaf tree due to its rough surfaces. It is a deciduous and dioecious species of plant in the Mulberry family, Moraceae. Native to tropical Africa and Southern Asia usually growing up to 21 metres tall, but with occasional specimens up to 30 metres. The slightly crooked bole is up to 50 cm in diameter which can be fluted or buttressed. The plant often begins life as an epiphyte, growing on the branch of another tree; as it grows older it sends down aerial roots which after reaching the ground quickly form roots and become much thicker and more vigorous, supplying nutrients to the fig and allowing it to grow faster than the host tree. The aerial roots gradually encircle the host tree, preventing its main trunk from expanding, while at the same time the foliage smothers the foliage of the host. Eventually the host dies, leaving the fig to carry on growing without competition. Ficus exasperata is very widely used in traditional medicine in Africa, being commonly harvested from the wild for local uses. It has several ethnomedicinal uses and insect repellent properties. Its roots, stems and leaves are traditionally employed to manage asthma, dyspnea, venereal diseases, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, intestinal pains, colic, epilepsy and bleeding wounds. Furthermore, its roots, stems and leaves are also used for the treatment of cough and haemorrhoids while the leaves are being employed as sandpaper.

Evaluation of the leaf Extract of Blighia Sapida K.D. Koenig for sedative, Anticonvulsant and Antidepressant-like properties in mice

Juliet N. OLAYINKA, Emma E. OKPAKPOR, Raymond I. OZOLUA — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background/Aim: Blighia sapida (BS) is a widely used medicinal plant in West Africa. Its leaf has been reported in folkloric medicine to be used in the management of migraines, epilepsy, pains, and several other diseases. However, there is limited knowledge about the scientific basis for its folkloric use in the management of epilepsy and other central nervous system (CNS)-related disorders. The study was aimed at evaluating the sedative, anticonvulsant, and antidepressant-like properties of the aqueous leaf extract of BS in mice. Methods: The extraction process was by cold maceration for three days. Twenty-five mice (n = 5) of both sexes were used for each of the evaluations (diazepam induced sleep time, anticonvulsant and antidepressant tests) at oral doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg p.o. of BS. Results: Doses of BS shortened diazepam-induced sleep time in mice, and did not protect the mice against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and maximum electroshock (MES)-induced convulsion. BS increased duration of immobility in both the tail suspension test (TST) and forced swimming test (FST) in mice. Conclusion: These finding show that BS lacks sedative-hypnotic effect and has no anticonvulsant and antidepressant activities. The results from this study do not justify its use in the treatment of epilepsy and some CNS-related disorders such as depression.

Hydrogeochemical assessment of groundwater quality at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study evaluates the hydrogeochemical characteristics and groundwater quality of boreholes within Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Southwestern Nigeria. Seven groundwater samples were collected randomly and analyzed to determine key physicochemical parameters. Field measurements included pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), temperature, and salinity, while laboratory analysis of major ions and trace metals was performed using ICP-OES. Results showed that groundwater in the area was slightly acidic, with pH values ranging from 6.2 to 6.9. EC (239.5–524.9 µS/cm) and TDS (142.7–323.1 mg/L) fall within World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits, indicating low mineralization and freshwater. Major cations occurred in order of Ca²⁺ > Na⁺ > K⁺ > Mg²⁺, while the anions were in order of Cl⁻ > SO₄²⁻ > HCO₃⁻,. Piper diagram classification revealed the dominance of calcium–chloride water type, suggesting significant rock–water interaction and mineral dissolution processes. Although most major ion concentrations were within the WHO standards, the trace elements—including Cu, Cr, Zn, Mn, and Ni—exceeded the recommended limits of WHO at some locations, indicating
localized anthropogenic contamination. These elevated concentrations pose potential health risks and reduce suitability of the groundwater for domestic purpose. Generally, the groundwater within ABUAD fell within freshwater and suitable for domestic use; however, evidence of trace elements enrichment highlights the need for continuous water quality monitoring and the
implementation of environmental management strategies to prevent further contamination.

High prevalence of vaginal trichomoniasis and genotype characterisation (T. Vaginalis G3) in Pregnant Women in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Trichomoniasis, caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, remains the most prevalent curable sexually transmitted infection globally and is associated with adverse reproductive outcomes, particularly during pregnancy. Despite its public health significance, diagnostic gaps, asymptomatic carriage, and limited molecular epidemiological data continue to impede effective control in Nigeria. This study investigated the prevalence and genotype characteristics of T. vaginalis among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ekiti State. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 220 consenting pregnant women attending the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti. Demographic and obstetric information was collected using a structured questionnaire. Participants were aged 21–40 years, predominantly married, educated, and in the third trimester. High vaginal swab samples were examined using wet mount microscopy and Giemsa stained preparations. Molecular analysis was performed using PCR targeting the T. vaginalis-specific TVSK gene, followed by sequencing, BLAST alignment, and phylogenetic analysis. Data were analysed using SPSS version 23, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05. The overall prevalence of T. vaginalis gestational infection by microscopy was 33.3%, indicating a high infection burden. A significant association was recorded between age and infection status (p = 0.047), with the highest prevalence observed in second-trimester women. No significant association was found with age, marital status, education, parity, or clinical symptoms. Molecular testing confirmed T. vaginalis in four of five microscopy-positive samples and additionally detected one microscopy-negative infection, demonstrating the increased diagnostic power of PCR. Sequencing and phylogenetic comparison revealed that the isolates aligned with T. vaginalis genotype G3 but exhibited distinct nucleotide variations, suggesting localised genetic diversification. The documented high prevalence of trichomoniasis among pregnant women demonstrates a continuing public health challenge in the study area, with potential implications for adverse maternal-neonatal outcomes. The findings support the need for routine antenatal screening, the integration of nucleic acid amplification tests, effective partner management strategies, and enhanced health education. Continued molecular surveillance is recommended to monitor genotype evolution and its possible relationship to virulence or treatment response.

Application of Correlation and Regression Analysis to the Optimized Biodiesel Yield from Used Cooking Oil Via Acid-Catalyzed Esterification

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This research examines the physicochemical characteristics of waste vegetable oil biodiesel blends based on viscosity, density,
flash point, cloud point, pour point, and sulfur content. B20 to B100 blends were subjected to testing to determine their suitability
as alternative fuels against regular diesel standards. An acid-catalyzed esterification and base-catalyzed transesterification in
two steps were employed to decrease free fatty acid (FFA) content and enhance biodiesel yield. At optimized reaction conditions,
a biodiesel yield of 96.3% was achieved, indicating the efficiency of the process. Experimental findings showed that viscosity of
blends of biodiesel decreased consistently with an increase in temperature from 7.212 mm²/s at 10°C for B100 to 3.415 mm²/s
at 50°C for B20. All the blends met the ASTM D445 standard for 40°C viscosity. At higher biodiesel blends the flash point
increased indicating fuel safety. Whereas, the associated rise in pour and cloud points signified a reduced low-temperature
fluidity. Through heatmap analysis, it was found that viscosity is strongly negatively correlated with temperature, while flash
point, pour point, and blend concentration were positively correlated. Regression analysis shows strong linear relationships
between viscosity, flash point, and blend composition, further establishing their temperature dependence and their suitability
for predictive modeling. It is concluded that there is a need for control of production parameters and optimization of the blend
ratios to realize maximum engine efficiencies and product conformity to standards. Biodiesel blends from waste vegetable oil
are thus efficient alternatives to conventional diesel, whose various physicochemical properties have been successfully analyzed
and optimized using statistical approaches.

From Windfalls to Equilibrium: Modeling Nigeria’s GDP Growth with Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Bounds Testing (1990–2023)

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the short-run and long-run determinants of Nigeria’s real GDP growth from 2003 to 2023, focusing on key macroeconomic variables: exchange rate, foreign direct investment (FDI), inflation, oil price, and real interest rate. Using annual time-series data and rigorous stationarity testing via Augmented Dickey–Fuller and Phillips–Perron methods,
we confirm a mix of I(0) and I(1) series, validating the use of the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds-testing framework. The optimal ARDL (2,3,3,0,1) model reveals significant short-run dynamics: a 1% depreciation in the exchange rate reduces GDP growth by approximately 0.04 percentage points, while a 1% increase in lagged oil prices boosts growth by 0.14 points. Notably, a 1% rise in FDI from the previous year is associated with a 1.5-point decline in current GDP
growth, suggesting adjustment frictions or absorptive constraints. The bounds test yields an F-statistic of 3.19 (p ≈ 0.07), indicating possible cointegration at the 10% level and a tentative long-run equilibrium among the variables. Complementary Granger causality tests confirm FDI as a statistically significant short-run predictor of GDP, with oil price showing marginal influence. These findings underscore the need for exchange-rate stabilization, strategic FDI management, and economic diversification beyond oil dependence. The integrated ARDL approach offers a robust framework for policymakers seeking to harmonize short-term stabilization with long-term growth resilience in resource-dependent economies.

In-Silico Investigation of Chromolaena Odorata (L.) against Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

P. O. DEBO-AJAGUNNA, A. O. OBAJULUWA, E. A. AGBEBI , P. A. OKIKI — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Globally, approximately 2 billion individuals are estimated to carry Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), with around 53 million harbouring the Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain. The widespread resistance of staphylococcal infections to β-lactam antibiotics, including penicillin, poses significant challenges to the treatment of MRSA infections. The mechanism of β-lactam antibiotics involves inhibition of the transpeptidase activity of penicillin
binding proteins (PBPs), crucial for bacterial cell wall synthesis. However, MRSA strains evade this inhibition through the mecA gene, which encodes PBP2a. This protein facilitates peptidoglycan crosslinking even in the presence of β lactam antibiotics, ensuring bacterial survival. Targeting PBP2a has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy against MRSA. The mecA gene transcription confers methicillin resistance by enabling cell wall biosynthesis despite β-lactam
presence, leading to drug resistance and membrane degradation. This highlights the need for novel interventions in combating MRSA infections. Plants contain numerous phytochemical constituents, many of which are biologically active and responsible for a variety of pharmacological activities.

Current Trends in the Laboratory Diagnosis of Hepatitis B Infections

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Viral hepatitis remains a major global public health challenge, accounting for approximately 1.4 million deaths annually.Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection alone contributes substantially to this burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to timely diagnosis and treatment remains limited. Despite the availability of effective vaccines and antiviral therapies, an estimated 90% of individuals living with HBV worldwide remain unaware of their infection status, perpetuating transmission and increasing the risk of long-term liver complications. This review examines current trends in the laboratory diagnosis of HBV infection, with emphasis on both conventional and emerging diagnostic technologies. A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies published between 2010 and 2025 on HBV diagnostic methodologies. Traditional diagnostic approaches, including serological markers, biochemical
liver function tests, and imaging techniques, remain foundational for assessing infection status, immune response, and liver disease progression. However, molecular diagnostics have become central to HBV management, with quantitative detection of HBV DNA and RNA now regarded as the gold standard for viral load monitoring and therapeutic decision-making. Advances in molecular diagnostics span multiple generations, including real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), isothermal amplification technologies, HBV RNA quantification, and next-generation sequencing (NGS). These innovations offer enhanced sensitivity and specificity, improved disease monitoring, rapid turnaround times, high-throughput capabilities, and expanded applications such as genotyping and antiviral resistance detection. Despite these advancements, significant challenges persist, notably high costs, infrastructure demands, lack of standardization, and limited accessibility in underserved populations. Achieving the World Health Organization’s 2030 hepatitis B elimination targets will require expanding access to affordable, accurate, and simplified diagnostic tools alongside strengthened health systems, workforce training, and public
awareness initiatives. Continued technological innovation and global collaboration remain essential to reducing diagnostic gaps and improving outcomes for millions affected by HBV worldwide.

Relative Roles of Cloud, Radiative, and Solar–Geomagnetic Processes in Modulating Convective Available Potential Energy across Nigerian Climate Zones

Grace ADAGBA, Tertsea IGBAWUA, Emanuel Vezua TIKYAA — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the effects of cloud properties, solar thermal radiation, and solar–geomagnetic indices on convective available potential energy (CAPE) across Nigeria’s tropical rainforest (Af), tropical monsoon (Am), and tropical savanna (Aw) climate zones from 1994 to 2024. Daily reanalysis and satellite-derived datasets were aggregated into climatological means. Statistical relationships were analyzed using lag-correlation and Normalized information flow (NIF), based on transfer entropy, was used to quantify directional causal influence among variables to quantify directional influences among variables. Mean CAPE values are highest in the Af and Am zones, frequently exceeding 2000–3000 J kg⁻¹ during peak convective periods, while the Aw zone exhibits lower and more seasonal CAPE, typically ranging from 500 to 1800 J kg⁻¹. Cloud fraction remains persistently high in the Af and Am zones (>0.60), coinciding with enhanced convective precipitation (CONPRE) and pronounced CAPE variability. Solar thermal radiation downward (STRD) contributes indirectly through surface heating, with shortwave fluxes of approximately 220–260 W m⁻² during the dry season, particularly influencing CAPE in the Aw zone. In contrast, solar and geomagnetic indices, including F10.7obs (FL) and Ap, show low mean values and weak correlations with CAPE. Information flow analysis indicates that cloud and precipitation processes account for more than 60% of CAPE variability, whereas solar and geomagnetic parameters contribute less than 10%. Collectively, CAPE variability acrossNigeria is dominated by internal atmospheric processes, with limited direct modulation by external solar–geomagnetic forcing.