Asian Journal of Research in Biosciences
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Impact of Varying Sewage Effluent Concentrations on Growth and Germination of Capsicum Seeds: A Comparative Study of Atarodo and Shombo Species
No full textOver the years, direct irrigation with untreated urban sewage has been found to negatively impact plant growth and yield. This study evaluated the effects of various concentrations of treated sewage effluent (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% v/v, diluted with distilled water) on the germination and growth of two Capsicum species: Capsicum chinense (Atarodo) and Capsicum annuum (Shombo). A 2×5 factorial experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replicates. Parameters measured biweekly included plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf area (up to the 12th week), germination percentage at 10 days, and days to seedling emergence. Sewage effluent was characterized for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Zn). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), with significant means separated by the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test. Results showed significant differences in days to seedling emergence between species (P<0.001). Plant height differed significantly at weeks 2, 4, 6, and 12 (P<0.01), with marginal significance at week 10 (P<0.05). Leaf area and number of leaves per plant also varied significantly (P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively). Germination percentage was not significantly affected by sewage effluent concentration, though 40% of treatment combinations achieved 50–70% germination success. Moderate effluent concentrations (25–50%) promoted early growth, while undiluted effluent (100%) reduced germination and growth due to high salinity and potential toxicity. These findings suggest that controlled use of treated sewage effluent can enhance Capsicum growth, but untreated sewage is detrimental
Nutrient Fluxes and their Effects on Food Web Stability in Aquatic Systems
No full textNutrient dynamics are essential in determining the structure, functionality, and long-term stability of food chains and food webs within ecosystems. Through major biogeochemical cycles, such as those of nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon, and sulphur; nutrients are continually cycled and exchanged between living organisms and their physical environment. These cycles govern the availability of critical nutrients necessary for primary producers, thereby shaping the foundational levels of trophic systems and driving the flow of energy through successive trophic levels. Changes in nutrient supply influence species diversity, trophic relationships, and the overall productivity of biomass. While balanced nutrient inputs support biodiversity and promote ecosystem stability, excessive nutrient loading can disrupt food web dynamics, triggering problems such as eutrophication, loss of species, and imbalances across trophic levels; commonly referred to as the "paradox of enrichment." Additionally, nutrient recycling through detritus-based processes and consumer activities creates feedback mechanisms that can either buffer or amplify ecological fluctuations depending on prevailing environmental factors. Overall, the interactions between nutrient cycles and trophic dynamics underscore the critical need to manage nutrient inputs carefully to preserve ecological health across both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems
Gut Microbiota Diversity and Growth Performance in the Three Genotypes (Normal Feathered, Frizzled Feathered and Naked Neck) of Improved Nigerian Indigenous Chickens in Uyo
No full textThis study investigated the gut microbiota composition and growth performance of three genotypes of improved Nigerian indigenous chickens; Normal Feathered (NF), Frizzled Feathered (FF), and Naked Neck (NN) raised under intensive management conditions. A total of 200 day-old FUNAAB-Alpha chicks were reared for eight weeks at the University of Uyo Teaching and Research Farm. Growth parameters, including body weight and linear body measurements, were recorded weekly. Cecal samples were collected from 12 birds (four per genotype) for microbial analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequencing on a PacBio platform. Bioinformatics analysis was performed with QIIME2, SILVA databases, and PICRUSt2 to identify taxa, assess diversity indices, and predict functional roles. Results revealed that Bacteroidota and Firmicutes dominated the gut microbiota across genotypes, with Lactobacillus johnsonii and Lactobacillus crispatus emerging as key species. Notably, the Naked Neck genotype exhibited superior growth performance, with significantly higher body weight at weeks 6 and 8 (p<0.05). Sex significantly influenced growth, with males consistently outperforming females. The findings suggest that host genotype and sex significantly shape gut microbial composition and growth traits in Nigerian indigenous chickens. These insights provide a foundation for improving poultry productivity through genotype selection and microbiome-informed management strategies
Assessment of the Anti-malarial Potential of Gmelina arborea in Suppressive and Established Infection Study in Mice
No full textThis study aims to investigate the potential of Gmelina arborea as an anti-malarial agent, exploring its therapeutic benefits and possible applications in malaria treatment. Malaria being a disease of massive burden in Nigeria and Africa has wasted income and caused death in infants and pregnant women majorly. Plants have been the main source of medicine in Africa and traditionalists have used them in the management of malaria; Gmelina arborea (GA) has been used in the Eastern part of Nigeria in the treatment of malaria, but there is no scientific validation on its usage.
In this study, an acute toxicity test, and the antimalarial potential of GA were evaluated. Plasmodium berghei infected mice in a 4-day suppressive test and 7-day curative models using mice were used. Parameters assessed were post-treatment parasitemia, level of suppression, haematological indices and survival.
G. arborea did not show acute or delayed toxicity; the level of suppression was high at 300mg/kg and the level of parasitemia was low at the same dose. The extract at 300mg/kg produced elevated red blood cell (RBCs) and platelet counts, and an increase in haemoglobin and lymphocytes while 900mg/kg showed only increased platelet counts in the suppressive model. In the established infection, percentage inhibition (PI) was high and parasitemia (PP) was low from day 1-7 at 300mg/kg, while at 900mg/kg, PI was high only on day 1. Platelets and RBC counts were high at 300mg/kg while lymphocytes were high at 100mg/kg.
This indicated that G. arborea is a potential candidate for the management of malaria and there is a need for further studies to identify the bio-active principle(s) and mechanism of antimalarial action
Enhancement of Reproductive Performance in Rabbit Bucks through Ethanolic Bitter Kola (Garcinia kola) Supplementation: A Dose-Response Study
No full textThis study looked into how the ethanolic extract of Garcinia kola, commonly known as bitter kola, affects the semen quality and hormonal profile of rabbit bucks. A total of twenty-four sexually mature rabbit bucks, aged between 6 to 8 months, were randomly divided into four groups of six animals each, following a Completely Randomized Design. Group A was given distilled water as a control, while Groups B, C, and D received the ethanolic bitter kola extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight, respectively, administered orally every 12 hours for eight weeks. Semen samples were collected at weeks 0, 4, and 8 using an artificial vagina, and blood samples were taken for hormonal assays using ELISA. Phytochemical analysis showed that the extract contained flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and steroids. The results indicated that the 200 mg/kg dose significantly enhanced semen parameters by week 8, including semen volume (0.74±0.21 mL compared to 0.59±0.14 mL in the control), sperm motility (73.6±8.9% vs 63.8±10.1%), sperm concentration (193±35×10⁶/mL vs 167±28×10⁶/mL), total sperm count (143±40×10⁶ vs 99±28×10⁶), sperm viability (78.2±8.7% vs 70.3±7.8%), normal morphology (80.8±6.2% vs 77.9±5.7%), membrane integrity (76.9±9.0% vs 73.1±8.2%), and semen pH (7.23±0.21 vs 7.09±0.18). Additionally, significant increases were noted in testosterone (2.46±0.37 ng/mL vs 1.89±0.30 ng/mL), luteinizing hormone (0.91±0.15 mIU/mL vs 0.74±0.12 mIU/mL), and follicle-stimulating hormone (0.59±0.10 mIU/mL vs 0.46±0.08 mIU/mL) levels. The 100 mg/kg dose showed some improvements, while the 400 mg/kg dose yielded no significant benefits, indicating a dose-dependent effect. These findings demonstrate that ethanolic extract of Garcinia kola at 200 mg/kg optimally enhances reproductive performance in rabbit bucks through improved semen quality and hormonal stimulation
Hepatoprotective Effect of Anogeissus leiocarpus against Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Toxicity in Rat Liver Damage
No full textLiver diseases are a critical global health challenge often resulting from the reactive free radicals that can bind covalently to cellular macromolecules forming nucleic acid, protein and lipids adducts. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is leading causes of hepatotoxicity, which is attributed to oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis through the induction of hypomethylated ribosomal RNA, resulting in inhibition of protein synthesis and CCl4 can affect hepatocellular structure of the liver. The hepatoprotective potential of aqueous leaf extract of Anogeissus leiocarpus (ALEAL) was evaluated in male Wistar rats using CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity model. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects of aqueous leaf extracts of Anogeissus leiocarpus (ALEAL) in mitigating carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in male Wistar rats. Statistical analyses were performed using Graph pad Prism 9 with significance different at P<0.05. Elevated liver function enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP) observed in CCl4 groups were significantly (P<0.05) reversed by ALEAL treatments (115 and 230 mg/kg). The Pro-inflammatory markers (IL-6 and TNF-α) were significantly decreased (P<0.05) in ALEAL-treated groups (115 and 230 mg/kg) but significantly increased (P<0.05) in the untreated group. Histological analysis revealed a preserved liver architecture and reduced steatosis, necrosis, and fibrosis in ALEAL-treated groups. The study demonstrated that Anogeissus leiocarpus possesses potent hepatoprotective properties mediated through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities by ameliorating the effect of CCl4-induced on liver damage as shown in this study. The findings validate the traditional use of Anogeissus leiocarpus for liver ailments and highlight its potential as a natural alternative for managing hepatotoxicity
Serum Biochemistry, Lipid Profile and Serum Antioxidant Indices of Rabbit Does Fed Dietary Supplementation of Dried Dates (Phoenix dactylifera) Fruit Meal
Get PDFAntioxidants exert a wide range of beneficial effects, contributing to the prevention of disease onset. This study assessed the impact of dietary supplementation with dried date fruit meal (DDFM) on serum biochemical indices, lipid profile, and antioxidant status in Rabbit Does. A total of thirty-six female growing rabbits (8–10 weeks old) were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments containing DDFM at 0.00% (control), 0.50%, 1.00%, and 1.50%, respectively. The experiment followed a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replicates per treatment and lasted for 24 weeks. Serum biochemical parameters, lipid profile, and antioxidant indices were analyzed post-experiment using standard laboratory procedures. Results revealed that total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the control group (T1) and declined with increased DDFM inclusion. However, urea, glucose, and liver enzyme activities (AST, ALT, and ALP) remained unaffected. Total protein levels were highest in T1 (76.50 g/dL) and significantly higher compared to T2 (70.50 g/dL), T3 (54.50 g/dL), and T4 (57.00 g/dL). Lipid profile analysis indicated significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL levels in treatments receiving 1.00% and 1.50% DDFM, suggesting improved lipid metabolism. The lowest LDL value was found in T4 (0.80 g/dL), which was significantly lower than the other treatments, which had comparable values: T1 (1.25 g/dL), T2 (1.50 g/dL), and T3 (1.50 g/dL). Antioxidant indices, including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH), exhibited significant increases in higher DDFM treatments, indicating enhanced oxidative defense. GSH concentrations were highest in T4 (18.52 µg/mL) and T3 (18.38 µg/mL), followed by T2 (17.22 µg/mL), and the lowest value in T1 (16.78 µg/mL). These findings suggest that while DDFM inclusion at 1.00% DDFM may reduce serum protein indices, it enhances antioxidant status and improves lipid metabolism, making it a potentially beneficial feed additive for rabbit production
The Hepatoprotective Effects of Euphorbia hirta in ameliorating Paracetamol -induced Liver Injury in Rats
No full textParacetamol-induced hepatotoxicity is a significant global health concern, leading to toxicity and chronic liver conditions. While synthetic hepatoprotective drugs exist, their associated side effects necessitate the search for safer alternatives. Euphorbia hirta, known for its hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, has been explored for its potential in mitigating liver damage. This study investigates the protective effects of E. hirta leaf extracts on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats.
Fresh E. hirta leaves were collected, air-dried, and pulverized before aqueous extraction. The extract was obtained by soaking 250 g of powdered leaves in 2.5 L of distilled water for 72 hours, followed by filtration, concentration, and drying. Acute toxicity tests classified the extract as practically non-toxic, with an LD₅₀ exceeding 5000 mg/kg. Thirty-five male Wistar rats (150–220 g) were randomized into five groups (n=5 per group). The "Negative Control" group received standard feed and water, while the “Model Group” was administered paracetamol (150 mg/kg orally) to induce hepatotoxicity. A “Positive group” received paracetamol and silymarin (150 mg/kg / 50 mg/kg), while two treatment groups received paracetamol alongside E. hirta extracts at doses of 125 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg, respectively. Treatments were administered orally for seven days.
Liver function, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers were assessed through biochemical and histological analyses. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured, while histopathological examination and immunohistochemical analysis of Bax protein expression were conducted. Results showed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in ALT and AST levels in treated groups compared to the paracetamol-only group. Histological findings indicated preserved liver architecture and reduced Bax protein expression, confirming E. hirta’s hepatoprotective potential.
This study suggests that E. hirta could serve as a natural hepatoprotective alternative. Further research should focus on isolating active compounds and conducting clinical trials to validate its efficacy and safety for potential pharmaceutical applications
A Study on Relationship between Water Quality Parameters and Fish Diversity in Freshwater Bodies in Chhattisgarh, Central India
No full textThe present study was conducted to assess the diversity of fish fauna in four freshwater bodies of Chhattisgarh, Central India and its association with some water quality parameters. Four freshwater bodies viz; Khutaghat dam (D1), Kori dam(D2), Minimata dam (D3) and Khudia dam(D4) of Chhattisgarh were sampled for assessment of fish faunal diversity and its association with environmental factors. All the sampled freshwater bodies were the fish species were caught in nets by using boats. During the course of study water samples from each freshwater body was collected to analyze them for different physico-chemical properties (temperature, transparency, pH, water conductivity, total hardness, total alkalinity, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, salinity, BOD and COD) through the standard protocols of APHA (2005). In order to reveal the association between the environmental factors and fish fauna Pearson’s Coefficient of correlation (two tailed) was conducted. The results reveal that a total of 49 fish species belonging to 09 orders, 18 families, 34 genera were found in the freshwater bodies of Chhattisgarh. Cyprinidae (42.85%), Bagridae & Clariidae (8.16%), Siluridae (6.122%), Schilbeidae and Centropomidae & Anabantidae (4.08%) were the most dominated families. Labeorohita was the most abundant (6.182%) freshwater fish species in the sampled freshwater bodies of Chhattisgarh. Despite the low fish diversity in the sampled freshwater bodies of Chhattisgarh, the Shannon’s index (H) varies from 2.36±0.08 (D4) to 2.90±0.09 (D3). A significant (p≤0.01; p≤0.05) correlation was reported between the physico-chemical properties of sampled freshwater bodies and fish diversity. These results illustrate that the fish diversity of freshwater bodies of Chhattisgarh is regulated by the environmental attributes. The results of this study clearly illustrate the requirement of prior management and conservation strategies for the freshwater bodies of Chhattisgarh Central India
Nutrigenomics and Molecular Nutrition Approaches in Livestock Development: A Review
No full textNutrigenomics and molecular nutrition represent innovative approaches in livestock development, providing insight into how nutrients influence gene expression, metabolism and overall animal performance. This review examines recent advances in understanding nutrient gene interactions and their implications for improving growth, health and productivity in livestock species. Through omic technologies such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics, researchers can identify nutrient responsive genes and molecular pathways that regulate metabolic efficiency, immune response and feed conversion. Molecular nutrition strategies have further enabled the formulation of precision diets and functional feeds that enhance genetic potential while minimizing environmental impact. The integration of genomic data with nutritional management promotes sustainable animal production by optimizing resource utilization and reducing emissions. Despite challenges related to high implementation costs, bioinformatics capacity and limited genomic databases in developing regions, nutrigenomics holds great promise for advancing livestock breeding and management. This review highlights emerging applications, benefits, and future prospects of nutrigenomic tools in livestock development, focusing on how integrating genomic and nutritional data can optimize breeding programs, enable diet designs tailored to specific breeds or production stages, and promote environmental sustainability through improved feed efficiency and reduced emissions