International Journal of Biochemistry Research & Review

Evaluation of the Optimisation of Reducing Antinutritional Factors in Yellow Maize (Zea mays L.): Effect of Fermentation

2026-06-13T10:26:22+00:00

Maize is one of the most popular cereal in the world, mainly because it is inexpensive, available all year round and can be used in a wide variety of dishes. However, the presence of antinutritional factors significantly affects its nutritional properties. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of optimizing the soaking conditions of yellow maize (time and temperature) on its antinutrient content. The response surface methodology was employed for this purpose, exploiting a composite design centered on two factors: soaking time (24-110 hours) and temperature (25-45 °C). The responses evaluated were the phytate, oxalate, tannin and trypsin inhibitor contents of maize fermented under optimal conditions. Antinutritional factors were determined after spontaneous fermentation, according to standard methods. The results showed that fermentation time significantly impacted (p < 0.05) the reduction in phytate, oxalate, tannin and trypsin inhibitor contents. Regarding the optimal conditions, a fermentation time of 110.9 hours at a temperature of 42.85 °C resulted in an optimal reduction in phytate content by 56.51%, oxalate content by 79.26%, tannin content by 96.78% and trypsin inhibitor content by 71.03%. These fermentation conditions produced maize of a very high nutritional quality that can be used in infant formulas designed to prevent protein-energy malnutrition.

Gastroprotective Effect of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Chromolaena odorata (Siam Weed) against Indomethacin-Induced Ulceration in Wistar Rats

2026-06-24T07:22:07+00:00

Gastric ulcers remain a clinically relevant gastrointestinal disorder, and some conventional anti-ulcer therapies are associated with undesirable side effects. Traditional medical practice has suggested that Chromolaena odorata may possess anti-ulcer, anti-haemorrhagic and wound-healing properties. This study assessed the gastroprotective potential of aqueous leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata against indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration in Wistar rats. Twenty Wistar rats weighing approximately 54–136 g were divided into five groups of four animals each. Group I received normal saline (3 mL/kg b.w.), Group II received omeprazole (8 mg/kg b.w.), while Groups III, IV and V received 3, 6 and 9 mL/kg b.w. of the extract, respectively. After 24 hours of fasting with free access to water, the animals were pretreated, followed one hour later by oral administration of 100 mg/kg b.w. aqueous indomethacin suspension. Four hours after ulcer induction, the animals were euthanised, and their stomachs were excised for ulcer scoring and histological assessment. The extract reduced ulceration at all tested doses, with the 6 mL/kg b.w. dose showing the highest percentage ulcer inhibition (76.09%). Histological findings in this group showed granulated tissue and mature fibrous scar tissue, indicating tissue repair. The findings support the traditional use of C. odorata for gastric ailments, although further studies are required to establish dosage, mechanism of action and clinical relevance.

Phytochemistry and Anti-Ulcerogenic Effects of the Ethanol Extract of Psidium guajava on Indomethacin- Induced Ulcer in Wistar Rats

2026-06-27T10:38:59+00:00

Background: Psidium guajava leaves are traditionally used for gastrointestinal conditions and may contain bioactive constituents relevant to gastric mucosal protection. This study evaluated the nutritional composition, phytochemical constituents and anti-ulcerogenic activity of the ethanol leaf extract of P. guajava in indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration in Wistar rats.

Methods: Fresh guava leaves were collected, air-dried, pulverised and extracted with 70% ethanol. Proximate, vitamin, mineral and quantitative phytochemical analyses were performed using standard analytical methods. Twenty-five male Wistar rats were allocated to five groups (n = 5). Gastric ulceration was induced with indomethacin (30 mg/kg). The standard control group received cimetidine (11.4 mg/kg), while treatment groups received the extract at 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg. Gastric volume, gastric pH, ulcer index and protection index were assessed, and data were analysed using ANOVA with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: The leaves contained carbohydrate, protein, fat, fibre, vitamin C and vitamin A. Phytochemical analysis showed alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides and phenols. Extract treatment reduced the ulcer index from 24.70 ± 10.30 in the negative control to 12.60 ± 2.80, 11.10 ± 3.00 and 8.90 ± 2.20 at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. The highest extract dose produced a protection index of 63.97%, close to cimetidine.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that ethanol extract of P. guajava leaves has dose-related anti-ulcerogenic activity in this model, alongside measurable nutritional and phytochemical constituents.

Effects of Heinsia crinita and Ficus capensis Hydroethanolic Extracts on Reproductive Parameters in Wistar Rats Subjected to PI3K/AKT Inhibition

2026-07-03T07:19:49+00:00

Reproductive dysfunction remains a major health concern, and male infertility contributes substantially to infertility among couples. This study evaluated the protective and modulatory effects of hydroethanolic extracts of Heinsia crinita roots and Ficus capensis bark on reproductive and biochemical parameters in male Wistar rats subjected to PI3K/AKT signalling inhibition. Reproductive dysfunction was induced using Sylibon 140 (silibinin), a pharmacological agent associated with down-regulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Wistar rats aged 8-12 weeks were treated for 14 days with H. crinita extract at 60 and 120 mg/kg, F. capensis extract at 35 and 75 mg/kg, or combined extract mixtures at 60 and 120 mg/kg. Body weight was monitored during treatment, and blood, reproductive organs, and epididymal samples were collected for hormonal, biochemical, organ-weight, and spermogram analyses. The combined low-dose extract improved endocrine indices by increasing testosterone and restoring luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels towards baseline. F. capensis monotherapy showed dose-dependent improvement in sperm density, with the higher dose restoring sperm density close to the normal control value. Lipid and protein indices remained generally stable, although HDL-C and total protein showed treatment-specific variation. These findings suggest that H. crinita and F. capensis extracts may modulate reproductive parameters under PI3K/AKT inhibition, but direct molecular and histopathological confirmation is required.

Leaf Phytochemical Screening Using GC-MS Analysis of Some Selected Species Belonging to Solanaceae Family

2026-07-13T09:34:02+00:00

The family Solanaceae is recognised for its rich diversity of bioactive secondary metabolites with pharmacological and industrial importance. The present study aimed to characterise and compare the phytochemical composition of selected Solanaceae species collected from different regions of Sudan using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and to identify major bioactive compounds with potential medicinal value. Plant materials were collected, shade-dried and extracted using 95% ethanol, followed by GC-MS profiling under standard operating conditions. Compound identification was performed through spectral matching with the NIST database, and relative abundances were calculated by peak-area normalisation. A total of 147 phytochemical compounds were identified across the studied species, distributed over 29 retention times ranging from 3 to 33 min. Most compounds were detected within the 14-28 min interval, indicating the predominance of mid- to high-molecular-weight constituents. Major compounds included n-hexadecanoic acid, phytol, vitamin E (tocopherol), squalene, stigmasterol, and several hydrocarbon and fatty acid derivatives. The distribution and concentration of these compounds varied among species, as illustrated in Figs. 1-7, reflecting species-specific metabolic profiles. Notably, Datura species exhibited greater phytochemical diversity and abundance, whereas Physalis angulata and Withania somnifera showed higher levels of specific bioactive compounds. The identified metabolites are associated with biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, supporting the medicinal relevance of these plants. This study highlights the chemical richness of Solanaceae species and provides baseline data for further phytochemical and pharmacological investigations.

Ameliorative Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Quercetin on Lipid Metabolic Disturbances Induced by High Salt Intake in Wistar Rats

2026-07-13T10:43:16+00:00

High dietary salt intake has been associated with alterations in lipid metabolism and increased cardiovascular risk. This study evaluated the effects of omega-3 fatty acids and quercetin supplementation on lipid profile and atherogenic indices in a high-salt-fed Wistar rat model. Thirty-five male Wistar rats weighing 180-220 g were randomly assigned to seven groups of five animals each. The groups comprised a normal control, two sham controls receiving dimethyl sulfoxide or olive oil, a high-salt-fed group, and three high-salt-fed treatment groups receiving omega-3 fatty acids, quercetin or their combination. High-salt feeding consisted of 8% NaCl in feed and 1% NaCl in drinking water. Omega-3 fatty acids and quercetin were administered orally once daily at 14.29 mg/kg body weight and 20 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for 42 days. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were assessed. In addition, the atherogenic coefficient, cardiac risk ratio, and atherogenic index of plasma were calculated. Compared with the control groups, high-salt feeding resulted in elevated serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, accompanied by a reduction in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The high-salt-fed group also showed increased atherogenic indices. Omega-3 fatty acids, quercetin and their combined treatment improved the altered lipid parameters and reduced the elevated atherogenic indices compared with the untreated high-salt-fed group. The combined treatment generally showed greater improvement than either supplement alone. These findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acids and quercetin may attenuate high-salt-induced dyslipidaemia in male Wistar rats.

Phytochemical Screening and Antibacterial Activity of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Guiera senegalensis

2026-06-29T10:28:42+00:00

The increasing resistance of microorganisms to conventional antibiotics, together with the high cost and adverse effects of some synthetic drugs, has encouraged the search for alternative therapeutic agents from medicinal plants. Guiera senegalensis is widely used in West African traditional medicine for conditions such as dysentery, malaria and skin infections, and its therapeutic relevance has been associated with its phytochemical constituents. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential and antibacterial activity of the methanolic leaf extract of Guiera senegalensis. Qualitative phytochemical screening was conducted to identify major secondary metabolites, while antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, FRAP and TBARS assays. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined to assess antimicrobial potential. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of phenols, flavonols, saponins, alkaloids, steroids, tannins and cardiac glycosides. The antioxidant assays showed concentration-dependent activity, although the extract was generally less effective than ascorbic acid. The antibacterial tests demonstrated inhibitory effects against selected bacterial isolates, with bactericidal effects requiring relatively higher concentrations. Overall, the methanolic leaf extract of Guiera senegalensis exhibited antioxidant and antibacterial activities, suggesting that it contains bioactive constituents that may support further investigation as potential natural therapeutic agents.

Wheat Genotype Improvement Evolution of Selection Strategies for Stress and Nutrition

2026-06-20T08:50:11+00:00

Wheat is one of the most important cereal crops for global food and nutritional security, but its productivity and grain quality are increasingly affected by abiotic stresses and micronutrient deficiencies. This review summarises the evolution of selection strategies used for wheat genotype improvement, with emphasis on stress tolerance and nutritional enhancement. Conventional breeding methods, including phenotypic selection, pedigree breeding, backcrossing and mutation breeding, have contributed substantially to the development of high-yielding and disease-resistant wheat cultivars. However, these approaches are often time-consuming and less efficient for complex traits such as drought tolerance, heat tolerance, salinity tolerance, nutrient-use efficiency, grain protein content and micronutrient accumulation. Modern breeding strategies, including marker-assisted selection, quantitative trait loci mapping, genome-wide association studies, genomic selection, high-throughput phenotyping and genome editing, have improved the precision and efficiency of wheat improvement programmes. These approaches support the identification and transfer of genes and genomic regions associated with stress adaptation, yield stability and nutritional quality. Biofortification-oriented breeding has also gained importance for improving grain iron, zinc and protein content, particularly in regions where wheat is a major dietary component. Despite these advances, wheat improvement remains constrained by genotype-by-environment interaction, narrow genetic diversity, phenotyping limitations, infrastructure gaps and possible trade-offs among yield, stress tolerance and nutritional quality. Integrated use of conventional breeding, molecular tools, physiological screening and genomic technologies offers a practical pathway for developing wheat genotypes with improved resilience and nutritional value under changing environmental conditions.

Bioprospecting 4.0 of Tropical Medicinal Plants: Integration of Metabolomics, Ethnobotanical Databases and Artificial Intelligence for the Robust Identification of New Bioactive Molecules

2026-06-27T11:25:40+00:00

Tropical medicinal plants constitute an important source of structurally diverse metabolites with potential value for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and biotechnological research. Conventional natural-product discovery pipelines, however, remain limited by slow metabolite identification, fragmented ethnobotanical information and restricted translation from screening to validated candidates. This review examines Bioprospecting 4.0 as an integrated framework that combines untargeted metabolomics, ethnobotanical databases, artificial intelligence, cheminformatics and systems biology for the prioritisation of bioactive molecules from tropical medicinal plants. Particular attention is given to LC-MS/MS-based metabolomics, molecular networking, NMR-supported structural elucidation, knowledge graphs and AI-assisted prediction of biological targets and ADMET properties. The review also considers the role of explainable artificial intelligence, uncertainty quantification and active learning in improving interpretability, reproducibility and confidence in candidate selection. In addition, the manuscript discusses multi-omics integration, systems pharmacology, synthetic biology and translational validation as complementary components of next-generation bioprospecting. Ethical governance, FAIR data principles, biodiversity conservation and Access and Benefit-Sharing frameworks are addressed as essential requirements for responsible research involving genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge. Overall, the review highlights that Bioprospecting 4.0 can support a more systematic, transparent and ethically grounded exploration of tropical plant chemodiversity, while recognising the continuing challenges of data fragmentation, limited infrastructure, underrepresented biodiversity and predictive uncertainty.

Regulated Metal-Dependent Cell Death: Mechanistic Intersections of Ferroptosis and Cuproptosis in Human Disease and Toxicology

2026-07-04T11:01:18+00:00

Ferroptosis and cuproptosis are metal-dependent forms of regulated cell death that are increasingly recognised as important mechanisms linking metal homeostasis, mitochondrial metabolism, oxidative stress, and disease pathogenesis. Ferroptosis is primarily driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation following disruption of antioxidant defences such as the glutathione-GPX4 axis, whereas cuproptosis is associated with intracellular copper accumulation, copper binding to lipoylated mitochondrial proteins, protein aggregation, iron-sulfur cluster destabilisation, and impairment of tricarboxylic acid cycle function. This review summarises the molecular basis of ferroptosis and cuproptosis and discusses their mechanistic intersections in human disease and toxicology. Particular emphasis is placed on the toxicological relevance of metal-dependent cell death pathways in environmental exposure, metal toxicity, xenobiotic-induced injury, and organ-specific toxicological responses. Literature was searched using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for English-language studies published up to February 2026. The review highlights shared regulatory nodes, including mitochondrial dysfunction, reactive oxygen species generation, metal transport systems, glutathione metabolism, autophagy, mitophagy, and transcriptional regulators such as Nrf2, p53, and HIF-1α. Evidence linking these pathways to cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic diseases, and inflammatory or infectious conditions is discussed, with emphasis on the biological contexts in which metal-dependent cell death may contribute to tissue injury or therapeutic vulnerability. Pharmacological approaches, including iron and copper chelation, ionophore-based modulation, ferroptosis inhibitors, and emerging dual-pathway strategies, are reviewed with attention to their current limitations. The proposed framework of metalloptosis is presented as an integrative concept for understanding metal-regulated cell death, while acknowledging the need for stronger biomarkers, validated models, and careful translational evaluation