African Scientist Vol. 26, No. 3 September 30, 2025

The uncontrolled release of diclofenac (DCF) effluents from the factories into the water bodies can cause physiological disorders in aquatic animals, especially fish. This study examined the haematological and growth responses of Heteroclarias exposed to six definitive concentrations (0.0. 4.0, 8.0, 12.0, 16.0 & 20.0 mg/l) of DCF for 96 h and evaluated the ameliorative potentials of Azadirachta indica (Neem leaf) through different percentage (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4%) inclusion in the fish diet for a period of 30 d.

Orange-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a nutrient rich plant known for its high content of beta carotene, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The leaves are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and other bioactive compounds that contribute to their potent antioxidant properties. This study investigates the effect of orange fleshed sweet potato supplemented diet on antioxidant enzyme levels in rats. Thirty (30) Wistar rats were used for the experiment.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing roasted Bambara bean with soybean in the catfish diet. One hundred and sixty-eight Clarias gariepinus juveniles (8.69±0.28 g) were allocated to four treatments in replicates. Experimental diets were formulated at 40% crude protein with three inclusion levels of Bambara meal diet BMD (15%, 30% and 45%), respectively, and a soybean control diet, fed twice daily at 3 % body weight for 8 weeks, in a completely randomized experiment.

Pollution from microplastics (MP) is now considered to be a major global environmental concern, and Nigeria is not an exception. In Nigeria, the River Niger is an essential resource that is used for agriculture, transportation, and fishing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate MPs contamination in Nigeria's Niger River, Lokoja, Kogi State: The sampling was carried out in 2024 between March and June. Following digestion with 10% KOH, density flotation with NaCl, and filtration, the water and sediment were examined.

The leaves of Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus are potential therapeutic agents; studies have explored their role in modulating gene expression. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effect of a dual formula of Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus extracts on p53 and APC genes in benzene-induced haematotoxicity in Wistar rats. The study involved 60 male Wistar rats, divided into six groups, to evaluate the effect of a Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus leaf extract blend on p53 and APC mRNA levels.

Tetrapleura tetraptera (Taub), widely utilized in traditional African medicine to manage various ailments, including diabetes, is a rich source of bioactive and therapeutic compounds, especially saponins. This study assessed saponins from T. tetraptera root bark for modulating carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes in STZ-induced diabetic male Wistar rats.

Emotion regulation (ER) is essential for psychological well-being, yet its psychosocial predictors remain understudied among African university populations. This study examined the social and psychological determinants of ER and the mediating effects of cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression on the relationship between lifestyle quality and emotional distress among undergraduates in South-West Nigeria.

Medicinal plants contain rich phytochemicals, and antioxidant compounds that affect physiological functions, fighting diseases related to inflammation and pains. They also have influence against bacteria, fungi, and parasites that cause several ailments. Parinari excelsa is a medicinal plant which belongs to the family of Chrysobalanaceae. In this study, Parinari excelsa seed was extracted with n-haxane through Soxhlet extraction method, concentrated with rotary evaporator to obtain the extract.