Journal of BioScience and Biotechnology (JBB)
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p-ISSN: 1314-6238 / e-ISSN: 1314-6246
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Item Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals and microbiological diversity of soil samples from some automobile workshops in Benin City, Nigeria(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2026-01-07) Enerijiofi, Kingsley; Osariyekemwen, NathanielThe indiscriminate discharge of waste engine oil arising from auto-mechanic workshops is known to cause environmental challenges. This study investigated the pollution status of heavy metals and microbiological diversity of waste engine oil contaminated soils in Benin City. Standard laboratory methods were used in the study. The physicochemical parameters recorded were sandy loam, pH (6.8 - 7.9), EC (1.9 - 5.4 uS/cm), sulphate (42.51 - 68.45 mg/kg), Nitrate (1.08-2.10mg/kg), Phosphate (2.60- 4.92 mg/kg), Calcium (0.32 -0.64mg/kg), Magnesium (0.17- 0.28mg/kg), Sodium (0.11- 0.14 mg/kg) Potassium (0.10-0.18mg/kg), Zinc (31.92- 68.40mg/kg), Copper (9.21-13.65mg/kg), Chromium (0.23 -0.40mg/kg), Lead (2.40 - 6.20mg/kg), Manganese (32.92-51.70mg/kg), Iron (826.24 — 1012.4mg/kg), Nickel (2.11 — 3.10mg/kg) and Cadmium (1.98-3.10mg/kg). The total heterotrophic bacterial counts of soils samples from location A had the highest, 8.61x10^4cfu/g while location E had the least, 1.12x10^4cfu/g. location B had the highest fungal count, 8.04x10^3cfu/g while location C had the least, 1.11x10^3cfu/g. The bacterial and fungi isolated were Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Micrococcus, Clostridium, Corynebacterium, Penicillium, Fusarium, Aspergillus, Trichoderma and Geotrichum species. The pollution indices indicated iron had the highest contamination factor of 8.88 while Chromium had the least of 0.87. The geo-accumulation index showed that cadmium had the highest of 0.76 while iron had the least. The Quantification of concentration revealed that chromium had the highest of 90.32 while nickel had the least of 57.25. The waste engine oil polluted soil revealed unpolluted to moderately polluted status. This study recommends proper disposal of waste engine oil thereby safeguarding the environment and public health of citizens.Item Evaluation of sweet pepper cultivars and breeding lines for chemical and sensory quality(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2026-01-07) Boteva, VelikaPepper is well known for the high content of bioactive compounds and strong antioxidant capacity formed by vitamins, carotenoids, flavonoids and polyphenols. Twenty nine pepper genotypes of different colours and shapes were studied during 2018-2020 period at the Maritsa VCRI. They were analyzed by basic chemical components (dry matter, total sugars, ascorbic acid, total pigments) and sensory traits. A genotype assessment toward above mentioned characters was established. The genotype factor had the greatest influence on the dry matter of the conical and kapia types; on the ascorbic acid and ASTA units of the cultivars and breeding lines with red-colored fruits (kapia and ratund); on the total sugars of all studied types. A strong negative correlation was found between the total sensory evaluation and the dry matter content of green pepper fruits from the conical type (r = -0.908**). The correlation between the total sensory assessment and the total sugar content of the green pepper fruits of the conical type was significant (r = 0.857*) and strongly positive for the blocky and bell ones (r = 0.958**). Based on the experiment, appropriate genotypes were selected as perspective lines or parental components in the breeding of high quality pepper varieties.Item Harnessing the Microbiome: Biotechnological Approaches to Health and Sustainability(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2026-01-07) Eskandar, KirolosThe microbiome—complex communities of microorganisms inhabiting humans, plants, animals, and ecosystems—plays a pivotal role in health and sustainability. Advances in biotechnology have unlocked the potential to harness these microbial ecosystems for transformative applications across diverse fields. This review explores cutting-edge microbiome research, highlighting its contributions to human health through microbiome-based therapeutics, precision medicine, and the gut-brain axis. In agriculture, we examine microbial innovations for sustainable farming, soil health, and livestock productivity. Additionally, we delve into environmental applications, such as bioremediation, carbon sequestration, and marine microbiomes. Emerging tools, including omics technologies, synthetic biology, and artificial intelligence, are accelerating progress while presenting challenges and ethical considerations. By integrating these innovations, microbiome biotechnology holds immense promise for enhancing human health, improving food systems, and addressing global environmental challenges.Item Assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome among temporary residents in mountains(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2026-01-07) Krasniqi, Shqipe Kola; Fejza, Hajrullah; Alidema, FitimBackground: Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome is a group of acute infectious diseases caused by Hantaviruses. In Kosovo the natural foci of the disease are some of the mountains. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of the temporary residents who own small houses in the mountains and are exposed to contact with rodents, the route of transmission, and the assessment of attitudes and practices. Methods: The quantitative method with a cross-sectional model was used for the study. 204 participants from the municipalities of Deçan, Istog, and Junik who have small houses in the mountains were interviewed face to face with a standardized questionnaire. Descriptive and analytical statistics with 95% significance and a p-value of 0.05 were used to explain the responses of the participants. Results: 192 respondents have heard about hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, and 164 have knowledge that the disease is very serious, but only 49 consider it very serious in the place where they live. The most known symptoms are fever and flu-like symptoms (40.0%). The main known route of transmission of the disease is contact with rodents (49 %), and the rodent control is the main preventive measure (43.6%). 115 have learned about the disease from relatives and friends, and 54.9 % have had contact with the rodents during the previous season. Conclusion: This study highlights the lack of knowledge and attitudes of residents, which consequently has an impact on the lack of practices related to the prevention of the disease.Item Scale up studies on select bacterial strains for improvement of PUFA production(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2026-01-07) Masurkar, Azmina Abdul Karim; Pandey, Kavita Rajesh; Vakil, Babu VamanraoThe sustainable production of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) from microorganisms has been a focus for several decades. A rising demand for healthy superfoods like PUFA and a decline in their natural sources have prompted the development of faster, more reliable, and more economical microbial production strategies. Unlike algae and fungi, bacteria pose a clear advantage w.r.t. ease of culturing, manipulation, and production speeds. In the present study, two bacterial cultures isolated from the Arabian Sea and one river water Bacillus species were studied for their PUFA-producing capability at the lab-scale bioreactor level. These isolates, previously studied for their maximum PUFA output at the shake flask level, were put under lab-scale bioreactor conditions in an attempt to increase productivity. This investigation was carried out using fed-batch and single-batch culture techniques, with regulated environmental parameters, improved aeration, mixing, and a set C: N ratio. With careful monitoring, up to 20% PUFA and 7.9 g/L dry biomass could be obtained from saltwater Halomonas spp. While the freshwater Bacillus thuringiensis spp. reached a maximum of 11.79% PUFA and 5.6 g/L of dry biomass. The fed-batch mode proved to be more effective, increasing biomass and PUFA production by three to fivefold. Compared to earlier research using the same bacterial isolates in shake flask cultures, the results achieved were significantly higher. Elementary fermentation process data obtained through this investigation will be valuable in promoting further scale-up studies for bacterial PUFA production.Item In silico studies for the identification of lead phytocompounds as Naja nigricollis venom antidote from selected Nigerian anti-snake venom plants(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2026-01-07) Lamiya, Abdulhafiz; Shehu, Dayyabu; Alhassan, Adamu; Dangambo, MaryamSeveral plants used in traditional setting of Nigeria for the treatment of snake bites have been subjected to preliminary snake venom neutralization activity validation and some phytocompounds have been identified and isolated in their extracts. This research sought to identify lead phytocompounds as Naja nigricollis venom antidote from compounds identified in these plants that can be channeled in to anti-venom discovery pipeline. Relevant science data bases that include “Google Scholar”, “PubMed”, “PubmedCentral”, and “Science Direct” were searched for published works on anti-snake venom activities of Nigerian plants between the years of 2014-2024. Compounds isolated from such plants were downloaded from “PubChem” and subjected to molecular docking against the major venom proteins of Naja nigricollis three finger toxins (neurotoxin and cardiotoxin) and phospholipase A2 using PyRx and Discovery Studio. The top three hit compounds for each of the toxins were then subjected to ADMET analysis using Swiss-ADME and PROTOX-II to identify lead compound with the best drug likeness and safety property. Lead compounds identified were cabenegrin A-I, cabenegrin A-II, and lupeol for neurotoxin, cardiotoxin and phospholipase A2, respectively with their respective docking score as -5.7, -6.3 and -11.2 Kcal/mol, respectively. All the lead phytocompounds passed the Lipinski rule of five and have no probability of organ toxicity except for lupeol, which has a high probability of causing respiratory toxicity. The lead compounds identified in this study hold the potential of providing novel anti-snake venom. Thus, their activities can be validated through advanced techniques and channeled into the drug discovery pipeline.Item Optimization of lethal dose (LD50) and effect of chemical mutagen on yield characteristics and quality traits on three varieties of Capsicum chinense Jacq.(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2026-01-07) Ibeh, Adaugo; Egbucha, Kelechukwu; Akanwa, Franklin; Garuba, Omosun; Mukah, Flora; Udechukwu, ChidozieThe popularity of Habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) among consumers is increasing, and the purpose of the study is well-founded, as the nutritional value and medicinal uses of these pepper varieties are essential and necessary to increase the production through induced mutagenesis. Thus, the development of ideotypes of peppers with high production potential is the main goal of the habanero variety improvement initiatives. The present study was conducted to determine the LD50 dose and yield parameters induced by EMS in three Capsicum chinense cultivars datil pepper, Aji dulce (Ose Ibeku) and Habanero chile (Ose Nsukka) under laboratory conditions. The study was conducted by exposing the seeds to different concentrations of EMS (0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 0.7% and 0.9% v/v) for 5 hours of exposure, with water as the control. The effect of the EMS mutagen on germination and survival rates for the three varieties was reported, and the collected data was subjected to statistical analysis using linear regression, analysis of variance, and least significant difference analysis. The results obtained from the germination percentage show an inversely proportional relationship, expressed in a decrease in this indicator with increasing concentrations of the mutagen among the treated plants. The lethal dose (LD50) was determined at EMS concentrations of 0.8%, 0.5% and 0.5% (v/v) and the optimal dose was determined for the three pepper varieties. The results of the analysis of variance in pepper varieties show that with the induced mutations with 0.1% EMS and 0.3% EMS, the yield characteristics in the M1 generation of all three varieties increase.Item Exploiting the antimicrobial potential of an invasive aquatic weed Eichhornia crassipes mediated silver nanoparticles on multi drug resistant bacteria(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2026-01-07) Nair, Arya; Bijukumar, Adithya; Jayakumar, Devi; Kumar, Praveen; Prabhu, Ramya R.Resistance against commonly used antibiotics is an emerging global threat, mostly due to the evolution of multi-drug-resistant bacterial strains. This necessitates the search for anti-bacterial remedies that are cheaper, reliable, and easier to synthesize. Green synthesized silver nanoparticles are widely employed as an antibacterial agent due to their unique physicochemical properties and considered as eco-friendly. In this study, we synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous extract from Eichhornia crassipes (EC) leaves. EC is an invasive aquatic weed which causes a decrease in oxygen levels in freshwater environments thereby contributing to eutrophication. The synthesized EC-AgNPs were characterized for their size, morphology, surface charge, crystalline nature using various techniques. Bacteria used for this study, viz; E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and S. aureus, P. mirabilis were characterized for their antibiotic resistance and were found to be to be multidrug resistant (MRD) and (extended spectrum beta-lactamase) ESBL producers. P. aeruginosa was characterized for its biofilm formation ability. The antibacterial ability of the EC-AgNPs at various concentrations was tested on these MRD pathogens by disc diffusion assay and minimum inhibitory concentration was determined. Results showed zone of inhibition even at very low concentrations indicating that the EC-AgNPs can be used as a potential antibacterial agent against MRD pathogens. The antibiofilm activity of EC-AgNPs was demonstrated in P. aeruginosa by crystal violet assay. The study emphasizes on the using aquatic weeds like E. crassipes for medical and pharmaceutical purposes so that they can be efficiently removed from environment and put to beneficial use.Item Lichenized fungi (Ascomycota) from Dupkata Reserve (Rhodopi Mts, Bulgaria)(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-07-15) Stoykov, Dimitar Y.Results from the study on lichens in the Dupkata protected area, Rhodopi Mts are presented. Fifty-one species of lichen-forming fungi were reported for the first time from the Reserve. Among them, Arthopyrenia analepta s.l. and Lecanora argentata were new records from the Rhodopi Mts. Data on some rarely recorded and less common species in Bulgaria were briefly discussed.Item Studying the solid-liquid extraction of enzyme amylase: influence of type of solvent, temperature, contact time and their interrelationship(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-07-15) Matongorere, Marcia; Goto, Noble Kudakwashe; Chidzwondo, Farisai; Mangoyi, RumbidzaiAmylases are one of the most essential and widely used enzymes in a number of industries, including food, fermentation, paper, textile and pharmaceutical. The industrial production of enzyme amylase is carried out using two methods which are submerged fermentation and solid-state fermentation. The important factors that affect the fermentation process are pH, temperature, carbon and nitrogen sources, and metal ions. This study aims at investigating the solid-liquid extraction of amylase from Aspergillus niger, focusing on the influence of solvent type, temperature, contact time, and their interrelationship. The effects of different solvents, temperatures, and contact times on the extraction efficiency and activity of amylase were examined using solvents of different polarity (water, methanol, ethanol, glycerol and acetone), varying temperatures (15 °C, 30 °C and 45 °C) and varying contact times (15, 30 and 90 minutes). The results provided insights into optimizing the extraction process parameters for enhanced amylase yield and activity. Polar solvents like glycerol extracted amylase with the highest enzyme activity levels compared to less polar solvents. A temperature of 30 °C was identified as the optimum for amylase extraction. The results showed that the majority of the amylase was recovered within the first 90 minutes of the process, with diminishing returns for longer contact times. Thus, this research concluded that the interplay between solvent type, temperature, and extraction time is complex, and further optimization through a systematic experimental design would be necessary to identify the ideal combination of these factors for maximizing amylase extraction efficiency and yield.Item Isolation and screening of phytase-producing fungi for phytase production by solid state fermentation using agro wastes(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-07-15) Afolabi, Folake T.; Atunwa, Samuel O.Phytases are phosphatase enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of phytic acid and its salts. This study aimed to isolate and screen for phytase-producing fungi from cereals, fruits, palm kernel cake and soil samples by solid state fermentation. Isolation and identification was done using standard methods. The fungal isolates were screened for phytase production using phytase screening medium (PSM) agar. The isolates with the highest and consistent zone of hydrolysis were used. Eightyseven (87) fungal isolates were obtained while eighteen showed consistent zone of hydrolysis. These were screened to five (5) isolates: Aspergillus niger PKruw7, Aspergillus awamori Pkruw5, Aspergillus flavus PBDJ7, Aspergillus niger MOJ5b and Penicillium chrysogenum OBDJ1.They were used for solid state fermentation using rice bran, soy bean and wheat bran for phytase production. The optimized conditions for phytase production were: 40ºC temperature, 5.5 pH, 1% w/w fructose and 0.5% w/w yeast extract by both Aspergillus niger PKruw7 and Aspergillus flavus PBDJ7, 40ºC, 4.5 pH, 1% w/w fructose and 0.5% w/w NH4NO3: Aspergillus awamori Pkruw5, 25ºC, 6.5 pH, 1% w/w fructose and 0.5% w/w NH4NO3: Aspergillus niger MOJ5b and 40ºC, 4.5 pH, 1% w/w sucrose and 0.5% w/w (NH4) 2SO4: Penicillium chrysogenum OBDJ1with incubation period of 120 hours optimal for all the isolates. Maximum phytase production from optimized culture conditions include; incubation period of 5 days, temperature of 40°C, pH of 4.5 to 6.5, fructose (1% w/w), yeast extract and ammonium nitrate (0.5% w/w). Phytase can be applied in animal feed to enhance digestibility and nutrient availability.Item Effect of single and co-inoculation of rhizobia and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria isolates on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under greenhouse condition(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-07-15) Abrham, Andargachew; Degefa, Atsede; Awlachew, ZewduThis study was conducted to evaluate the effect of single and co-inoculation of rhizobia and PGPR isolates on the symbiotic effectiveness of chickpea under greenhouse conditions. Three rhizobia isolates were chosen based on ecophysiological tolerance, antibiotic resistance, PGP, biocontrol properties and symbiotic effectiveness. The PGPR isolates were selected based on PGP, biocontrol properties, stress tolerance and antibiotic resistance abilities. In single inoculation, the three rhizobia isolates induced nodule numbers ranging from 37-46 /plant in Dembia soil and 35-42/plant in Adet soil. Co-inoculation treatments generally showed an average increase in nodule numbers by 21-125% compared to single inoculation treatments. The highest nodule dry weight, 301 and 237 mg/p was accumulated by plants inoculated with the consortium on Dembia and Adet soils, respectively. Regarding the shoot dry weight, in Dembia soil the highest shoot dry weight (4.323 g/p) was accumulated by plants inoculated with consortium, followed by 3.817 g/p and 3.536 g/p co-inoculated with GUCR-30 (Mesorhizobium sp. HKG230) + GUCRB21 (Enterobacter mori) and GUCR-19 (Mesorhizobium amorphae B19) + GUCRB76 (Serratia marcescens). Chickpea inoculated with consortium followed by GUCR-30 (Mesorhizobium sp. HKG230) + GUCRB21 (Enterobacter mori) in Dembia soil and GUCR-30 (Mesorhizobium sp. HKG230) + GUCRB76 (Serratia marcescens) in Adet soil displayed the highest shoot total nitrogen content. Co-inoculation of rhizobia and PGPR isolates led to a significant increase in nodule number, nodule dry weight, shoot dry weight and shoot total nitrogen compared to single inoculations and controls. A further field experiment is recommended for upgrading these isolates into chickpea inoculants.Item Callus induction and plant regeneration in five Bangladeshi rice landraces(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-07-15) Lasker, Tahera; Parvez, Samaun Nasaba; Hasan, Md. Nazmul; Karim, Md. Mobarok; Prodhan, Shamsul H.; Islam, Md. SharifulA successful callus induction and in vitro plant regeneration method has tremendous potential to regenerate rice landraces, which could be used for further genetic improvement. Research on rice landraces is scarce, and these landraces are becoming extinct in nature. Therefore, the study aimed to create an optimized plant regeneration protocol using plant growth regulators (PGRs) on N6 media for five Bangladeshi rice landraces: Hingairmanik, Moynashail, Haloi, Noyaraz, and Prabini. N6 media were enhanced with various concentrations and combinations of PGRs to find out the greatest PGR composition for callusing and regeneration. Hingairmanik, Moynashail, and Haloi showed maximum calli formation on N6 medium supplemented with 2.5 mg/l 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid), achieving 80%, 90%, and 76.67% callus induction, respectively. In contrast, the largest callus induction was found in Noyaraz (76.67%) and Prabini (66.67%) on N6 medium having 3.0 mg/l 2,4-D. For complete plant regeneration from embryogenic calli, N6 medium supplemented with three different combinations of NAA (1-naphthalene acetic acid) and BA (6- Benzylaminopurine) concentrations was employed. In the case of Moynashail, Prabini, and Haloi, the highest rates of regeneration were obtained on N6 medium amended with 1.5 mg/l NAA and 3.0 mg/l BA, resulting 70%, 55%, and 60% of regeneration, respectively. In addition, both Hingairmanik and Noyaraz showed maximum regeneration frequency (65%) at medium having 1.5 mg/l NAA and 3.5 mg/l BA. This study has the potential to contribute significantly to future genetic research on these Bangladeshi rice landraces.Item Assessment of mycological profile and heavy metal concentrations of Romi River, Kaduna - Nigeria(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-07-15) Musa, Nomsu; Musa, Fatima M.; Aliyu, Aishatu M.Waste water discharged from petrochemical plants and petroleum refinery contains many pollutants including heavy metals. The objective of this study was to assess macro-morphological and microscopic characteristic of fungal isolates and levels of heavy metals from a petrochemical and petroleum refinery industry effluent and water from River Romi in Kaduna State Nigeria using standard methods. Isolation and identification of fungi was carried using standard method, the atomic absorption and spectroscopy method was used for the analysis of heavy metals. The results obtained from this study revealed that the fungal population isolated was predominantly native of the genera Aspergillus (30.69%). The mean and ± std. of the total heterotrophic fungal count of the river were found to be Upstream Mean (4.9x10-4 ±3.8x10-4 CFU/mL) Downstream Mean: (4.9x10-4±4.3x10-4 CFU/mL). The percentage occurrence of the fungal species in respect to their sampling sites shows that the upstream part of the river had lower count than the downstream part of the river. Majority of the heavy metals assessed also shows that their concentrations were above the recommended value set by World Health Organization as standard for their presence in environmental samples. There was a significant different (p < 0.05) between the 1st and 6th month, and also between the 3rd and 6th month respectively. From the values of the analysis of heavy metals, it can be deduced that Romi River is highly contaminated with the aforementioned metals, and as such, immediate respond on the high occurrence of these metals should be addressed.Item The probiotics for the treatment of allergic rhinitis : A systematic review of randomized controlled trials(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-07-15) Sardar, Dipankar; Banerjee, Pallobe; Alam, Ashraful; Shahidul, Md IslamThe goal of this meta-analysis is to comprehensively assess the efficacy of probiotics in treating allergic rhinitis (AR). Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the methodological quality of the included studies. Subsequently, they utilized RevMan 5.3 software to perform meta-analysis, aiming to observe the effects of probiotics on various parameters such as RQLQ scores, RTSS, blood eosinophil count, total and antigen specific IgE levels. The pooled risk was calculated using either the fixed- or random-effects model depending on the presence of significant heterogeneity. The meta-analysis encompassed 36 randomized controlled trials, involving a total of 7,400 patients. The results revealed that the RQLQ global scores (mean difference [MD] = -9.43; P < 0.00001), RQLQ nasal scores (MD = -1.52; P = 0.03), and RTSS nasal scores (MD = -1.96; P = 0.02) showed significant enhancements. However, there were no significant differences observed in blood eosinophil count (MD = -0.09; P = 0.82), RQLQ eye scores (MD = -1.45; P = 0.07), RTSS global scores (MD = -2.24; P = 0.26), RTSS eye scores (MD = -0.39; P = 0.31), total serum IgE levels (MD = -0.04; P = 0.7), or antigen-specific serum IgE levels (MD = -0.08; P = 0.81) between the probiotic and placebo groups. Patients with AR who received probiotics saw significant improvements in their quality of life and symptoms when compared to the placebo group. This suggests a new possible application strategy for probiotics in AR.Item Pseudocholinesterase levels and atherogenic indices as indicators of invasive and non-invasive bladder cancer(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-07-15) Smeasm, Hasan N.; Al-Timimi,Raid J. M.; Mohammed, Saif HameedBackground. Bladder cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer found in the bladder system and is the tenth most common carcinoma worldwide. Pseudocholinesterase (PChE) is one of the serum proteins. Serum PChE has been recognized as an indicator of outcomes in several cancers; nevertheless, its correlation with oncological results in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) remains largely unexamined. The study aims to assess the association of the PChE levels and lipid indices, including the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), Castelli's risk index II (CRI-II), and the atherogenic coefficient (AC), with the development of MIBC and to use them as indicators of the development of MIBC in the Iraqi population. Methods: The present case-control research involved 160 patients (80 with NMIBC and 80 with MIBC) from the Central Hospital of Tumor in Najaf Governorate, Iraq. The serum PChE level was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while lipid profile parameters were measured using colorimetric assay techniques. Results: The estimation of demographic and biochemical data revealed significant differences in smoking, PChE, AIP, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), highdensity lipoprotein (HDL), Triglyceride (TG), and Total cholesterol (TC) in NMIBC patients compared to those in the MIBC group. The logistic regression analysis of AIP, CRI-I, CRI-II, and AC levels revealed a significant association with MIBC at 4, 3, and 1 fold, respectively, while no association was found with PChE levels. Conclusion: In the present study, the lipid indices' levels of AIP, CRI-II, and AC are associated with the development of MIBC and could be used to help physicians assess and confirm the presence of MIBC, while PChE failed to associate with the development of the disease.Item Synergistic Effect of Meropenem and Vancomycin Antibiotics with Ecballium elaterium and Senna italica Extracts(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-01-10) Abdallah, Lubna; Odeh, Hiba; Salem, Huda; Barham, Thanaa; Nazzal, Samah; Kokaly, Rahaf; Aldeen, Hana Sa’d; Holuo, AmalThe aim of this study is to determine whether the use of plant extracts like Ecballium elaterium and Senna italica leaf aqueous extracts helps support the activity of meropenem and vancomycin antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermis bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) were used to find out the antibacterial effect of E. elaterium and S. italica extracts in combination with meropenem and vancomycin antibiotics by employing microbroth dilution assay and checkerboard assay. According to the obtained results, all combinations showed a synergistic effect against S. aureus except vancomycin and S. italica combinations which exhibited an additive effect. Moreover, all combinations exhibited an additive effect against S. epidermis except vancomycin and E. elatenium, which showed a synergistic effect. In conclusion, E. elaterium and S. italica leaf aqueous extracts have great potential as sources of antibacterial compounds against microorganisms and they can be used to treat infectious diseases caused by antibiotic-resistant microorganisms.Item Analgesic effect of ethylacetate fraction of the methanol leaf extract of Hannoa klaineana in rats(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-01-10) Abubakar, Ibrahim; Gusau, Mu’azu Abubakar; Danyaya, Jabir Aliyu; Ibrahim, Shehu; Abdullahi, Zayyanu; Zubairu, Abdulhakim; Sahabi, Abdulsalam UmarPain remains a major health, social, and economic problem worldwide. Hannoa klaineana Pierre & Engl. is a medicinal plant found in many African countries and used for the treatment of many diseases including pain-associated disorders. This study was conducted to evaluate the analgesic effect of the ethylacetate fraction of methanol leaf extract of Hannoa klaineana in rats. The analgesic effect of the ethylacetate fraction of methanol leaves extract of Hannoa klaineana (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg b.wt) was evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing, tail flick (immersion), and hot plate model. In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, the extract (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg) demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the number of writhes with maximum percentage inhibition (75.61%) at 600 mg/kg dose of the extract. In tail flick and hot plate tests, the extract (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg b.wt) exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) increase in rats’ response with a steady increase in reaction time. Findings from this study show that ethylacetate fraction of the methanol leaves extract of Hannoa klaineana possessed analgesic activity which provided justification for the local use of the plant in the treatment of pain.Item Characterization and evaluation of antioxidant properties of leaf extracts from Rhododendron arboreum(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-01-10) Mehra, Shobha; Afoma, Ufondu Maryann; Dudha, Namrata; Singh, Shilpy; Sharma, Shweta; Verma, Ved Vrat; Zuhaib, Mohammad; Sharma, Varun KumarPhytochemicals have been known to suppress the microbial activity and oxidative stress, which indicates the significance of plant material as anti-microbial and antioxidant agent. In this light the current study is worked out to screen the phytochemicals from the Rhododendron arboretum leaf extract and characterize it using HPLC. The alkaloids and flavonoids are the major secondary metabolites found during screening. Further, anti-oxidant properties of leaf extract of R. arboreum prepared in different solvent (methanol, ethyl acetate, petroleum ether, and chloroform) were analyzed using DPPH and FRAP assay. Observation of the present study indicates that methanolic extracts was found to show significant anti-oxidant activity with the IC50 value of 241.2 µg/ml and 163.6 µg/ml in DPPH and FRAP assay respectively. In conclusion, the leaf extracts of R. arboretum can be one of the better natural source of antioxidant source and could be used for therapeutic purpose in the treatments of different diseases.Item Phytochemical screening and anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of Bryophyllum pinnatum, Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-01-10) Precious, Egharevba; Emilia, Igue; Kingsley, Enerijiofi; Orhue, AmengialueHelicobacter pylori, a common gastrointestinal bacterial pathogenic isolate infects 50% and 90% of the global and developing nations population respectively. This study aimed at evaluating the bioactive components and therapeutic potential of Bryophyllum pinnatum, Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina plants extracts against Helicobacter pylori infection using standard physicochemical, in-vitro and in-vivo microbiological methods. Five (5) stool samples were collected from patients who presented with symptoms of gastrointestinal distress and diagnosed of ulcer at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, for the isolation of Helicobacter pylori. Phytochemical screening of ethanol extract of the test plants revealed the presence of bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, saponin, steroids, phenols, alkaloids and terpenoids. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the plant’s extracts were determined at concentrations of 125, 250, 500, and 1000 μg/ml. While the different plants extract demonstrated a better anti-Helicobacter pylori activity as well as MIC when compared to the commonly used antibiotic amoxicillin, and other conventional antibiotics, the anti-Helicobacter pylori activity and MIC of Vernonia amygdalina was higher, followed by Bryophyllum pinnatum and Ocimum gratissimum. The in-vivo study as carried out using Wistar albino rats demonstrated the promising therapeutic effect of the plants extract against Helicobacter pylori infection. This study therefore suggests that Vernonia amygdalina, Bryophyllum pinnatum and Ocimum gratissimum extracts possess anti-Helicobacter pylori properties, offering safe, effective, and cost-effective treatment options for the treatment of ulcer, caused by Helicobacter pylori.