Journal of Applied Life Sciences International

Microscopic Evaluation of the Use of a Combination of Vitamin C and Activated Charcoal as Ameliorating Agent against Paraquat-induced Hepatotoxicity

Tobias Peter Pwajok Choji — 2026-02-24

Background: Paraquat is a highly toxic, non-selective herbicide that induces severe oxidative stress and multiorgan damage, particularly affecting the liver, lungs, and kidneys, with high mortality in cases of acute poisoning. Owing to the lack of a specific antidote, antioxidant therapy such as Vitamin C and toxin adsorption with activated charcoal have been explored as potential protective strategies against paraquat-induced hepatotoxicity.

Aims: The study aims to evaluate the ameliorative effect and the safety of Vitamin C/ Activated Charcoal combination on Paraquat-induced hepatotoxicity. It is also to evaluate the safety of this combination at this dosage and duration, on hepatocytes. To investigate the relationship between the level of tissue damage with the duration of paraquat exposure. To investigate the synergistic effect of the combination of Vitamin C and activated charcoal, on clinical manifestations associated with oral paraquat toxicity in Wistar rats.

Study Design: This is an experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria, 2025.

Methodology: A total of 40 female Wistar rats, aged eight weeks and weighing between 150 and 200 g, were utilised in the present study. The animals were randomly allocated into four experimental groups, each comprising ten rats. Group I (normal control) received 1 ml of normal saline orally once daily for 28 consecutive days. Group II was administered paraquat at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight, dissolved in 1 ml of distilled water, once daily for 28 days. Group III received paraquat at 50 mg/kg body weight daily, followed after a 5-minute interval by 1 ml of a combination consisting of vitamin C (250 mg/kg body weight) and activated charcoal (0.175 g/kg body weight) suspended in distilled water, administered once daily for 28 days. Group IV was treated with 1 ml of the combination of vitamin C (250 mg/kg body weight) and activated charcoal (0.175 g/kg body weight) in distilled water once daily for the same duration. All animals were monitored weekly for clinical signs and any observable changes in general condition. Liver tissues were harvested at weekly intervals from randomly selected animals within each group for histopathological processing and microscopic evaluation. Histopathological assessment was conducted through detailed examination of tissue morphology, with particular emphasis on both intracellular and extracellular alterations and the manifestation of pathological changes.

Results: Group 1 and 4 animals present with normal physical behavior, water/ feed consumption. Group 2 animals present with severe reduction in feed/ water intake, respiratory distress and other physical abnormalities, which worsened with duration of the experiment. A mortality was recorded on each of days 8, 17 and 25. Group 3 animals present with milder signs of what was observed in group 2, with a mortality on day 23. Microscopically, Liver sections of groups 1 and 4 remain histologically normal throughout the experiment. Group 2 liver shows massive degeneration and hepatic haemorrhage. Group 3 shows microscopically normal tissue, with mild hypertrophy and mild central vein congestion on days 21 and 28. This has shown that this combination is effective in ameliorating paraquat-induced hepatotoxicity. It has also shown that that at this dosage, Vitamin C and activated charcoal is safe on the hepatocytes.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Yield of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

K. Maruthupandi — 2026-02-25

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is well recognised as one of the most significant oilseed crops cultivated worldwide, known for its high quality. A good crop of sunflowers can be grown in areas with rainfall of 300-500 mm. Sunflowers possess the potential to mitigate the prevailing shortage of edible oil due to their significant role in emergency crop management strategies. The current study aims to assess the impact of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) with organic manure of farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, poultry manure and inorganic fertilisers on the yield of sunflower. A field experiment was conducted with 10 treatments, viz. 3 types of organic sources, viz. FYM, poultry manure and vermicompost, inorganic nutrients and growth regulators in the spring season 2022– 2023 at Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab. The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design. After analysis, the data clearly showed significant differences among treatments in sunflower yield. Among the entire treatments, Maximum capitulum diameter (22.7 cm) was recorded with 50% N through vermicompost + seed dressing and foliar application of manganese sulphate, respectively, @ 1.0% and 0.5% at 40 and 60 DAS. The Permanent Manurial Experiment at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, was established to evaluate the effects of continuous application of organic and mineral fertilisers on crop yield and soil quality. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomised Design (CRD) comprising seven treatments, each replicated three times. The application of 50% N through vermicompost + seed dressing and foliar application of manganese sulphate, respectively, @ 1.0% and 0.5% at 40 and 60 days after sowing (DAS) is thus recommended for sunflower cultivation in sandy loamy soils, considering the yield of sunflower (Gahlot & Singh, 2023). The results indicated that the integrated application of 100% NPK with farmyard manure (FYM) at 12.5 t ha⁻¹ (INM) significantly increased sunflower seed yield to 1,879 kg ha⁻¹ and straw yield to 3,916 kg ha⁻¹ compared to the control. Maximum seed yield (2156.67 kg ha-1) was recorded in 50% N through vermicompost + seed dressing and foliar application of manganese sulphate respectively @ 1.0% and 0.5% at 40 and 60 DAS which was at par with 50% N through poultry manure + seed dressing and foliar application of sodium molybdate @ 0.2% at 40 and 60 DAS and 50% N through FYM + seed dressing and foliar application of manganese sulphate respectively @ 1.0% and 0.5% at 40 and 60 DAS with 2076.67 and 2056.67 kg ha-1 respectively. The study concludes that it is expected to offer an environmentally sustainable, scientifically sound, and economically feasible approach.

Macroscopic and Microscopic Detection of Fungal Diseases of Green Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in the Gourma Province of Burkina Faso

Hervé Soura — 2026-02-27

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a legume that faces numerous biotic constraints that hinder its production. Among these are fungal diseases that attack both leaves and pods, reducing yields. The objective of this study is to contribute to improving green bean production in the Gourma province. Macroscopic and microscopic identifications were carried out using plant pathology tools. As a result of the work, four pathogens were identified: Aspergillus niger, Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, and Alternaria alternata. These pathogens are responsible for various symptoms observed on the leaves and fruits, all contributing to a decrease in green bean productivity. This study allowed us to identify the different fungal pathogens of the common bean, which opens up possibilities for developing an appropriate control method.

Monitoring Mangrove Ecosystem Change over Two Decades: A Remote Sensing and Participatory Perspective (2002–2024)

Aissatou Diedhiou — 2026-02-27

Mangrove ecosystems are strategic areas that provide a significant number of ecosystem services to communities. However, they are becoming increasingly fragile due to natural and anthropogenic phenomena. It is therefore important to characterize mangrove ecosystems in order to implement strategies for the protection and conservation of biodiversity. The objective of this study was to contribute to a better understanding of the land use/cover dynamic and factors of change in the mangrove ecosystem of the Saloum Delta. To do this, a methodological approach combining remote sensing and surveys was used. Survey, processing and analysis of Landsat 7 and Landsat 8 satellite images were used to document the state, dynamics, and factors of change in the mangrove. The results showed a different pattern of land use/cover change between 2002 and 2024. Mangrove and urban area increased while other vegetation, tan and mudflat area decreased. Mangrove area increased by 8.81% in GMPA and 1.5% in SMPA between 2002 and 2024. The higher increase of urban area was recorded in Gandoule (23.58%) compared to Sangomar (2.07%). Other vegetation declined by 11.87% in Gandoule and 5.38% in Sangomar. Tan (-2.68%) and mudflat (-19.86%) in Gandoule lost surface area. Surveys revealed that the factors contributing to mangrove degradation were anthropogenic or natural. The primary cause of mangrove degradation is the exploitation of mangrove resources (90.1%), followed by coastal erosion (38.9%), decreased rainfall (3.8%), and salinization (3.8%). Reforestation (29.1%), prohibition of mangrove logging (22.5%), awareness-raising and monitoring with the involvement of local communities (17.9%), and prohibition of certain fishing nets (15.9%) are the main conservation policies recommended by management services and local communities. Despite these threats, mangrove ecosystems have been able to maintain an increase of mangrove.

Ethnoentomological Assessment of Public Knowledge and Consumption Practices of Cybister tripunctatus in Manipur, India

Yumnam Laxmi Chanu — 2026-03-02

Ethnoentomology offers important critical analysis of the cultures, nutrition, and ecology of insects to indigenous societies, especially in biodiversity hotspots such as Northeast India. One edible insect, the predaceous diving beetle, Cybister tripunctatus (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae), is considered an important protein and lipid source, as well as a potential medicinal benefit in traditional food systems of Manipur. Despite its popularity, systematic evaluations of the population's knowledge, consumption, and perceptions of population changes are scarce, particularly amid pressures on the habitat and changes in diet. The survey included 300 respondents in the five districts of Manipur (Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Imphal West, and Imphal East) by means of systematic sampling in order to measure familiarity, encounter situations, consumption reasons, and attitudes toward species abundance.

The study showed a high familiarity (78%) and consumption rates (82%) among the respondents with an encounter during fishing being the most frequent (48.72%) and therapeutic benefits (72%), and nutrition (70%) reasons. Non-consumers (18%) identified unavailability as the primary impediment, with 56% of them reporting a population decline in the last decade. The demographics demonstrated that older females (60% of all participants) were more engaged, which indicated the presence of gendered and generational knowledge relations among the respondents. This study emphasizes the need for integrated conservation strategies, including wetland protection and promotes the continuation of entomophagy traditions and food security in Manipur. In the future, ecological monitoring should be undertaken to confirm perceptual data and research on sustainable harvesting models.

Anticonvulsant Effects of Cocos nucifera Water in Pentylenetetrazol Induced Seizures in Wistar Rats

Price Paul Kwaku Joffa — 2026-03-19

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures resulting from abnormal neuronal activity. Although antiepileptic drugs are effective for many patients, their adverse effects and limited accessibility in some settings continue to encourage the search for safer complementary agents. This study evaluated the anticonvulsant potential of Cocos nucifera water in pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures in Wistar rats. Twenty-four male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 6): control, Cocos nucifera water (5 ml/kg), Cocos nucifera water (10 ml/kg), and diazepam (5 mg/kg). Treatments were administered orally for 14 days, after which PTZ (70 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) was used to induce seizures. Seizure onset, seizure duration, mortality rate and body weight were recorded. Compared with the control group, Cocos nucifera water significantly reduced seizure duration in a dose-related manner, with the 10 ml/kg group showing greater effect than the 5 ml/kg group. Mortality was also reduced in the treated groups, while diazepam provided complete protection in this model. Animals receiving Cocos nucifera water showed normal weight gain during the study period. These findings suggest that Cocos nucifera water may have anticonvulsant activity in PTZ-induced seizures in rats. The observed effects may be related to its antioxidant constituents and electrolyte content, although these mechanisms were not directly examined in the present study. Further studies using larger samples, seizure models and mechanistic assessments are needed to confirm and better characterize these preliminary findings.

GC–MS Characterization and Evaluation of Antifungal and Phytotoxic Activities of Essential Oils for Sustainable Crop Protection

Ignace Sawadogo — 2026-03-20

Essential oils (EOs) are extensively investigated for their bioactive compounds, which may provide natural alternatives to synthetic fungicides and plant growth regulators.

This study aimed to characterize the chemical composition of essential oils (EOs) from Ocimum gratissimum and Lippia multiflora, evaluate their antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, and assess their phytotoxic effects on the germination of Zea mays, Arachis hypogaea, and Vigna unguiculata.

Essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC–MS. Antifungal activity was assessed using a broth microdilution assay to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC). Phytotoxicity was evaluated through seed germination and seedling development assays at concentrations of 1.5, 3, and 5 µL/mL. Data were analyzed statistically using ANOVA.

The EO of L. multiflora contained 16 compounds, predominantly β‑caryophyllene and p‑cymene, whereas O. gratissimum oil comprised 10 compounds mainly γ‑terpinene and thymol. Both oils exhibited antifungal activity, with O. gratissimum showing greater efficacy (MIC 1.25 µL/mL). Thymol is recognized as the most active antimicrobial compound and would explain the antifungal effectiveness of the essential oil of O. gratissimum. In contrast, β‑caryophyllene and p‑cymene, identified in the essential oil of L. multiflora, are characterized by weaker antifungal activity. In phytotoxicity assays, L. multiflora strongly inhibited germination (10–25%) and seedling growth (15–28%) of Zea mays. In Vigna unguiculata, inhibition ranged from 11–25% for germination and 28–43% for seedling growth. Arachis hypogaea was the least affected by the essential oils.

Essential oils have demonstrated promising antifungal properties and could be integrated into sustainable crop protection strategies; however, their phytotoxic effects require precise dosage to fully exploit antifungal activity without causing undesirable side effects.

Prevalence of Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase Producing Escherichia coli from Selected Domestic Sewages at Iworoko-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

F. A. Adewumi — 2026-03-24

Background: The emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in environmental reservoirs poses a significant public health concern. This study investigated the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production among Escherichia coli isolated from untreated domestic sewage in Iworoko-Ekiti, Nigeria.

Research Methodology: A total of 45 sewage samples were collected from five locations and processed using standard microbiological techniques. Presumptive isolates were identified based on morphological and cultural characteristics on selective media and confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method, and ESBL production was determined using the combination disk synergy test.

Results: Three enteric bacterial species were recovered, with E. coli representing the predominant isolate (23/45; 51.1%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (31.1%) and Enterobacter aerogenes (17.8%). Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed high resistance among E. coli isolates to cefuroxime (95.6%), meropenem (78.2%), ciprofloxacin (78.2%), cefotaxime (73.9%), and ceftriaxone (69.5%), indicating widespread multidrug resistance. Moderate resistance was observed for amikacin, chloramphenicol, cotrimoxazole, and tetracycline (47.8% each), while gentamicin showed comparatively lower resistance (34.7%). ESBL production was confirmed in 13 of 23 E. coli isolates (56.5%). Synergy testing demonstrated enhanced inhibition with amoxicillin–clavulanate and cefotaxime in 39.1% of isolates and with ceftazidime in 21.7%. Site-specific analysis revealed the highest ESBL prevalence at the New Jersey hostel (80%).

Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that untreated domestic sewage serves as an important environmental reservoir of multidrug-resistant and ESBL-producing E. coli. The detection of resistance to critically important antibiotics highlights potential risks for environmental dissemination and public health exposure, emphasizing the need for improved sewage management, routine surveillance, and antimicrobial stewardship strategies.