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Open Access
Isolation and characterization of compounds from Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae) with Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR)
(West African Journal of Pharmacy/West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacy, 2025-03-31) Oyawaluja, A.A.; Oyawaluja, B.O.; Oiseoghaede, J.O.; Odukoya, O.A.
Background: Argemone mexicana is used as emetic, demulcent, and laxative in folkloric medicine. This study aimed at isolating the chemical compounds and exploring the PPAR modulatory effects of isolated phytochemicals. Objective: The study was carried out to isolate the chemical compounds and to explore the PPAR modulatory effects of the isolated phytochemicals. Method: The leaves were collected, authenticated, and voucher specimen deposited at the University of Lagos herbarium, Nigeria. The leaves extracted with ethanol and extracts subjected to column chromatography on sephadex LH-20 and Silica gel. Structure lucidation were achieved by analyses of their 1-Dimensional and 2-Dimensional NMR. Reporter gene assay were performed on the extracts and isolated compounds for activation of PPARα and PPARγ. Result: Nine compounds were isolated from the ethanol extract of the plant, and were proposed to be: 1(1-(β-d-ribofuranosyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazone), 2a((Z)-2-(2,4-dihydroxy-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexylidene) acetic acid), 2b(cis-3,6-dihydroxy-a-ionone), 3((E)-4-(r-1’,t-2’,c-4’-trihydroxy-2’,6’,6’- trimethylcyclohexyl) but-3-en-2-one), 4(Rhein), 5(Tamarexetin), 6(41-methoxylquercetin 3-β-D-glucoside), (Tamarixetin-3-O-β-D- robinoside) and 8(Palmitic acid). The extracts were found to activate PPARα with a fold induction of more than 2.0 over the vehicle control but a lower induction was observed with PPARα. The isolated compounds showed lower activation of PPARα and PPARγ. Conclusion: Three flavonoids, palmitic acid, Rhein, a triazole and three substituted cyclohexane were isolated, while the extract showed PPARα activation, the isolated compounds did not. These effect might be due to the synergistic effect of the constituents, thus the extract has more promising effect.
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Open Access
Sub-acute toxicity of ethanol extract of Motandra paniculata (Poir) I.M. Turner (Apocynaceae) leaves in rats and antiproliferative activity of its bioactive compounds
(Pharmacological Research-Natural Products/Elsevier, 2025-07-02) Oiseoghaede, J.O.; Sowemimo, A.A.; Odukoya, O.A.; Onyekere, P.F.; Che, C-T.
Motandra paniculata (Poir.) I.M. Turner (Apocynaceae) is used traditionally in Africa and Nigeria to manage abscesses and abnormal growths. However, the bioactive constituents responsible and its toxicity profile are unknown. The aim was to isolate and characterise bioactive chemical compounds from M. paniculata dried leaves, assess its antiproliferative activity on ovarian cancer and skin melanoma cell lines as well as determine the sub-acute toxicity profile of crude ethanol leaf extract (EEMP) of the plant. Chromatographic and spectro scopic techniques were employed to isolate and characterise compounds from the ethyl acetate fraction of the M. paniculata (MPEA). The antiproliferative activity (IC50) of the isolated compounds was evaluated on ovarian cancer (OVCAR-3) and melanoma (MDA-MB-435) cells using proliferation assays, as well as a cytotoxicity assay on Vero cells. Lethality of EEMP on brine shrimp nauplii was carried out. Sub-acute toxicity profile of EEMP (50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) in Sprague-Dawley rats was investigated. Biochemical, haematological, histopatho logical and antioxidant parameters were obtained from blood and tissue samples of the animals. Five megastigmane-type terpenes (1–5) and a phenolpropane (6) were isolated from the plant for the first time. Compounds 1 - 4 displayed modest antiproliferative activity on OVCAR-3 and MDA-MB-435. Toxicity resulted in vascular congestion in kidney and brain rat tissues on oral administration of high doses of EEMP. EEMP displayed dose-dependent short-term toxicity in rats while compounds isolated from MPEA exhibited antiproliferative activity against human cancer cells.
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Open Access
Caught in the Web: Rebuilding the Cradle
(University of Lagos Press Bookshop Ltd., 2025-03-05) Nwanna, C.R
The plight of Vulnerable Children and Marginalized Populations Entagle in failing systems of Justice, care and protection in Nigeria. Drawing on Decades of Resarch, Teaching, and Advocacy in the field of Social Work and Child Justice. It Presents a Compelling Critique of the structural and Inatitutonal Failures that Leave children Caught in the Web, Trapped in Cycles of Neglect, Abuse, Wrongful Detention, and Systemic Invisibility. The Lecture Explore how Legislative gaps, poor Implementation of the Child Rights acts, Inadequate Rehabilitation Infrastructure, and Untrained Personal have Contributed to the Erosion of the Cradle. The foundational Systems meant to Nurture, Protect, and Rehabilitate young live.
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Open Access
A Restorative Dentist with a Flair for Public Health: Putting Beautiful Smiles on People's Faces
(University of Lagos Press and Bookshop Ltd, 2024-10-23) Umesi, D. C.
It presents a comprehensive narrative of a professional journey as a Restorative Dentist with a notable inclination toward Public Health. Spanning four decades of academic and clinical engagement, the lecture highlights her dual expertise in restorative dental practices and community-based oral health advocacy. It explores the history and evolution of restorative dentistry, its sub-specialties—including prosthodontics, conservative dentistry, endodontics, and cosmetic dentistry—and their relevance in managing oral health, aesthetics, and function. Drawing from several epidemiological studies across Nigerian adolescent populations, Professor Umesi evaluates trends in dental caries, periodontal diseases, oral hygiene practices, malocclusion, and enamel defects. Her research demonstrates critical gaps in public oral health awareness and access to restorative services, especially in underprivileged populations. Notably, her advocacy efforts have influenced public health policy and industrial practices, such as the local production of paediatric fluoride toothpastes. It concludes by emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative clinical solutions, and the need for increased training in implantology. The body of work underscores the impact of restorative dentistry not only on individual smiles but also on national oral health outcomes.
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Open Access
From Microscopic, Through Wonderful to Majestic: Musings of a Marin Phycologist.
(University of Lagos Press and Bookshop Ltd., 2024-10-09) Onyema, I. C.
The intellectual journey and scientific contributions of Professor Ikenna Charles Onyema in the field of marine phycology. Beginning with a personal narrative of early curiosity and academic hurdles, the lecture transitions into a detailed exposition of the importance of algae and phytoplankton in aquatic ecosystems. It explores their taxonomy, ecological roles, and potential applications in biotechnology, environmental conservation, and climate change mitigation. Drawing from decades of field research in Nigerian coastal waters, lagoons, and creeks, Professor Onyema discusses the biodiversity and physicochemical dynamics influencing phytoplankton distribution and productivity. Case studies from Lagos Lagoon, Ijora Creek, and other water bodies provide insight into human impacts, pollution, and the ecological significance of algal communities. The lecture underscores the critical role of phytoplankton in oxygen production, carbon sequestration, and sustaining marine food webs, advocating for their protection and further study as a foundation for sustainable aquatic resource management. Through a blend of scientific rigor and personal reflection, this work emphasizes the majestic complexity of the marine world as seen through the lens of a devoted phycologist.