Malaria is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in tropics and subtropics region with Nigeria accounting for the highest proportions in Africa. This is accompanied with emerging resistance to available drugs, posing it a public health concern. This study is aimed at determining the invivo activity of the individual ethanolic leaf extracts of the Azadirachta indica, Senna occidentalis and Momordica balsamina. The leaves of A. indica, S. occidentalis and M. balsamina were subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening. Ethanolic extraction of leaves of plants was carried out and invivo evaluation of the individual activity of extracts determined using standard procedures. 55 mice were randomly divided into 11 groups lettered A – K; positive group, negative group and 9 extract groups. Results showed that M. balsamina had the highest yield of 7.6%, followed by A. indica with 6.5% and S. occidentalis with 5.7%. The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presences of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, phenolics and tannin in all plants. The comparison of the individual study groups showed that Senna occidentalis is more effective at 600mg/kg dosage and prolonged survival of the mice in its group in the study period. This plant possessed significant (P-value <0.05) antiplasmodial activity, thus lowered parasitaemia in infected mice.

Aim: To demonstrate the importance of molecular identification of G. lucidum basidiomata, used as nutraceutics, in Abuja - Nigeria. Study Design: Molecular characterization via comparative genomics and vitro regeneration of selected specimens of local G. lucidum from Abuja, Nigeria. Place and Duration: Department of Biological Sciences, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna Nigeria and Biotechnology Advanced Research Center, Sheda Science and Technology Complex, Abuja between February 2018 to June 2019. Methodology: Genomic DNAs of twelve (12) selected specimens were isolate in good quantities and qualities that were amenable to sharp and distinct PCR amplifications and Sanger’s sequence analyses. The molecular identification was performed using the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) sequences amplified from the samples to run similarity search with reference database sequences in the gene bank. In-vitro regeneration of the samples using tissue culture techniques in the laboratory was carried out following optimization of the surface sterilization, regeneration of pure mycelia and pure spawn formation. Results: Nucleotide sequence data mining of the national centre for biotechnology information (NCBI) with the query sequences using basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) showed that 25% of the samples are not G. lucidum. This implies a significant difference between the morphological and molecular identification at (n-1) degree of freedom with (p= .01). Conclusion: The molecular identification and in-vitro regeneration of local G. lucidum is indeed a necessity for proper and effective utilization of the mushroom because there is a significant potential margin of error in the use of morphological characteristics for G. lucidum identification as observed through this molecular analysis.

Resistance of bacteria to many antibiotics is now a challenge that has become a source of mortality in many countries. Pathogens that are previously susceptible are now becoming resistant and are spreading among water bodies. This study will determine the Antibiotic Resistance pattern and Multiple drug Resistance Index of Water-borne bacteria isolated from Underground well Water of some Wards in Gusau metropolis. Eighteen water samples were collected from 6 locations (three from each) in Gusau. These samples were plated, cultured and emerging strain of bacteria were isolated and characterized using standard biochemical method. 24 bacterial isolates were found and characterized into eight genera. The bacteria with the highest frequency was Pseudomonas spp. (29.2%) followed by Shigella spp.and Alicaligenes with (16.7%) then (12.5%) Citrobacter freudii, Salmonella spp and Proteus mirabilis with (8.3%) followed finally by Serratia and Yersinia (4.2%). Antibiotic resistance patterns were determined using disk-diffusion method. Twelve antibiotics belonging to the class B-lactams were tested. The isolates show 96 % resistance to Cefotaxime, 92% Ampiclox, 87.5% Cefuroxime, 75% Amoxicillin and Imipenem, 50% Nalidixic acid, 33.3% Gentamycin, 8.3% Oflaxacin and 4.2 % Cefexime.  It was observed that the isolates were 100% susceptible to Lovofloxacin, 96% Cefexime, 92% Ofloxacin, 75% Ceftriaxone sulbactarm, 66.7% Gentamycin, 58% Nitrofurantoin, 50% Nalidixic acid, 25% Amoxicillin, 12.5% Cefuroxime, 8.3% Ampiclox, and 4.2% Cefotaxime.   A MAR index > 0.2 was observed for the isolates, indicating frequent antibiotic use in the area.

Aims: The study was aimed at the Phytochemical and Proximate analysis of the flower, leaf, stem bark and seed of Mangifera indica for its ability to induce sedation. Place and Duration of Study: The fresh flower, leaf, stem bark and seed of Mangifera indica (Mango) were collected using secateurs and taken to the Department of Biological Sciences, Nigerian Defense Academy, Kaduna for specific identification and authentication by an expert.  Methodology: The phytochemical analysis was carried out following the procedures described by Harbourne, (1998) while the methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC, 2000) were used for the determination of moisture and ash content, crude fiber, lipids, proteins and carbohydrates and Nitrogen was determined using the micro Kjeldahl method described by (Gadelha et al., 2009). Results: A very significant percentage of protein, Flavonoid and terpenoids were detected in the plant samples especially Mangifera indica flower. Conclusion: A high presence of Flavonoid, Terpenoid and Protein in Mangifera indica plant parts is a sign of the possibility that the plant sample could contain a reasonable percentage of Apeginin, Myrcene and Tryptophan which are known active components to induce sedation and can feature in the future as a good source of sleep aid against insomnia.