Solanum L., the largest genus of the Solanaceae family, vary morphologically, is diverse in number and is ecogeographically distributed. In Nigeria, previous studies had focused mainly on chromosome morphology, genome description and medicinal values, which are insufficient for genetic affinities. This study used four highly polymorphic random amplified polymorphic DNA primers to describe both the genetic relatedness and variability among 25 accessions of eggplant from Southwestern Nigeria. At a truncated line of 65%, five clusters and two ungrouped samples are distinguishable from the dendrogram. The data reveals that Solanum dasyphyllum Schum. & Thonn. is more closely related to Solanum macrocarpon L. than to Solanum melongena L. The relatedness between Solanum incanum L. and Solanum melongena, a probability of being progenitors from a common ancestral lineage was also shown. Occurrence of Solanum scabrum L. and Solanum nigrum L. in the same clusters different from S. melongena, is an indication of distant relatedness to S. melongena but close relatedness between them. High level of polymorphism was observed in this study going by the coefficient of variation which exhibited a good separation from a conserved region of the genome. This study, therefore, reveals a wide and diverse genetic base in Nigerian eggplant Solanum.

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The taxonomy of Solanum melongena L., also known as brinjal eggplant, has remained difficult because previous studies to establish genetic relationships among taxa are mainly based on morphological features, which are insufficient to establish genetic affinities. In the present investigation, five highly polymorphic random amplified polymorphic DNA primers were used to describe the genetic similarity and diversity among its accessions in Nigeria. The results show a high level of polymorphism based on the banding patterns among the samples. This indicated a wide and diverse genetic base. Four distinct clusters were equally noticeable at a coefficient of 0.80 from the dendrogram generated. Generally, the grouping pattern clearly indicates that irrespective of variations in fruit traits among samples, they were still grouped together in different clusters with a high similarity coefficient value. This probably showed some genetic relatedness/closeness among the samples concerned. The study also revealed that there is no association between RAPD pattern and the geographic origin of accessions. These agreed with previously published data on the characterization of eggplant. The study disclosed that molecular methods coupled with morphological analyses could make proper classification of S. melongena and other Solanum species in Nigeria possible to achieve.

Background The literature shows that ABO blood groups and demographic characteristics influence susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and may be used to stem the rising incidence of the disease. However, these associations vary geographically, which necessitates the need to determine the association in every locality. This study determined the ABO blood groups and demographic characteristics of 486 type 2 diabetic patients with no family history in selected hospitals in Lagos, Nigeria. Results The results showed that age class 50–59 years (35.8%) was the most susceptible to T2DM, while age class 30–39 years (8.6%) was the least. Female diabetics accounted for 56.8%, while males constituted 43.2%. Diabetes was less prevalent among singles (9.5%), while married couples had the highest prevalence (55.6%). Primary school leavers were the least diabetic (9.9%), while secondary school leavers were the most diabetic (41.6%). Approximately 59.05% of the patients were overweight, while 5.35% were underweight. Blood group O positive was the most prevalent (38.5%; p < 0.05), followed by A positive (20.2%; p < 0.05), and the least was AB negative (4.5%). Severe conditions were less common among groups O positive and A positive (p < 0.05) compared to other blood groups. Thus, the relatively high prevalence of T2DM among blood groups O and A could be due to natural selection owing to their fitness. Conclusions ABO blood groups and demographic characteristics influenced the prevalence of T2DM in the city. Residents with blood groups O and A positive should pay special attention to T2DM.

Background: Psidium guajava (guava tree) is widely used in Nigeria to treat diseases. However, a paucity of information exists on the safety of the plant. Objectives: This study determined the safety of P. guajava leaves collected in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria. Methods: The methanolic extract of the plant’s leaves was subjected to phytochemical and heavy metal screening using standard protocols, and thereafter, subjected to a cytogenetoxicity test using the Allium cepa toxicity assay. Twenty-one A. cepa bulbs divided equally into seven groups were grown over beakers containing distilled water (negative control), formaldehyde (positive control), as well as 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 g of the extract, respectively, for five days. The root-tip cells of the A. cepa bulbs were treated and then examined for chromosomal aberrations. Results: The phytochemical screening revealed high levels of saponins, and moderate levels of phenols, tannins, and flavonoids, while quinones and terpenoids were sparingly available. The heavy metal analysis showed non-permissible levels of cadmium and zinc, while two other tested heavy metals (lead and copper) were undetected. Except for the A. cepa treated with 0.25 and 0.5 g, the extract induced dose-dependent root growth and mitotic index inhibition (P<0.05). The extract also induced cytogenetic effects, mainly sticky, vagrant, and fragmented chromosomes as well as anaphase bridges. Conclusions: It can be inferred from the results that low to medium doses of the extract are safe but may elicit harmful effects at high doses. Advice from a phytomedicine or phytotherapy expert should be sought before using it.