Dr. Ujowundu Onyekachi Cosmas
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Dr. Ujowundu Onyekachi Cosmas

Professor of Biochemistry
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria

Highest Degree
Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria,

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Biography

I hold a Ph.D in Environmental Biochemistry/Toxicology & a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism. A Professional Certification on pest, rodent control and fumigation, Certification on HSE Competence Development (level 3), Certification on Health safety and environment (Level 1-2), Certification on Environmental and Social Standards (World Bank accredited). I have over 100 scientific publications

Area of Interest:

Environmental Biochemistry and Toxicology
100%
Environmental Contamination Monitoring
62%
Food Toxicology and Health Risk Assessment
90%
Biopesticides
75%
Ecotoxicology and Pollution Studies
55%

Research Publications in Numbers

Books
0
Chapters
0
Articles
125
Abstracts
0

Selected Publications

  1. Ojiako, O.A., C.O. Ujowundu, C.S. Alisi, C.U. Igwe and C.A. Ogbuji, 2018. South Eastern Nigerian seafood diets have desirable effects on biochemical indices of experimental rabbits. Pak. J. Nutr., 17: 421-426.
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  2. Ujowundu, F.N., A.O. Ojiako, R.N. Nwaoguikpe and C.O. Ujowundu, 2017. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and infra-red studies of bioactive phytoorganic components of Combretum dolichopentalum leaves. Int. J. Drug. Dev. Res., 9: 10-15.
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  3. Ujowundu, C.O., G.N. Okwu, J.J. Achilike, L.A. Nwaogu, A.C. Ene and C.I. Iheme, 2017. Lead-induced oxidative stress and chemoprotective role of dietary supplements on wistar albino rats. Annu. Res. Rev. Biol., 13: 1-14.
  4. Ujowundu, C.O., D.M. Koloseke, N.O. Uba, J.J. Achilike, H.D. Ogbuagu and E.A. Ubuoh, 2017. Ecotoxicological impact of sub-lethal concentrations of glyphosate-based herbicide on juvenile Clarias gariepinus. J. Adv. Med. Med. Res., 22: 1-14.
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  5. Ujowundu, C.O., C.G. Nnanna, E.U. Ndubuisi, P.C. Ngwu, C.W. Uzoma and E.U. Ezeji, 2017. Glyphosate-based pesticide-induced biochemical changes in hepatic and renal tissues of Clarias gariepinus. Futo J. Ser., 3: 225-235.
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  6. Ujowundu, C.O., J.U. Ogbede, K.O. Igwe and R.N. Nwaoguikpe, 2016. Modulation of biochemical stress initiated by toxicants in diet prepared with fish smoked with polyethylene (plastic) materials as fuel source. Afr. J. Biotechnol., 15: 1628-1640.
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  7. Ogbuagu, D.H., C.O. Ujowundu and C.L. Izunobi, 2016. Calcium carbide-induced haematological alterations in the albino mice-Mus musculus. J. Environ. Sci. Toxicol. Food Technol., 10: 100-104.
  8. Ogbonna, C.U., C.O. Ujowundu, G.N. Okwu, A.A. Emejulu, C.S. Alisi and K.O. Igwe, 2016. Biochemical and histological evaluation of benzo[a]pyrene induced nephrotoxicity and therapeutic potentials of Combretum zenkeri leaf extract. Afr. J. Pharm. Pharmacol., 10: 873-882.
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  9. Iheme, C.I., R.N. Nwaoguikpe, C.S. Alisi, L.A. Nwaogu, C.O. Ujowundu, D.I. Ukairo and C.E. Orji, 2016. Effects of electromagnetic radiations (EMR) on some soil physicochemical parameters, catalase and dehydrogenase activities. IOSR J. Environ. Sci. Toxicol. Food Technol., 10: 25-34.
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  10. Igwe, C.U., C.O. Ibegbulem, L.A. Nwaogu, C.O. Ujowundu and A.C. Ene, 2016. Chemical composition and bioavailability of zinc and iron in Kunu-zaki, a Nigerian traditional beverage. Int. J. Pharmacol. Phytochem. Ethnomed., 3: 9-19.
  11. Ene, A.C., N.C. Egbosi, C.J. Obika, C.O. Ibegbulem, C.O. Ujowundu and C.S. Alisi, 2016. In vivo antiplasmodial activity of ethanol and aqueous extracts of Uvaria chamae and Phyllantus amarus plants. Futo J. Ser., 2: 83-97.
  12. Ujowundu, C.O., J.U. Ogbede, K.O. Igwe, G.N. Okwu, N.C. Agha and R.I. Okechukwu, 2015. Quantitative assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals in fish roasted with firewood, waste tyres and polyethylene materials. Biochem. Anal. Biochem., Vol. 4. 10.4172/2161-1009.1000162.
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  13. Ujowundu, C.O., C.U. Ogbonna, G.N. Okwu and C.S. Alisi, 2015. Free radicals scavenging and neuroprotective effects of ethanolic leaf extract of Combretum zenkeri leaf. Annu. Res. Rev. Biol., 6: 133-141.
  14. Okwu, G.N., S.E. Abanobi, U.V. Nnadi, C.O. Ujowundu and A.C. Ene, 2015. Hypolipidemic properties of ethanol extract of Cyperus rotundus Rhizome. Int. J. Biochem. Res. Rev., 7: 132-138.
  15. Okechukwu, R.I., C.O. Ujowundu, W.O. Okika, A.A. Ukaoma, H.U. Anuforo and C.O. Ezea, 2015. Studies on the phytochemical and antibacterial activities of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Psidium guajava and Moringa oleifera. Scholars Acad. J. Biosci., 3: 320-324.
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  16. Nwaoguikpe, R.N., C.O. Ujowundu, C.U. Igwe and P.N. Dike, 2015. The effects of Moringa oleifera leaves extracts on sickle cell hemoglobin. J. Sci. Res. Rep., 4: 123-132.
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  17. Nwaoguikpe, R.N., C.O. Ujowundu, A.A. Emejulu, C.I. Iheme, M. Osam and O.M. Oguoma, 2015. The ameliorative effect of aqueous leaves extract of Acalypha wikessina on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatoxicity in wistar albino rats. Int. J. Curr. Res. Acad. Rev., 3: 176-188.
  18. Ujowundu, C.O., R.N. Nwaoguikpe, G.N. Okwu and A.C. Ene, 2014. Crude oil induced oxidative changes and chemoprotective roles of Ocimum gratissimum and Gongronema latifolium formulated diet. J. Adv. Biol., 5: 645-650.
  19. Ujowundu, C.O., K.O. Igwe, N.C. Agha and R.I. Okechukwu, 2014. Toxicological studies in albino rats maintained on fish smoked with firewood and waste tyre materials. Environ. Anal. Toxicol., Vol. 4. 10.4172/2161-0525.1000258.
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  20. Ujowundu, C.O., K.L. Ihekweazu, C.S. Alisi, F.N. Ujowundu and C.U. Igwe, 2014. Procarcinogens: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metal content in some locally processed foods in South Eastern Nigeria. Br. J. Applied Sci. Technol., 4: 249-260.
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  21. Ujowundu, C.O., H.N. Okoye, R.N. Nwaoguikpe, D.C. Belonwu, K.O. Igwe and F.N. Ujowundu, 2014. Hepatoprotective effects of crude extracts of tomato and onion in rats exposed to locally processed beef. Int. J. Biochem. Res. Rev., 4: 193-203.
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  22. Ujowundu, C.O., C.O. Ajoku, L.A. Nwaogu, D.C. Belonwu and K.O. Igwe, 2014. Toxicological impact of gas flaring and other petroleum production activities in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. J. Adv. Chem., 10: 2297-2304.
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  23. Okwu, G.N., C.U. Ogbonna, C.O. Ujowundu, K.O. Igwe, C.U. Igwe and A.A. Emejulu, 2014. Protective effect of ethanol leaf extract of Combretum zenkeri on liver functions of albino rats following benzo(A)pyrene exposure. Biol. Chem. Res., 1: 16-25.
  24. Nwaoguikpe, R.N., W. Braide, G.N. Okwu, B.O. Anyanwu and C.O. Ujowundu, 2014. The effects of extracts of Christmas bush (Alchornea cordefolia) on sickle cell hemoglobin. Br. J. Pharm. Res., 4: 158-171.
  25. Nwaoguikpe, R.N., C.O. Ujowundu, W. Braide and J. Obi, 2014. Phyllantus amarus (Schum. and Thonn): An antiplasmodial plant. Br. J. Med. Med. Res., 4: 5494-5508.
  26. Nwaoguikpe, R.N., C.O. Ujowundu and A.A. Emejulu, 2014. The antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects of extracts of seeds of some neglected legumes of South-East Nigeria. Sch. Acad. J. Biosci., 2: 51-59.
  27. Nwaogu, L.A., C.U. Igwe, C.O. Ujowundu, A.A. Emejulu, C.I. Iheme and D.C. Belonwu, 2014. Biochemical changes in tissues of Telfaria occidentalis leaves following subchronic exposure to some heavy metals. Br. J. Applied Sci. Technol., 4: 1424-1431.
  28. Nwaogu, L.A., C.O. Ujowundu, C.I. Iheme, T.N.I. Ezejiofor and D.C. Belonwu, 2014. Effect of sublethal concentration of heavy metal contamination on soil physicochemical properties, catalase and dehydrogenase activities. Int. J. Biochem. Res. Rev., 4: 141-149.
  29. Ezeji, E.U., T.E. Ogbulie, I.N.E. Onwurah and C.O. Ujowundu, 2014. Effects of Dichlorvos on reduced glutathione, glutathione s-transferase and lipid peroxidation of egg laying hens. Int. J. Chem. Biol. Sci., 1: 46-49.
  30. Ene, A.C., N.G. Edeh, C. Bonny-Okoli, O.A. Ojiako, C.O. Ujowundu and C.U. Igwe, 2014. In vitro and in vivo antitrypanosomal effects of methanol and aqueous extracts of Picralima nitida. Br. J. Pharm. Res., 4: 644-653.
  31. Ujowundu, C.O., R.N. Nwaoguikpe, D.C. Belonwu, F.N. Ujowundu and K.O. Igwe, 2013. Effects of roasted beef based-diet on thyroid hormones and vitamins: the biochemical roles of Lycopersicon esculentum L. and Allium cepa. Niger. J. Biochem. Mol. Biol., 28: 59-69.
  32. Ujowundu, C.O., L.A. Nwaogu, K.O. Igwe, F.N. Ujowundu and D.C. Belonwu, 2013. Evaluation of the impact of oil and gas pollutants on the chemical composition of Abelmoschus esculentus Moench and Pterocarpus mildbraedii Harms. J. Res. Biol., 3: 861-869.
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  33. Ujowundu, C.O., L.A. Nwaogu, F.N. Ujowundu and D.C. Belonwu, 2013. Effect of gas flaring on the phytochemical and nutritional composition of Treculia africana and Vigna subterranean. Br. Biotechnol. J., 3: 293-304.
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  34. Nwaoguikpe, R.N., C.O. Ujowundu and G.N. Okwu, 2013. The anti-sickling potentials of four Curcubits (T. occidentalis, C. maxima; C. sativus and C. lonatus). Sch. J. Applied Med. Sci., 1: 191-198.
  35. Igwea, C.U., C.O. Ibegbulemb, L.A. Nwaoguc, C.O. Ujowundud and G.N. Okwue, 2013. Calcium, zinc and phytate interrelationships in four lesser-known African seeds processed into food condiments. J. Adv. Chem., 4: 288-294.
  36. Ibegbulem, C.O., C.U. Igwe, G.N. Okwu, C.O. Ujowundu, E.N. Onyeike and E.O. Ayalogu, 2013. Total amino acid profiles of heat-processed fresh Elaeis guineensis and Raphia hookeri wines. Food Chem., 138: 1616-1620.
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  37. Ezejiofor, T.I.N., A.C. Udebuani, E.U. Ezeji, E.A. Ayalogbu and C.O. Azuwuike et al., 2013. Environmental metals pollutants load of a densely populated and heavily industrialized commercial city of Aba, Nigeria. J. Toxicol. Environ. Health Sci., 5: 1-11.
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  38. Ujowundu, C.O., F.N. Kalu, R.N. Nwaoguikpe, R.I. Okechukwu and C.E. Ihejirika, 2012. The antioxidative potentials of Gongronema latifolium on diesel petroleum induced hepatotoxicity. J. Applied Pharm. Sci., 1: 90-94.
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  39. Ujowundu, C.O., F.N. Kalu, L.A. Nwaogu, E.U. Ezeji and K.O. Igwe, 2012. Management of changes in liver chemistry in male rats acutely exposed to crude petroleum oil. J. Applied Pharm. Sci., 2: 116-120.
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  40. Okwu, G.N., V.A. Onwuliri, A.V. Iwueke, L.N. Nwaogu, C.O. Ujowundu and I.N. Ihejirika, 2012. Incidence of protein energy malnutrition and iron deficiency anaemia among lactating women in owerri, nigeria. Afr. J. Med. Sci., 5: 71-77.
  41. Nwaoguikpe, R.N., W. Braide and C.O. Ujowundu, 2012. Phytochemicals, minerals, vitamins and antioxidant compositions of three Nigerian medicinal plants. Instasci J. Pharm. Sci., 2: 50-57.
  42. Nwaoguikpe, R.N., C.S. Alisi, C.O. Ujowundu and A.A. Emejulu, 2012. The synergistic effect of some antisickling agents. Instasci J. Pharm. Sci., 2: 18-26.
  43. Nwaoguikpe, R.N., C.O. Ujowundu and B. Wesley, 2012. Phytochemical and biochemical compositions of African walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum). J. Pharmaceut. Biomed. Sci., 20: 1-5.
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  44. Nwaogu, L.A., C.O. Ibegbulem, C.O. Ujowundu and S.C. Alozie, 2012. Impact of some heavy metals in soil on oxidative stress indices and chlorophyll levels of Telfaria occidentalis leaves. Niger. J. Biochem. Mol. Biol., 27: 46-52.
  45. Nnodim, J., C.O. Ujowundu, H.I. Udujih, H. Okorie, E.l. Nwobodo and N.C. Nwadike, 2012. Hepatocellular enzyme activities and protein level following administration of vitamins during chloroquine induced hepatoxicity in Wistar rats. Indian J. Innovations Dev., 1: 299-302.
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  46. Igwe, C.U., O.A. Ojiako, K.C. Anugweje, L.A. Nwaogu and C.O. Ujowundu, 2012. Amino acid profile of raw and locally processed seeds of Prosopis Africana and Ricinus communis: Potential antidotes to protein malnutrition. Funct. Foods Health Dis., 2: 107-119.
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  47. Alisi, C.S., A.O. Ojiako, C.U. Igwe, C.O. Ujowundu, K. Anugweje and G.N. Okwu, 2012. Antioxidant content and free radical scavenging activity of honeys of Apis mellifera of Obudu cattle ranch. Int. J. Biochem. Res. Rev., 2: 164-175.
  48. Ujowundu, C.O., N. Nwokedinobi, F.N. Kalu, R.N. Nwaoguikpe and R.I. Okechukwu, 2011. Chemoprotective potentials of Ocimum gratissimum in diesel petroleum induced hepatotoxicity in albino wistar rats. J. Applied Pharm. Sci., 1: 56-61.
  49. Ujowundu, C.O., F.N. Kalu, R.N. Nwaoguikpe, O.I. Kalu, C.E. Ihejirika, E.C. Nwosunjoku and R.I. Okechukwu, 2011. Biochemical and physical characterization of diesel oil contaminated soil in Southeastern Nigeria. Res. J. Chem. Sci., 1: 57-62.
  50. Ujowundu, C.O., F.N. Kalu, R.N. Nwaoguikpe, K.O. Igwe, R.I. Okechukwu and T.I.N. Ezejiofor, 2011. Salt iodization and thyroid function of pregnant women in early pregnancy in Owerri Southeast Nigeria. Int. Res. J. Biochem. Bioinform., 1: 248-256.
  51. Ujowundu, C.O., F.N. Kalu, E.C. Nwosunjoku, R.N. Nwaoguikpe, R.I. Okechukwu and K.O. Igwe, 2011. Iodine and inorganic mineral contents of some vegetables, spices and grains consumed in Southeastern Nigeria. Afr. J. Biochem. Res., 5: 57-64.
  52. Ujowundu, C.O., F.N. Kalu, C.U. Igwe, N.C. Agha and K.O. Igwe, 2011. Biochemical studies on the amelioration of petroleum product intoxication with indigenous plants. Int. J. Biochem. Res. Rev., 2: 87-97.
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  53. Nwaoguikpe, R.N., W. Braide and C.O. Ujowundu, 2011. The effects of processing on the proximate and phytochemical compositions of Mucuna pruriens seeds (velvet beans). Pak. J. Nutr., 10: 947-951.
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  54. Nwaoguikpe, R.N., W. Braide and C.O. Ujowundu, 2011. Biochemical composition and antimicrobial activities of the seed extracts of Avocado (Persea Americana). J. Microbiol. Antimicrob., 3: 184-190.
  55. Nwaogu, L.A., C.U. Igwe, C.O. Ujowundu, U. Arukwe, C.E. Ihejirika and A.V. Iweke, 2011. Biochemical changes in tissues of albino rats following subchronic exposure to crude oil. J. Res. Biol., 1: 617-623.
  56. Kalu, F.N., V.N. Ogugua, C.O. Ujowundu and R.N. Nwaoguikpe, 2011. Aqueous extract of Combretum dolichopentalum leaf-a potent inhibitor of carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats. J. Applied Pharm. Sci., 1: 114-117.
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  57. Kalu, F.N., V.N. Ogugua, C.O. Ujowundu and C.R.K. Chinekeokwu, 2011. Phytochemical composition and acute toxicity study on aqueous extract of Combretum dolichopentalum leaf in Swiss Albino mice. Res. J. Chem. Sci., 1: 72-75.
  58. Ihejirika, C.E., J.N. Ogbulie, O.C. Ihejirika, C. Akobundu, H.D. Ogbuagu, O.K. Mejeha and C.O. Ujowundu, 2011. Effect of aluminum extrusion elements on the physicochemical and microbiological dynamics of Iyi-Mbaa Stream, Imo State, Nigeria. Int. J. Pure Applied Sci., 4: 100-107.
  59. Ihejirika, C.E., J.D. Njoku, C.O. Ujowundu and S. Uchenna, 2011. Synergism between season, pH, conductivity and total dissolved solids (TDS) of Imo river quality for agricultural irrigation. J. Biodivers. Environ. Sci., 1: 26-31.
  60. Igwe, K.O., A.I. Ukoha, N. Nwachukwu and C.O. Ujowundu, 2011. Iodine nutrition for pregnant women in three major villages of ohafia local government area of abia state. Afr. J. Bochem. Res., 5: 69-71.
  61. Igwe, C.U., C.O. Ujowundu, L.A. Nwaogu and G.N. Okwu, 2011. Chemical analysis of an edible African termite, Macrotermes nigeriensis: A potential antidote to food security problem. Biochem. Anal. Biochem., Vol. 1. 10.4172/2161-1009.1000105.
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  62. Alisi, C.S., L.A. Nwogu, C.O. Ibegbulem and C.U. Ujowundu, 2011. Antimicrobial action of methanol extract of Chromolaena odoranta Linn. is logistic and exerted by inhibition of dehydrogenase enzymes. J. Res. Biol., 3: 209-216.
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  63. Ujowundu, C.O., O.E. Okafor, N.C. Agha, L.A. Nwaogu, K.O. Igwe and C.U. Igwe, 2010. Phytochemical and chemical composition of Combretum zenkeri leaves. J. Med. Plants Res., 40: 965-968.
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  64. Ujowundu, C.O., F.N. Kalu, O.E. Ogechukwu, C.N. Agha, C.S. Alisi and R.N. Nwaoguikpe, 2010. Evaluation of the chemical composition of Dacryodes edulis (G. Don) seeds. Int. J. Biol. Chem. Sci., 4: 1225-1233.
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  65. Ujowundu, C.O., F.N. Kalu, A.A. Emejulu, O.E. Okafor, C.G. Nkwonta and E.C. Nwosunjoku, 2010. Evaluation of the chemical composition of Mucuna utilis leaves used in herbal medicine in Southeastern Nigeria. Afr. J. Pharm. Pharmacol., 4: 811-816.
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  66. Ujowundu, C.O., F.N. Kalu and E.C. Nwosunjoku, 2010. Thyroid function and urine iodine of pregnant women in Owerri, Nigeria. Nig. J. Biochem. Mol. Biol., 25: 91-97.
  67. Ujowundu, C.O., A.I. Ukoha, N.C. Agha, N. Nwachukwu and K.O. Igwe et al., 2010. Assessment of current iodine status of pregnant women in a suburban area of Imo State, Nigeria twelve years after universal salt iodization. Afr. J. Biochem. Res., 4: 6-12.
  68. Ujowundu C.O., A.I. Ukoha, C.N. Agha, N. Nwachukwu, K.O. Igwe and F.N. Kalu, 2010. Effects of potassium iodate application on the biomass and iodine concentration of selected indigenous Nigerian vegetables. Afr. J. Biotechnol., 9: 7141-7147.
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  69. Nwaogu, L. and C.O. Ujowundu, 2010. Effect of petroleum hydrocarbon pollution on the nutritional value of ripe guava (Psidium guajava) fruits grown in Imo State, Nigeria. Int. J. Biol. Chem. Sci., 4: 450-455.
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  70. Emejulu, A.A., C.O. Ujowundu, C.U. Igwe and V.A. Ouwuliri, 2010. Hepatotoxicity of antiretroviral drugs in HIV seropositive Nigerian patients. Aust. J. Basic Applied Sci., 4: 4275-4278.
  71. Ujowundu, C.O., A.I. Ukoha, N.C. Agha, N. Nwachukwu and K.O. Igwe et al., 2009. Iodine biofortification of selected plants using Potassium iodide. Niger. J. Biochem. Mol. Bol., 24: 17-21.
  72. Ujowundu, C.O., C.U. Igwe, V.H.A. Enemor, L.A. Nwaogu and O.E. Okafor, 2008. Nutritive and anti-nutritive properties of Boerhavia diffusa and Commelina nudiflora leaves. Pak. J. Nutr., 7: 90-92.
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  73. Nwaogu, L.A., C.S. Alisi, C.U. Igwe and C.O. Ujowundu, 2008. A comparative study of the antimicrobial properties of the ethanolic extracts of Landolphia owariensis leaf and root. Afr. J. Biotechnol., 7: 368-372.
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  74. Nwaogu, L.A., A.O. Ojiako and C.O. Ujowundu, 2007. Studies on the nutritional and phytochemical composition of Asystasis gangetica leaves. J. Med. Pharm. Sci., 3: 50-53.
  75. Igwe, C., L.A. Nwaogu and C.O. Ujuwondu, 2007. Assessment of hepatic effects, phytochemical and proximate composition of phyllanthus amarus. Afr. J. Biotech., 6: 728-731.
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  76. Nwaogu, L.A., C.O. Ujowundu and A.I. Mgbemena, 2006. Studies on the nutritional and phytochemical composition of Amaranthus hybridus leaves. Bio-Research, 4: 28-31.
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