By Onuorah, Ndidiamaka Sussan
This work was done to ascertain the efficacy of the seed of Tetracarpidium conophorum on hydrogen peroxide induced oxidative stress in Wistar albino rats. Thirty five (35) male wistar albino rats weighing (120- 140g) were distributed into seven (7) groups of five rats each. Groups 2-6 were administered with hydrogen peroxide (1.0 ml/kg), while group 1 served as the normal control while group 2 serves as positive control Groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 were treated with vitamin C (100 mg/kg), 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg of the extract respectively for five days, Group 7 was administered 800 mg/kg b.w of the extract only. Blood was collected from the animals on the 7th day through occular puncture for assay of some biochemical parameters. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of the seed extract were determined using standard methods and showed that the extract contained terpenoids (4.36 ± 0.06 mg/g), Tannins (1.89 ± 0.11 mg/g), alkaloids (20.31 ± 0.30mg/g) and cardiac glycosides (12. 45 ± 0.08 mg/g), anthraquinones, saponins and steroids were not detected in the extract. Vitamins constituents of the extract were vitamin A (10.55 ± 2.67 mg/ 100g), vitamin C (13.09 ± 0.23 mg/ 100g) and vitamin E (5.77 ± 0.08 mg/ 100g). The mineral constituents indicated the presence of mg (133.59 ± 0.11 mg/ 100g), Ca (118.90 ± 0.01 mg/ 100g), Fe (3.67 ± 0.07 mg/ 100g), Zn (2.22 ± 0.01 mg/ 100g), Cu (1.54 ± 0.78 mg/ 100g). The acute toxicity test of the extract showed no toxicity up to 5000 mg/ kg b.w. Serum ALT activity significantly decreased (p< 0.05) in all the test groups compared to group 2. Serum AST and ALP activity decreased significantly (p< 0.05) in all the test groups except group 6 for ALP activity compared to the enzyme activities of normal and positive controls. A significant decrease (p< 0.05) was observed in the serum MDA concentration of rats in the test groups when compared to the group 2. A significant increase (p < 0.05) was observed in the serum GPx activity of groups 4, 6 and 7 compared to the GPx activity of group 2 rats. There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in groups 4 and 7 compared to group 2. The serum cholesterol concentration showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the test groups relative to those of the controls. There was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the serum LDL and TAGs of rats in the test groups when compared to the controls. The serum HDL of groups 5 and 7 increased significantly (p < 0.05) compared to the normal control and the positive control. The effect of the extract on lipid profile showed that it increased HDL at a concentration of 400mg/kg body. These antioxidant enzymes results support the claims made by several scientists that the plant could be used to scavenge free radicals in the system which often lead to the risk of various diseases.