ANALYSIS OF Dioscorea alata (WATER YAM PEEL) AS POSSIBLE ALLEVIATIVE TREATMENT

ABSTRACT

Dioscorea alata, commonly known as water yam, has been traditionally utilized for its medicinal properties. Tramadol, a widely used analgesic, has been associated with adverse effects on the gastrointestinal system. The aim of this study was to analyze Dioscorea alata (water yam peel) extract as possible alleviative treatment on gastrointestinal tissues of albino rats pre-treated with tramadol. A controlled experimental design was employed involving albino rats (25) that were divided into 5 groups (control, negative, positive, counter groups). Histological analyses were conducted to assess the structural and functional changes in the gastrointestinal tissues. Parameters such as tissue inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular damage were evaluated. The data generated was analyzed using statistical software SPSS version 20 (statistical package for social sciences). In comparison between the various groups, there was a significant difference at p<0.05 of the biomarker. There was a significant decrease in the body and organ (stomach) weights of the rats in group 3 compared with group 1, though there were no significant differences in group 2, group 4, and group 5 compared with group 1 respectively. This study showed that tramadol had an inflammatory effect on the gastrointestinal tract of rats in group 2. However, some of these inflammations and alterations in tissue architecture were observed to be ameliorated using Dioscorea alata. The light inflammatory cells seen in the GIT of rats in group 3 administered only Dioscorea alata may have been due to inflammation as a result of the body system preparing itself against foreign substances. Rats in groups 4 and 5 received Dioscorea alata prior to tramadol treatment and the histological examinations revealed a preservation of tissue integrity and a decrease in inflammatory markers. Rats in group 1 served as control group. This study suggests that Dioscorea alata extract has potential alleviative properties for mitigating tramadol-induced gastrointestinal tissue damage in albino wistar rat. Further investigation is therefore needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these effects, assess dosage considerations, and evaluate the long-term implications of such treatment and it is suggested to explore in human subject.