ABSTRACT
Oxidative stress has been defined as harmful because oxygen free radicals attack biological molecules such as lipids, proteins and DNA; it can also be a state where oxidative forces exceed the antioxidant systems due to loss of balance between them. However, oxidative stress also has a useful role in physiological adaptation and in regulation of intracellular signal transduction. The human environment with the biological processes contributes significantly to free radical production. The use of plant extracts in treatment and prevention of diseases have shown a comprehensive framework of healing by stimulating the body’s own innate healing capacities in a manner that is safe and effective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Gongronema latifolium leaf extract on some oxidative stress biomarkers of male Wistar rats. Twenty-four (24) male Wistar rats with mean weight of 137g were used for this experiment. The animals were randomly assigned to four (4) groups with sample size of six (6) rats each. Wistar rats in group 1 served as the control; those in group 2 were given 50 mg/kg body weight of Gongronema latifolium leaf extract; those in group 3 were administered 70 mg/kg body weight of Gongronema latifolium leaf extract; those in group 4 were administered 100 mg/kg body weight of Gongronema latifolium leaf extract. The feed and water were given ad libitum to the rats. At the end of the six (6) weeks of experimental period, the rats were sacrificed under chloroform anesthesia. Blood samples were collected from the abdominal aorta into Plain tubes for serum oxidative stress biomarkers analysis. The results, represented as mean values ± standard error of mean for Total Protein (TP) and Malondialdehyde showed that there was no significant difference in serum total protein and MDA levels respectively in rats administered 50 mg/kg body weight, 70 mg/kg body weight, 100 mg/kg body weight of Gongronema latifolium leaf extract in group 2, 3 and 4 (5.63±0.14, 5.34±0.31, 6.26±0.02 TP and 2.67±0.83, 2.56±0.72, 1.08±0.06 MDA respectively) when compared with the control [5.19±0.14 TP, 1.41±0.37 MDA] (group 1) using one-way ANOVA at P value less than 0.05. However, there were statistical significant differences in serum Superoxide dismustase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and reduced Glutathione (GSH) levels in rats administered 50 mg/kg body weight, 70 mg/kg body weight, 100 mg/kg body weight of Gongronema latifolium leaf extract in groups 2, 3 and 4 respectively with values as follows: 0.02±0.00, 0.05±0.02, 0.15±0.02 SOD; 0.04±0.00, 0.09±0.03, 6.28±0.05 CAT; 0.01±0.00, 0.09±0.03, 0.11±0.02 GPX; 0.02±0.00, 0.18±0.06, 0.22±0.04 GSH when compared with their control (group 1) (0.22±0.02 SOD; 0.41±0.04 CAT; O.21±0.12 GPX; 0.41±0.03 GSH). It can be concluded from the result of the study that Gongronema latifolium leaves extract has effect on oxidative biomarkers evident by significant decrease in their serum levels implying the antioxidant properties of Gongronema latifolium leaves extract.
