Applied Medical Research. 2016;
5(1):(49-173)
In vivo Antioxidant Evaluation of Combretum platypterum (Welw.) Hutch. and Combretum racemosum P. Beauv. (Combretaceae) in Rodents
MacDonald Idu, Dickson Uwaya, Oghale Ovuakporie-Uvo
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo antioxidant effect of the aqueous leaf extract of both plants. Methods: Seven groups of 4 animals each were used. Groups 1 – 3 were administered C. platypterum extract at various doses. Groups 4 – 6 were administered C. racemosum extract while group 7 received distilled water. The animals were sacrificed after 21 days using chloroform as anesthesia. Vital organs; hearts, livers and kidneys were isolated and homogenized for antioxidant assays. Results: C. platypterum significantly (P<0.05) increased the level of SOD and peroxidase in the heart at (200 and 400) mg/kg. SOD level was also increased in the liver at 400 mg/kg and peroxidase in the kidney at all doses improved. C. racemosum significantly (P<0.05) increased the level of peroxidase in the kidney at doses (100, 200 and 400) mg/kg. MDA and catalase level were unaffected by aqueous leaf extracts of both plants. In vivo antioxidant activity of C. platypterum was more in C. racemosum. However, there was a marked boost of peroxidase in the kidney of animals treated with C. racemosum. Conclusion: C. platypterum demonstrates superior antioxidant activity in the heart and liver compared to C. racemosum.