ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of the polyphenolic rich Ficus asperifolia (Miq.) leaf extract in protecting rat testes against carbon tetrachloride-induced testicular damage in male Wistar rats. Thirty rats (weighing 140 - 180 g) were divided into five groups. In each treatment groups, aqueous extract of F. asperifolia (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg bw) administered by oral gavage for 21 days before exposure to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) 3 mL kg-1i.p. were used to test protective influence of the plant extract. Protective influence were observed on antioxidant marker enzymes such as reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malonaldehyde (MDA) and histological examination. Animal exposure to the CCl4 resulted in significant elevation in the MDA with concomitant depletion (p < 0.05) in the level of GPx, CAT and SOD activities compared with control. Daily oral administration of F. asperifolia showed beneficial and ameliorative effects in all biochemical parameter evaluated. Histopathological alteration in testes was observed in CCl4 untreated rats and was ameliorated inCCl4 rats treated with F. asperifolia. Result shows that the aqueous leaf extract of F. Asperifolia has ameliorative effect against carbontetrachloride-induced testicular toxicity.
ABSTRACT
Antioxidant contents, mostly from plant source have been the major combating components against membranous peroxidation that causes degenerative diseases and among others in the living cells. In this work, we did look into how ethanol and aqueous extractable components of Talinum triangulare could effectively and synergistically enhance the activities of antioxidant enzymes i.e superoxide dismutase (SOD) catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) activities in the different tissues used in vitro. Different methods were employed in the assay and the results showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in ethanolic extract when the GSH enhancing competencies were considered in the organs when compare with that of aqueous and relatively with the control, also, the levels of catalase activities (CAT) observed showed significant (p < 0.05) difference as observed in the organs. Considering the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, aqueous extract showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in the liver and brain while significant (p < 0.05) increase was only observed in the ethanolic extract in the kidneys tissue. Indisputably, it could be claimed based on these facts that, Talinum triangulare could enhance the activities of these antioxidant enzymes assayed for and in turns could be helpful in the phytotherapeutic management of common diseases associated with the hypoactivity of the enzymes when involve in the diet.