Some Biochemical Changes in Serum of Female Albino Rats Administered Aqueous Extract of Piper guineense Schumach Seeds.

ABSTRACT

This study examined the biochemical changes in serum of female albino rats administered aqueous extract of Piper guineense Schumach seeds extract. The test animals (groups 2, 3 and 4) received 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg and 75 mg/kg of the extract respectively for 21 days, while group 1 served as control and received a placebo of 0.9% physiological saline which is the vehicle for administration. On the 22nd day the test animals which have been fasted overnight were sacrificed with chloroform anesthesia. Blood was collected through cardiac puncture. Results show that serum protein, albumin and packed cell volume concentration significantly (p≤0.05) increased. Creatinine and urea levels decreased (p≤0.05) significantly, 95% confidence level, while cholesterol profile decreased (p≤0.05) significantly, except HDL. Superoxide dismutase, glutathione-s-transferase, increased (p≤0.05) significantly, while lipid peroxidation decreased. This study has shown that nursing mothers in South East of Nigeria who use the Piper guineense Schumach seeds may derive immense benefit from its effect on the biochemical parameters assayed in this study.