The Antioxidative Potentials of Gongronema latifolium on Diesel Petroleum Induced Hepatotoxicity.

ABSTRACT

In Nigeria, petroleum contamination of the environment occurs through accidental spillage and/or sabotage of petroleum pipelines. Human exposures to petroleum products occur frequently from occupational and domestic usage. In this study male albino rats were used to evaluate the antioxidative effects of Gongronema latifolium supplemented diet on diesel petroleum induced toxicity resulting from exposure. The activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and concentrations of total bilirubin and malondialdehyde increased (p<0.05) in the animals exposed to the petroleum product. The activities of some oxidative stress enzymes and concentrations of serum proteins decreased (p<0.05) in exposed animals. The activities of liver function enzymes and oxidative stress parameters obtained in the animals which received G. latifolium supplemented diet with diesel intoxication were comparable to the control, indicating a protective role of G. latifolium.