EFFECT OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF Tetrapleura tetraptera ON OXIDATIVE STRESS PARAMETERS IN CARBON TETRACHLORIDE-INDUCED TOXICITY

ABSTRACT

Tetrapleura tetraptera, a commonly used medicinal plant in traditional African medicine, is known for its potential antioxidant properties. Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in various pathological conditions, including those induced by hepatotoxic substances like carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). This study aimed to investigate the impact of the ethanolic extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera on oxidative stress parameters (Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase, Glutathione Peroxidase (Gpx), Glutathione (Reduced GSH) and Malondialdehyde (MDA), in male albino Wistar rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity. Liver damage was induced through intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Five groups of five rats each were used giving a total of twenty-five (25). The group distribution was as follows: Group 1 were normal rats that were given olive oil as a vehicle and where neither induced nor treated, rats in group 2 were the negative control, which were induced with carbon tetrachloride and no treatment was given, rats in group 3 were the positive control which were induced with carbon tetrachloride and treated with silymarin, rats in groups 4 and 5 were induced with carbon tetrachloride and treated with ethanol extract of T. tetraptera in doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg respectively. Oxidative stress markers were assayed using standard biochemical methods. The study lasted for six weeks. The results of this study demonstrates that the ethanolIC extract of T.tetraptera exerts significant protective effects against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. The extract effectively increased the activities of oxidative stress parameters; SOD, CAT and GPx which are enzymatic antioxidants. It also boosted the level of GSH, a key non-enzymatic antioxidant, while simultaneously reducing levels of MDA, a marker for oxidative damage. In conclusion, the results from this research indicated that the ethanolic extract of T.tetraptera demonstrated a significant impact on oxidative stress parameters in Wistar rats with CCl4-induced toxicity. This suggests its potential as an antioxidant agent to mitigate oxidative stress in toxic liver conditions. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic applications of Tetrapleura tetraptera in oxidative stress-related disorders.