ETHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF Acalypha wilkesiana AMELIORATES THE EFFECT OF 1,2-DIMETHYLHYDRAZINE ON THE ENZYMATIC ANTIOXIDANTS ACTIVITIES IN WISTAR RATS.

ABSTRACT

The study investigates the potential antioxidant properties of Acalypha wilkesiana ethanol leaf extract and its effects on enzymatic antioxidants in Wistar rats exposed to 1,2- dimethylhydrazine(DMH), a chemical known to induce colon carcinogenesis. Experimental groups included a normal control, a tumor control (DMH-exposed), and four treatment groups receiving Xeloda or varying doses (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 800 mg/kg) of the ethanol leaf extract. The enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were assessed to evaluate oxidative stress status. Results indicated a non-significant reduction in SOD activity and a non-significant increase in CAT activity in DMH-exposed rats compared to the normal control, suggesting a potential dysregulation in antioxidant defenses due to tumorigenic insult. Administration of the ethanol leaf extract at graded doses showed a non-significant reduction in SOD activity and varying effects on CAT activity, with increases observed at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg doses, but a decrease at 800 mg/kg. Despite these trends, none of the changes reached statistical significance (p > 0.05). The findings suggest that while the ethanol leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana may modulate antioxidant enzyme activities, further studies are required to confirm these effects and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The study underscores the importance of exploring the therapeutic potential of Acalypha wilkesiana in oxidative stress-related disorders and cancer prevention.