In-vitro antioxidant capacity and hepato-protective potential of Blighia sapida stem bark ether fractions in STZ induced diabetes rats

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that affects all systems in the body, including the liver. This study evaluated the in-vitro antioxidant capacity and liver function status of STZ-induced diabetic rats treated with petroleum and diethyl ether fractions of Blighia sapida stem barkfor 14 days.

The antioxidant ability of the petroleum and diethyl ether fraction of Blighia sapida stem bark was evaluated by total flavonoids and phenolic content (TFC and TPC) and DPPH scavenging activity using standard protocol. Thirty-five rats in seven groups were used. Plasma transaminases (ALT and AST) activities and bilirubin level was determined using standard procedure.

The TFC and TPC of petroleum ether fraction of B. sapida (PEFBS) (47.16 mg QUE/100g and 39.87 mg GAE/100g) was observed to be higher compared to diethyl ether fraction of B. sapida (DEFBS) (37.44 mg QUE/100 g and 36.74 mg/GAE/100g). The DPPH scavenging activity of the fractions were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced across the concentrations compared to the standard (gallic acid). STZ induced diabetes rats administered 2 ml/kg b. w. of normal saline significantly (p < 0.05) increased plasma ALT, AST activities and bilirubin level compared to the normal control rats while treatment of diabetic rats with petroleum and diethyl ether fraction of B. sapida at both dosesreduced the activities of these enzymes and level of bilirubin.

The results sustain the fact that, the fractions of B. sapida have an immense potential to be developed further into a therapeutic agent.