Selected Biochemical Parameters and Oxidative Stress Status of Rats Administered Antimalaria Herbal Extract – ‘Agbo’

Abstract

Herbs are increasingly used across the globe; In fact, the World Health Organization reported that most African countries, including Nigeria, depend on herbal medicines for primary health care, without much documented evidence of adverse effects. Agbo polyhebral extract is popular in Nigeria, especially among (but not limited to) the local populace of the south-western areas. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of malaria alcoholic herbal extract (Agbo) on renal, liver, oxidative stress markers and hematological parameters on wistar rats. Twenty rats weighing between 150g to 200g were divided into 4 groups of 5 each. Control A and experimental groups B, C D. The extract was administered for 8 weeks after at the end of which weights of the rats were taken and the rats sacrificed. Blood samples were collected into plain tubes and EDTA bottles, urea, creatinine, electrolytes, full blood count, liver enzymes (ALP, AST, ALT), oxidative stress markers (glutathione peroxidase, catalyze, malondialdehyde, SOD) were assayed in blood spectrophotometrically. Results were analyzed using ANOVA and expressed in mean± sem. Liver enzymes were not statistically significant, When catalase values of control (236.2 ± 5.89) was compared with the different doses (146.0 ± 0.70, 140.3 ± 0.47, 132.7 ± 0.65) and glutathione peroxidase control values (142.9 ± 1.03) was compared with the various doses (127.8 ± 0.52, 122.8 ± 0.79, 122.2 ± 0.73), there was a reduction in the experimental groups. Malondialdehyde (31.55 ± 0.43, 39.65 ± 0.60, 66.95 ± 0.99) were significantly increased (p<0.05) when compared with control (26.91 ± 0.59). SOD values (12.41 ± 0.38, 14.45 ± 13.47) significantly reduced compared with control (236.2 ± 5.89). Serum urea, creatinine, electrolytes and hematological parameters were insignificant. In conclusion, administration of malaria alcoholic herbal extract “Agbo” induced oxidative stress in the rats.