Abstract
Aims: Comparative protective effect of ethanol extracts of Gongronema latifolium and Piper guineense on ethanol-induced toxicity were investigated in male Wistar rats.
Methology: The acute toxicity test of the extracts was evaluated. The rats were exposed with 70 % ethanol for 7 days to induce liver damage and later treated with ethanol extracts for 21 days. The levels of scavenging enzymes: glutathione peroxidise, superoxide dismutase, catalase; malondialdehyde and cytochrome p4502e1 were monitored in order to evaluate the protective effects of the plant extracts. Hepatic malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione, as well as superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase activities were determined for the antioxidant status.
Results: Acute toxicity results showed that Gongronema latifolium were safe at doses investigated whereas Piper guineense LD 50 were 1500mg/kg. Chronic ethanol administration resulted in a significant (p< 0.05) decrease in reduced glutathione ,superoxide dismutase,catalase and increased malondialdehyde and cytochrome p4502e1.These were dramatically reversed to normal by the treatment of the plant extract in a dose dependent fashion. Treatment of the plant extracts significantly (p<0.05) reduced cytochrome p4502e1 and malondialdehyde, restored the reduced glutathione, enhanced the superoxide dismutase and catalase level. These results highlight the ability of Gongronema latifolium at high doses and Piper guineense at lower doses to ameliorate oxidative damage in the liver and the observed effects are associated with its antioxidant activities.
