Article Sidebar
Published:
Dec 31, 2019Keywords:
Article Details
Manuscripts are accepted for publication with the understanding that no substantial part has been, or will be published elsewhere. By submitting a manuscript, the authors agree that the copyright is transferred to the publisher if and when the articles, including reprints, photographic reproduction and translation are accepted for publication. Copyright owner is the Dietitians Association of Nigeria. An abstract at the beginning of an article may be reproduced without specific permission provided the original citation is provided. Statements made and opinions expressed in letters to the Editor, Editorials, Presidential address, book reviews and other special articles appearing in this journal are views of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Journal or the Association.
Main Article Content
The phytochemical contents of telferia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) and the effect of its aqueous extract on blood glucose and enzymatic antioxidant of stress induced Rats
Abstract
Background: Oxidative stress plays a major role in the development of chronic and degenerative diseases. The human body counteracts oxidative stress by producing antioxidants in situ or acquiring them through food.
Objective: To determine the phytochemical content of T. occidentalis and the effects of its aqueous extract on some parameters in stress induced Wistar rats.
Methods: The phytochemical content of the leaves was analysed using standard methods. Twenty adult male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 5 rats each (3 test groups and 1 control group) and acclimatized for 3 days. Persistent stress was induced using water immersion induced stress from the 4th to the 17th day. The stressed control group received animal feed and water only, while other stressed groups received animal feed, water and graded dosages of T.occidentalis for 14 days. Blood samples were collected before and after for biochemical parameters. The data obtained from the study were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 21.0. Two way Analysis of Variance was performed and means were separated using Duncan’s new multiple range test. Significance level was set at p<0.05.
Results: Flavonoid content of T.occidentalis was 32.60±0.20mg/100g, while alkaloids and carotenoids recorded 496.49±1.37mg/100g and 28.79±0.38mg/100g, respectively. The group treated with T.occidentalis showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in blood glucose when compared to the stress control. The group treated with the extract showed an increase (p<0.05) in catalase activity but a decrease (p<0.05) in malondialdehyde among the treatment groups of rats compared to the stress control group of rats after 14 day treatment period.
Conclusion: This study has proven that Telferia occidentalis is safe for consumption and is an effective tool in stress management.
