Anti-inflammatory effects <I>Ofenantia chloranthia</I> and <I>Nauclea latifolia</I> on crude oil -induced oxidative stress in Albino Wistar rats

Abstract

The study investigated the prophylactic effects of extracts of the stem bark of E. chloranthia and N. latifolia herbal mixture (HM) on crude oil (5ml/kg b.w)-induced oxidative stress in rats. Thirty rats were divided into 6 Groups: Group 1 (untreated control), Group 2 (crude oil control), Group 3 (Ibuprofen and crude oil), Groups 4, 5 and 6 (200, 300, and 400 ml/kg b.w extracts respectively and crude oil), every other day for 14 days (prophylactic treatment). Phytochemical tests reveals presence of flavonoids, saponins and tannins. Crude oil treatment resulted in significant inhibition (p<0.05) of peroxidase but activation of catalase, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde levels, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alanine phosphatase when compared with untreated control. Prophylactic treatment with HM on the other hand resulted in non-significant alterations of the enzymes assayed when compared to that of untreated control. However, Group 3was significantly (p < 0.05) less active when compared to some doses (300 and 400 ml/kg extract) of the HM. The results suggest that combinations in herbal potion may be beneficial in preventing  inflammation since the stem bark extract of HMwas able to protect the hepatocyte against oxidative stress induced by crude oil. The results also indicates that the plants have anti-inflammatory activities and supports their ethno medicinal claims.

Keywords: Anti-inflammatory activities, Enantia chlorantha, Nauclea latifolia, oxidative stress, phytochemicals, prophylactic effects