Phytochemical Assessment and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers Evaluation in Swiss Albino Mice Treated with Methanol Leaf Extract of Securidaca longipedunculata (Polygalaceae)

Aims: This study was designed to evaluate the phytochemical constituents, lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase activity of methanol leaf extract of Securidaca longepedunculata (polygalaceae) (MLESL).

Study Design: This is an experimental study. A total of twenty four (24) mice were used for this study. Twenty four mice were divided into four (4) groups consisting of six animals each (n= 6) and treated as follows: group one was administered normal saline (10 ml/kg) and served as control, groups two, three, and four were treated orally with the extract (MLESL) at doses of 60, 120 and 240 mg/kg respectively.

Methodology: Administration was carried out orally for a period of twenty eight days (28). Sera obtained from the study at the end of the experiment were used to assess for serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentrations. The extract was screened for the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, anthraquinone derivatives and carbohydrates.

Results: The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of carbohydrates, glycosides, cardiac glycosides, triterpene, steroids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids. There was a significant increase (P< 0.05) in serum MDA in the group treated with 240 mg/kg (1.65±0.10) when compared to the control. Although serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) was decreased in all the treated groups compared to the control, it was however not significant.

Conclusion: Methanol leaf extract of Securidaca longepedunculata (polygalaceae) in this study increases lipid peroxidation with increase in dosage.