Assessing the Biochemical Implication of using Stachytarpheta cayennensis Essential Oil as an Alternative to Synthetic Pesticides in Calabar Nigeria.

Abstract

Abstract This effect of essential oil from the leaves of Stachytarpheta cayennensis on some biochemical indices of Wistar rats was analyzed. Twenty-eight (28) albino Wistar rats weighing between 150-180g were divided into seven groups of four rats each. Group A served as negative control, B1, B2, and B3 were exposed to 5000mg, 3000mg and 1500mg/kg body weight of a synthetic insecticide (BNC) while S1, S2, S3 were exposed to 5000, 3000 and 1500 mg/kg body weight of Stachytarpheta cayennensis essential oil respectively. After twenty-eight days, blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. Liver function markers (Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), were analyzed as well as antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPX), as well as hydrogen peroxide concentration. Results showed that liver enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) were higher in the BNC exposed rats compared to the control and essential oil exposed groups (p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities decreased significantly, (p < 0.05) while glutathione peroxidase and hydrogen peroxide concentrations increased in the BNC exposed groups relative to the essential oil exposed and control groups. The synthetic household insecticide BNC clearly induced more toxicity, as seen in the increase in the activities of liver enzymes and decrease in activities of catalase and SOD. The botanical oil may hold interesting promises as a potential pesticidal agent for use by farmers and agriculturists and for the preservation of the environment and ecosystem.