Irvingia gabonensis leaf extract scavenges nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide in vitro and modulates arsenic-induced hepatic oxidative stress in wistar rats

Abstract

Abstract Background Arsenic is a carcinogenic heavy metal that contaminates the environment, predisposing the exposed populace to its detrimental health effects. This study investigated the liver protective effect of ethanol leaf extract of Irvingia gabonensis (ELEIG) in sodium arsenite (SA)-exposed Wistar rats and its nitric oxide (NO.) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-scavenging properties in vitro. Methods Eleven experimental groups made up of five (5) rats each (weight range 100 - 161 g) were used in this study. Group 1 (normal control) had normal rat chow and water. Group 2 received 4.1 mg/kg body weight (kgbw) of SA. Groups 3–8 received SA and graded doses of ELEIG and groups 9-11 had varied doses of ELEIG. Treatment, which spanned 14 days, was by oral gavage. Concentrations of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as activities of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP, and GGT) and concentrations of total bilirubin (TBIL) and direct bilirubin (DBIL) were determined using standard procedures. Standard methods were also used to determine the in vitro NO. and H2O2-scavenging properties of the extract. Results Exposure to SA orchestrated significant (p ˂ 0.05) increases in CAT, MDA, AST, ALT, ALP and GGT and significant (p ˂ 0.05) decreases in SOD and GPx, relative to control. There were insignificant (p ˃ 0.05) differences in TBIL and DBIL concentrations, compared with control. Simultaneous and post-treatment with ELEIG at graded doses, alleviated the noxious effects of SA. In addition, ELEIG scavenged NO. and H2O2 in concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion The results suggest that ELEIG possesses potent antioxidant property and combats SA-induced hepatic oxidative stress/toxicity in Wistar rats.