Antioxidant Property and Lipid Profile Effects of Aqueous and Ethanol Root Extracts of Gnetum africanumWelw doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v6i4.24

Abstract

The root of Gmetum africanum Welw, which serves as food among some locals, has been under study for its nutritional quality. This research is aimed at determining its in vitro and in vivo antioxidant property, and its effect on lipid profile. The aqueous and ethanol root extracts of Gnetum africanum Welw were obtained following established protocols. The extracts were assessed for their in vitro, in vivo antioxidant potentials, and effect on the lipid profile of male Wistar rats. In vitro antioxidant indices were determined using only the ethanol extracts and, the results revealed that the concentration of the extract above 1000 µg/mL had a significant (p<0.05) nitric oxide scavenging power than tannic acid (standard). The results of the in vivo study involving thirty-five male rats aged 14 weeks, and weighing 118 ± 18 g, showed that at low concentrations (250, 500 mg/kg body weight) the aqueous and ethanol extracts caused a significant (p<0.05) increase in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes. A high concentration of MDA level (p<0.05) at 1000 mg/kg per body weight was noted, which pointed to lipid peroxidation and, a measure of free radical generation. Total cholesterol decreased (p<0.05) noted across the treatment groups (except the 1000 mg ethanol extract group) is indicative of the extract's potential to enhance cholesterol metabolism. The findings from the study suggest that a low concentration of the aqueous and ethanol root extracts of G. africanum Welw could be effective against oxidative damage while promoting cholesterol metabolism.