Hymenodictyon floribundum (HOCHST. & STEUD) B.L. ROB LEAF EXTRACT AMELIORATES CHRONIC INFLAMMATION-MEDIATED OXIDATIVE STRESS IN WISTAR RATS

Oxidative stress is crucial in the pathophysiology of many inflammatory disorders. Medicinal plants contain phytoconstituents which have been linked to the inflammatory response within the body due to their antioxidant capacity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Hymenodictyon floribundum ethanol leaf extract (ELHF) on inflammation-induced oxidative stress in rats. Phytochemical screening and acute toxicity effects of ELHF were assessed using established procedures. The induction of oxidative stress was by the cotton pellet-induced inflammation model. Thirty (30) rats were randomly divided into 5 groups of 6 rats each. Group 1 was treated with distilled water (10 ml/kg), and groups 2, 3, and 4 were orally administered with varying doses of the extract (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg). Group 5 received aspirin 150 mg/kg (standard drug) for 7 days. Administration of ELHF and the standard drug were through the oral route. Blood samples were taken on day 8 of the study and used for the measurement of hematological and biochemical indicators associated with oxidative stress. ELHF was shown to have an oral median lethal dose (LD50) of more than 5000 mg/kg. Numerous phytoconstituents including alkaloids and glycosides were found in the extract. Weight reduction in the dry cotton pellet was observed at the highest dose of 1000 mg/kg. Similarly, wet cotton pellet weight was also reduced at the same dose. An increase in catalase and superoxide dismutase levels was observed in animals treated with ELHF. However, malondialdehyde and platelet levels significantly decreased. These results imply that Hymenodictyon floribundum has antioxidant activity and may therefore be used to treat and manage chronic inflammation, an oxidative stress-related illness.