Modulatory Effects of Almond (Terminalia catappa) Leaf Extract on Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats Fed a Crude Oil-Contaminated Diet

This study evaluates the modulatory effects of Terminalia catappa (almond) leaf litter extract on oxidative stress markers in Wistar rats exposed to a crude oil-contaminated diet. Oxidative stress, a key driver of toxicity induced by environmental pollutants such as crude oil, was assessed to determine the protective potential of T. catappa extract. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into ten experimental groups (n=3 per group): Group A (control) received a standard diet, while Groups B, C, and D were administered 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg T. catappa extract, respectively. Group E was treated with 200 mg/kg Vitamin C as a reference antioxidant. Group F was fed a crude oil-contaminated diet (4.0 mL/100 g feed), while Groups G, H, and I received 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg T. catappa extract alongside the contaminated diet. Group J was fed the crude oil-contaminated diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg Vitamin C. After a 14-day acclimatization period, the experiment lasted 28 days. Oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (a measure of lipid peroxidation) and Vitamin C concentrations, were assessed in the liver, kidney, heart, lungs, muscle, testis, and brain. Results showed that T. catappa extract significantly reduced MDA levels and enhanced Vitamin C concentrations in rats exposed to crude oil, comparable to Vitamin C treatment. These findings underscore the potential of T. catappa extract as a natural antioxidant in mitigating oxidative stress associated with environmental pollutants.