Effects of Aframomum Melegueta Leaf Extract on the Antioxidant Status of Obese Rats
Publication Date: 22/09/2020
Author(s): Morakinyo A.E., Fasakin W.O., Fajobi A.O., Akinpelu B.A., Oyedapo O.O.
Volume/Issue: Volume 3 , Issue 3 (2020)
Abstract:
The study evaluated the possible effects of aqueous leaf extract of Aframomum melegueta on the antioxidant status of obese rats induced by using three models: monosodium glutamate (MSG), high fat diet (HFD) and MSG +HFD in rats with a view to employing the plant as a new class of anti-obesity agent. The study involved the preparation of aqueous leaf extract of Aframomum melegueta. Obesity was induced in rats as follows: sixty-five healthy albino rats were randomly divided into 13 groups of 5 rats each and obesity was induced by the subcutaneous injection of MSG (2 and 4 mg/g bwt) and HFD, treated with the extract of A. melegueta (200 and 400 mg/kgbwt) and standard drug, orlistat (50 mg /kg bwt). The activities of enzymatic (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase) non-enzymatic antioxidants (reduced glutathione) were evaluated. In the MSG model, there were significant decreases (p < 0.05) in the activities of GPx, SOD, (CAT) and reduced glutathione in the obese rats when compared to the control group. Administration of aqueous extract of A. melegueta at 400 mg/kg bwt significantly increase (p < 0.05) the GPx level. In the MSG+HFD model, there were significant decreases (p < 0.05) in the activities of SOD and reduced glutathione concentration in the obese rats when compared to the control group. Treatment with the extract (200 mg/kg bwt and 400 mg/kg bwt) significantly increased (p < 0.05) the activity of SOD. In the HFD model, there were significant decreases (p < 0.05) in the activities of SOD, catalase and reduced glutathione concentration in obese rats when compared to the control group. However, administration of the extract at 400 mg/kg bwt significantly increased (p < 0.05) the activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced glutathione concentration. The study concluded that extract of A. melegueta possesses antioxidant activities at 400 mg/kg bwt with the most apparent effect in HFD-induced obesity. The plant could be employed in the treatment and management of oxidative stress implicated in obesity and related disorders.
