Ameliorating effect of Calotropis procera methanol leaf extract against oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation induced by fipronil in Wister albino rats

Abstract

The exposure of humans to oxidative stress inducing chemicals is on the increase due to global industrialization. It has become vital to source for solution by searching for medicinal plants with antioxidant potential. This study was carried out to evaluate the toxicological effect and the antioxidant potential of Calotropis procera in fipronil induced Wister Albino rats. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical and antioxidant screenings of the leaf extract were conducted using standard laboratory protocols. Acute oral toxicity was conducted using Lorke's method to determine the LD50 of the plant extract. The sub-chronic toxicity was evaluated using the Organisation for Economic and Cultural Development method. The in vivo antioxidant potential of the plant extracts was determined using standard methods. Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, phenols, cardiac glycosides, steroids, terpenoids and coumarines. Quantitative analysis revealed the amounts of saponins (32.67%), cardiac glycosides (7.6 mg/g), phenols (28 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (7.37 mg/g) and steroids (21.53 μg/mg) that were found. The LD50 was calculated to be 2154 mg/kg. Sub-chronic toxicity studies revealed insignificant (p>0.05) increases in body weight. Insignificant (p>0.05) changes in haematological parameters were also observed across treated groups compared to normal control. Liver and kidney function parameters were significantly (p<0.05) altered at higher (dose) of extract compared to normal control. In vivo antioxidant activity of the extract revealed strong antioxidant potentials due to significant (p<0.05) alteration of enzymatic (SOD, CAT, GSH and MDA) and non-enzymatic (vit C and E) antioxidants in the extract treated groups when compared to fipronil treated and normal control groups. Histological screening revealed that the liver and kidney tissues were significantly (p<0.05) altered at higher (dose) of extract administration. In conclusion, the present study validates the antioxidant potential and hence ameliorating effect of C. procera methanol leaf extract from toxic effects of phenyl pyrazole insecticides.