ANTIOXIDANT EFFECT OF PINEAPPLE (ANANAS COSMOSUS) PEEL EXTRACT ON ALCOHOL-INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS IN SPLENIC TISSUES OF MALE ALBINO RATS

Abstract

ABSTRACT Oxidative stress was induced by oral administration of ethanol (20% w/v) at a dosage of 5 mL/kg body weight in rats. After 28 days of treatment, the rats were fasted overnight and sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Splenic tissue homogenates were used for the assessment of protein concentration, reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipid peroxidation. Feeding on alcohol caused a significant decrease in GSH level in the group fed alcohol only, while treatment with pineapple peel extracts increased the GSH activities. No significant difference was observed in SOD levels of the negative control and group fed on only pineapple peel extract. There was an elevated catalase activity in the negative control. Pineapple peel extract significantly reduced it. Treatment with pineapple peel extracts was observed to reduce malondialdehyde (MDA) in alcohol-fed groups. Protein concentration increased after treatment with the extracts. This study indicates the protective effect of pineapple peel extract against alcohol-induced oxidative stress. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Pineapples are readily available in the tropics and subtropics almost all seasons. It can be grown in marginal conditions, with a minimum input cost. Fruits are used for human consumption as well as raw materials for most juice industries. However, its peels are not being utilized, thereby leading to a waste management problem. Utilization of the peels for medicinal purposes will therefore reduce the cost of waste management and also be of tremendous benefit to the medical world in the management of various ailments.