Corn Silk Extracts as Scavenging Antioxidant in Oxidative Stress Induced Rabbits Using Corticosterone

Abstract

Background to the Study: Corn silk contains phytochemicals of medical benefits such as proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, Ca, K, Mg and Na salts, fixed and volatile oils, steroids such as sitosterol and stigmasterol, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and flavonoids. Aim and Objective: This study aimed at the evaluation of the scavenging property of corn silk extract in oxidative stress induced rabbits using corticosterone. Materials and Methods: Fifteen rabbits divided into three experimental groups (A-Control, B-treated with aqueous extract and C-treated with methanolic extract) of 5 rabbits each were studied. The extract of the corn silk was obtained using methanol and water. Plasma Catalase, Superoxide dismutase and Glutathione peroxidase were estimated in the rabbits biochemically by spectrophotometry. The inducement of oxidative stress was done by administering corticosterone (40 mg/kg/day) into the rabbits for 21 days before treatment. Results: The result obtained showed a significantly lower mean plasma value of Glutathione peroxidase, Catalase Test Croup B and C after inducement with corticosterone compared with the control with P<0.05. A significantly higher mean plasma value of Glutathione peroxidase, Catalase was also obtained in test Croup B and C after treatment with corn silk extract following oxidative stress inducement with corticosterone than before the treatment with P<0.05. Conclusion: The work has revealed significant scavenging anti-oxidative effect of methanolic and aqueous extract of corn silk following a significant oxidative stress induction using corticosterone in rabbits with reference to significant biochemical alteration in the plasma activities of Glutathione peroxidase and catalase.