Dennettia tripetala seeds inhibit ferrous sulphate-induced oxidative stress in rat tissues in vitro

Abstract

Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the antioxidant activity of pepper fruit (Dennettia tripetala) seed extract. Methods: Phenol content, reducing activity, Fe(II)-chelating ability and 1,1-diphenyl-2 picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging ability of the extract were consequently examined whereas the antioxidant potentials and inhibitory effect of D.tripetala seed on FeSO4-induced oxidative stress in some rat tissues were evaluated. Results: The seed had a high concentration of total phenol. Incubation of the liver and brain tissue homogenates in the presence of Fe2+ caused a major increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents of the homogenates. However, the aqueous seed extract of D.tripetala caused a significant decrease in the MDA contents of the liver and brain in a dose-dependent manner. The aqueous extract of the seed had a considerably higher inhibitory effect on Fe2+-induced lipid peroxidation in the rat brain than the liver homogenates. Conclusion: The high inhibitory effect of Dennettia tripetala seed is attributable to its high phytochemical content, Fe2+ chelating ability, DPPH scavenging ability and reducing power. These results suggest that the seed extract of D.tripetala possess body antioxidant pool improving potentials which may contribute to the prevention of the incidence of neurodegenerative maladies.