Diet Fortification with <i>Curcuma longa</i> and <i>Allium cepa</i> Ameliorates 2,3,7,8-Tetracholorodibenzop-dioxin-induced Dyslipideamia and Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Industrial and environmental activities continuously release chemicals such as 2,3,7,8-tetracholorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) that are hazardous to human health. This research seeks to assess the potentials of Allium cepa and Curcuma longa in suppressing 2,3,7,8- tetracholorodibenzo-p-dioxintoxicity. Forty (40) male Wistar rats weighing 121.77±16.23 g were divided into eight groups of five (5) rats per group. Positive control was fed standard diet, and given 2 µg/kg/week of TCDD in 0.5ml DMSO while normal control was fed standard diet and given 0.5ml dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)/kg body weight/week instead of TCDD. Other groups received 2µg/kg/week of TCDD in 0.5ml DMSO and were fed varied inclusion levels of powdered Allium cepa and Curcuma longa. On the 35th day of the experimental period, the rats were sacrificed and serum prepared from collected blood for antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA) and lipid profile determinations. All treated groups had significantly (p<0.05) higher activities of antioxidant enzymes when compared with the positive control. Malondialdehyde concentration was significantly (p<0.05) lower in the treated groups than the positive control (187.87±5.65 nmol/l). Lipid profiles were significantly improved upon by the inclusion of Allium cepa and Curcuma longa. Therefore, we conclude that dyslipidaemia and oxidative stress due to exposure to dioxin in rats could be suppressed by consumption of 2.5% to 5% inclusion levels of powdered onion and/or turmeric in the diet.