Toxicity Profile and Reincarnation of Antioxidant Activity of Annona squamosa L (Sugar apple) Ethanol Leaves Extract in Wistar Albino rats

Abstract

Abstract The toxicity profile and antioxidant properties of natural compounds from plants like Annona squamosa L. (Sugar apple) have garnered significant research interest due to their potential health benefits, as antioxidants are crucial in combating oxidative stress, which is implicated in various diseases.This study investigates the Annona squamosa L ethanol leaf extract (ASELE) in Wistar Albino rats to elucidate its toxicity profile and its ability to reincarnate antioxidant activity. Phytochemical screening was conducted using specified reagents, confirming the presence of bioactive secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, phenols and anthraquinones. Quantitative analysis revealed varying concentrations, with the highest in alkaloids (18.47±0.06 mg/ml) followed by Saponins (16.33±0.05mg/ml and Anthraquinones (9.60±0.04mg/ml) Flavonoids (4.08±0.04mg/ml) and Phenol (0.80±0.03mg/ml) were present in lower amounts. The LD50 of Annona squamosa L ethanol leaf extract (ASELE) exceeded 3000mg/kg body weight, showing no fatality within a 14-day observation period. ASELE treatment resulted in a significant reduction (p<0.05) in oxidative stress markers. Similarly, ASELE (150-1200mg/kg) exhibited a notable decrease (p<0.05) in Aspartate Amino Transferase and Alanine Amino Transferase during a 28-day oral toxicity trial. However, other biochemical parameters, including alkaline phosphate, albumin, total protein, direct bilirubin, urea, uric acid, and creatinine, showed no significant differences compared to the control. In terms of hematological parameters, platelets and mean corpuscular volume exhibited significant differences (p<0.05) between the extract-treated groups and the control. Moreover, ASELE demonstrated significant antioxidant effects, as evidenced by increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The study demonstrates that the Annona squamosa ethanol leaf extract (ASELE) exhibits a favorable toxicity profile with an LD50 exceeding 3000 mg/kg, no significant biochemical alterations, and notable antioxidant effects, highlighting its potential therapeutic benefits in reducing oxidative stress and validating its traditional medicinal uses; therefore, it is recommended to further investigate ASELE's therapeutic potential through extended preclinical and clinical trials, explore the mechanisms behind its antioxidant properties, and consider its incorporation into nutraceutical formulations for controlled and standardized health benefits