In vitro antioxidant effect of aqueous extract of Solanum macrocarpon leaves in rat liver and brain

Abstract

Olusola B. Adewale, Amos Onasanya, Adewale O. Fadaka, Hilda Iwere, Scholastica O. Anadozie, Olukemi A. Osukoya, Israel I. Olayide

Objective: Antioxidants are known to offer resistance against oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals, inhibiting lipid peroxidation and by other mechanisms. They therefore help in preventing the free radicals induced diseases. Solanum macrocarpon is an important medicinal plant with rich source of nutritional and medicinal constituents. The objective of the present study was to investigate the ability of S.macrocarpon leaves to protect tissues against iron (Fe2+)-induced lipid peroxidation in rat’s liver and brain. Methods: The total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of the aqueous extract of S.macrocarpon leaves, as well as its antioxidant potential, free radical scavenging activity, reducing power and protective action on tissues against lipid peroxidation were carried out. Results: S.macrocarpon leaves revealed high phenolic and flavonoid content. Incubating the liver and brain of rats with S.macrocarpon leave extract exhibited high percentage inhibition of lipid peroxidation induced by iron(II) sulphate. Moreover, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging activity and reducing power of the extract increased as the concentration increases. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Solanum macrocarpon leaves possess a powerful antioxidant activity and can offer good protection against oxidative damage to body cells, especially liver and brain.