Free Radical Scavenging Property of <i>Picralima nitida</i> Seed Extract on Malaria-Induced Albino Mice

Abstract

Antioxidants help to mop up free radicals that serious damage to the body system and hence are referred to as free radical scavengers. The main objective of this study was to assess the antioxidant property of ethanol seed extract of Picralima nitida in malaria-induce mice. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) were assayed; malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite levels were determined. The levels of nitrite and MDA and the SOD activity of the drug-treated groups of mice were significantly (p < 0.05) lower on days 3 and 5 post treatment compared to the group induced with malaria but not treated (positive control). The MPO activity of the drugtreated groups of mice was significantly (p < 0.05) higher on day 3 post treatment while its activity in mice treated with 40 and 80 mg/kg b.w. of the extract were significantly (p < 0.05) lower on day 5 post treatment compared to the positive control. In the group treated with 80 mg/kg b.w. of the extract, the TrxR activity was significantly (p < 0.05) lower on days 3 and 5 post treatment compared to the positive control. Picralima nitida seed extract was found to possess good antioxidant properties.