Abstract

Erigbali P. P., Egbejimi A. M., Owotgwun K. L.* and Sule O. J.

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the effect of fresh Elaeis guineensis seed extract on rats that were exposed to pyrethroid-based mosquito coil fumes. In a random selection, six groups of rats each containing six rats were arranged. The 1st group received distilled water and chicken feed, the 2nd group was daily exposed to pyrethroid-based mosquito coil smoke for one hour. The 3rd group was also exposed to smoke from mosquito coil, but in addition administered 2ml/kg body weight of Vitamin E orally. The 4th and 5th groups were also exposed to smoke from mosquito coil and in addition treated orally with oil palm seed extract (2ml/kg and 4ml/kg body weight), respectively. The 6th group was administered oral dose (2ml/kg body weight) of Elaeis guineensis seed extract alone. After twenty-eight days, the animals were sacrificed in painless manner and blood as well as homogenates was obtained for biochemical analysis. Results indicated a significant (P<0.05) increase in liver enzymes (alkaline transferase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and total protein levels) for the 2nd group compared to the 1st group which served as normal control. Also, a measure of antioxidant activities and stress indication showed that myeloperoxidase, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, advanced oxidation protein product as well as lipid peroxidation levels were all elevated significantly (p<0.05) in the 2nd group than 1st group. But when Elaeis guineensis seed extract was administered at 2ml/kg and 4ml/kg per body weight, it led to a significant (P<0.05) decrease of these biochemical parameters in 4th, 5th and 6th groups compared to the 2nd group which served as positive control. In conclusion, from the observed improvements in biochemical and oxidative stress markers, it is conceivable that Elaeis guineensis seed extract may potentially offer natural protection in rats against hepato toxicity induced by smoke from mosquito coils.