ABSTRACT

 Telfairia occidentalis is a medicinal plant acclaimed to possess many therapeutic potential. The study was carried out to investigate the possible antioxidant potential of Telfairia occidentalis leaf extract in KBrCh-intoxicated albino rats. Thirty (30) albino rats were randomly assigned into six groups of five animals each are studied for 28 days. Group 1 received feed and distilled water only; group 2 received feed, water and 50 mg/kg of KBrO3; while group 3, 4 and 5 were administered 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg/bw (bw = body weight) rats Telfairia occidentalis plant extract and 50 mg/kg of KBrO3 respectively. Group 6 were treated with 100 mg/kg of Vitamin C and 50 mg/kg of KBrO3 To evaluate antioxidant activity of extract obtained from the leaves of Telfairia occidentalis, scavenging ability ofthe extract for radicals like DPPH (2,2-diphenyl picrylhydrazyl), FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power), SOD (superoxide dismutase), glutathione peroxidase, nitric oxide, and catalase activities were performed to determine the potential of the extract. The results indicated that the extracts of Telfairia occidentalis leaf possess significant antioxidant activity. The Telfairia occidentalis leaf extract showed the highest antioxidant potential in nitric oxide, DPPH scavenging activity, FRAP and glutathione peroxidase activities. This result strongly indicated that the Telfairia occidentalis leaf has good free radical scavenging activity which is a measure of its antioxidant capacity. In conclusion, Telfairia occidentalis leaf can serve as a source of natural plant antioxidants.