ABSRACT

The study was designed to investigate the effect of methanol extract of Annona senegalesis (African custard apple) on the renal function and redox status of an alloxan- induced diabetic rats. Rats weighing between 108-120g were given intraperitoneal injection of 120mg alloxan per kg body weight. They were acclimatized for two weeks. The rats were paced in to 5 groups of which Group I is the normal control and were given access to food and water only. Group 2 was the negative control, induced with alloxan, no treatment. Group 3 was the positive (standard) control, induced with alloxan and treated with glibeclamide (standard drug). Group 4 and 5 were induced using alloxan 50mg and 100mg respectively and treated using the plant extract (Annona senegalesis). Findings from the study revealed that the concentration of serum creatinine was significantly and dose-dependently lower (p<O.05) in the animals that were given the leaf- extracts and also exhibits a significant decrease in plasma glucose level when treated with Annona senegalesis leaves extract. The in vivo antioxidant assay showed that the Annona senegalensis decreased the activity of serum MDA and catalase and increased the serum level of GPX. An increase in GSFI level in turn contributes to the recycling of other antioxidants such as vitamin C and E. From the study the Annonasenegalensis contains Vitamin E and C. More so the significant impact it had on the redox status (SOD, CATALASE, GPX, GSH, MDA, Vit E and C) also shows that it can be a potent antioxidant so further research should be embarked on to find out the pathways of its antioxidant effects.