In vitro Antioxidant and Sub-acute toxicity studies of Aqueous extract of White butterfly (Clerodendrum volubile) leaves Molehin Olorunfemi Raphael*, Oloyede Omotade Ibidun Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ekiti State University Ado-Ekiti, P.M.B.5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria *Corresponding author: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, P.M.B.5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Email: olorunfemi.molehin@eksu.edu.ng
Online published on 11 January, 2019. Abstract The purpose of the study is to investigate the potential antioxidant property and the level of safety of aqueous extract of white butterfly (Clerodendrum volubile P. Beauv) (C. volubile) leaves. The radical scavenging activity of C. volubile extract against DPPH and ABTS+ radicals, in vitro was evaluated. Its reducing power was also measured using FRAP and lipid peroxidation method. In addition, sub-acute toxicity study in rats was carried out to establish the safe doses. Data revealed that the extracts showed no signs of mortalities up to a dose level of 5000 mg/kg body weight indicating that the LD50 is higher than 5g/kg. In vitro antioxidant studies revealed that C. volubile extract is rich in phenolics as typified by its total phenol and flavonoid contents. C. volubile extract showed a promising scavenging effect in DPPH, ABTS and ferric-reducing power assays in a dose-dependent manner. Hematological and biochemical parameters showed that C. volubile extract improved protein and blood levels preserved the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) when compared with the control group. The extract also demonstrated lipid lowering effect. The significant increases in urea and creatinine levels observed suggested disturbances of kidney functions. The study indicate that C. volubile extract is non-toxic, safe at low dose levels and possesses antioxidant capacity. High dose, however could have toxic potential as reflected in weight increase in spleen, liver and kidney. Top Keywords Clerodendrum volubile, antioxidant activity, free radical, sub-acute toxicity, Histopathology. Top |