Flavonoid-rich fractions from Clerodendrum volubile and Vernonia amygdalina extenuates arsenic-invoked hepato-renal toxicity via augmentation of the antioxidant system in rats
Regina Ngozi Ugbaja, Temilade F. Akinhanmi, Adewale Segun James, Emmanuel Ifeanyichukwu Ugwor, Adetola Adedayo Babalola, Emmanuel Obinna Ezenandu, Victory Chukwudalu Ugbaja, Esther Ayobami Emmanuel
Abstract
Arsenicosis remains a global health concern due to devastating health effects. Clerodendrum volubile and vernonia amygdalina have tremendous bioactivities against oxidative stress-related diseases. The study, therefore, appraised the effects of flavonoids fractions from C. volubile and V. amygdalina (FCV and FVA respectively) against arsenic-induced oxidative stress in rats. Thirty male Wistar rats (120 ± 10 g) were divided into six groups of five each; Control (distilled water), arsenic alone (40 ppm sodium arsenite), arsenic + FCV (100 mg/kg), arsenic + FVA (100 mg/kg), arsenic + FCV and FVA (50 mg/kg each), and arsenic + vitamin C (100 mg/kg). The treatment commenced after four-week long arsenic exposure and lasted another four weeks. Blood, liver and kidneys of the rats were collected after sacrifice following an overnight fast. Arsenic caused significant (p<0.05) reductions in the total thiols levels in the plasma, liver, and kidneys, as well as the lowering of catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities. Contrariwise, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels, as well as superoxide dismutase activities increased in the non-treated arsenic exposed group. FCV and FVA, both singly or in combination, abrogated the oxidative stress indices and enhanced the antioxidant species in the treated groups. Groups treated with vitamin C also showed improved antioxidant status with concomitant reductions in oxidative stress markers. This study concludes that flavonoids fractions from C. volubile and V. amygdalina could be a viable weapon against arsenic-induced hepato-renal oxidative stress in rats.