Evaluation of Methanol Extract of Napoleona imperialis Seeds on Some Biochemical Indices, Fertility Status and Organs of Albino Rats

Abstract

The present study evaluated the in vivo toxic effect of methanol extract of Napoleona imperialis seeds on some biochemical indices and organs of albino rats. The phytochemical constituents as well as the acute toxicity test of the extract were evaluated using standard methods. Twenty five experimental rats were divided into five groups of five rats each, group 1 was the control while the experimental groups received the extract thus (group 2 = 100, group 3= 200, group 4= 400 and group 5 = 600mg/kg). They were administered the extract orally for 28 days, on the 29th day after an overnight fast, blood was collected and organs harvested after sacrificing the animals. The biochemical parameters; malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD),reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) activities were analyzed, caudal epididymal and testicular sperm cells were counted, histological examination of the testis, liver and kidney was also performed. The results showed that methanol extract of the seeds contain phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, carbohydrates, saponins, alkaloids, hydrogen cyanide, phytates, tannins and oxalates. LD50 was not calculated since no death of rat was recorded in both phases. The extract increased MDA concentration and CAT activity at 600 mg/kg with no significant (p > 0.05) changes in the activities of GPx, GSH and SOD of the experimental groups compared to the control. The extract reduced caudal epididymal and testicular sperm counts non-significantly (p > 0.05). Photomicrograph images of the liver, kidney and testis showed no histological changes. These results demonstrate that the seed extract may not be toxic to the vital organs at the doses administered although mild elevations were observed in catalase and little reduction of sperm counts. The extract may induce lipid peroxidation due to significantly increased concentration of MDA.