EFFECT OF JATROPHA TANJORENSIS LEAVES SUPPLEMENT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF SOME ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES, VITAMINS AND LIPID PEROXIDATION IN RATS

This study evaluated the effect of Jatropha tanjorensis leaves supplements on the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, vitamin E, vitamin C and malondialdehyde in male albino rats of the Wistar strain. Nutritional oxidative stress was induced in these animals by using low protein diet. The results showed significant reduction (P < 0.05) in malondialdehyde level in the rats fed the leaves supplemented diet with significant increase (P < 0.05) in the concentrations of vitamin C and vitamin E relative to controls. The catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in the rats fed the low protein diet while these parameters were increased (P < 0.05) in the rats fed the leaves supplements as compared with control values. The study therefore suggests that J. tanjorensis leaves may have anti-oxidative potential against reactive oxygen species that are produced in protein energy malnutrition.