Tissue Antioxidant Enzyme Activities on Phenylhydrazine Induced Anemic Rats Fed Bloodwood Tree (leaf and Fruit)

Abstract The liver and spleen are critical organs involved in metabolic regulation and immune defense, both of which are highly susceptible to oxidative stress. This study investigates the antioxidant enzyme activities in the liver and spleen of rats fed with Harungana madagascariensis(commonly known as Bloodwood tree) leaf and fruit extracts. The aim was to evaluate the potential antioxidant properties of this plant, traditionally used in African medicine for its therapeutic effects (Akinmoladun et al ., 2010). Twenty-four Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: a control group fed a standard diet and three experimental groups administered varying doses of Harungana madagascariensis leaf and fruit extracts orally for three weeks. Post-treatment, liver and spleen tissues were harvested to assess the activities of key antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), alongside malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as a marker of lipid peroxidation (Halliwell&Gutteridge, 2015).Results revealed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx in the experimental groups compared to the control, indicating enhanced antioxidant defense mechanisms. Conversely, MDA levels were markedly reduced, suggesting decreased lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage. The antioxidant effects were dose-dependent, with the combination of leaf and fruit extracts showing synergistic benefits. These findings suggest that Harungana madagascariensis possesses potent antioxidant properties, potentially attributable to its bioactive phytochemicals (Odukoya et al ., 2007), which could play a role in mitigating oxidative stress-related disorders. This study provides a scientific basis for the traditional use of Harungana madagascariensis and highlights its potential in the development of natural antioxidant therapies.