Methanol Leaf Extract of Dalbergia saxatilis Altered Nuetrophil Migration and Oxidative Stress Markers using Carrageenan-Induced Peritonitis in Albino Mice

Abstract

Background: Several plants have been studied and their therapeutic properties have been established scientifically leading to the isolation and production of useful drugs. Dalbergia saxatilis is a plant that has been used traditionally in the treatment of swellings and some ailments. 

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effect of the methanol leaf extract of Dalbergia saxatilis on Carrageenan-induced peritonitis in albino mice. 

Method: The LD₅₀ was determined using the OECD, 425 guidelines. Twenty-five (25) albino mice (25) divided into five groups (n=5 per group) were pretreated with distilled water as negative control, dexamethasone as the positive control, and the plant extract (1000 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg) respectively. Peritonitis was induced with 1% carrageenan in saline solution (0.25ml per mouse). Leukocyte migration, Total protein and antioxidant (MDA, SOD, GSH and CAT levels) potential were determined. 

Results: The LD₅₀ of the extract was estimated to be > 5000 mg/kg. When compared with distilled water as the negative control and dexamethasone as the positive control, doses of 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg of the extract were observed to possess anti-inflammatory potential due to its inhibition of leukocyte migration. It also had anti-oxidant activity due to the observed reduction in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT) and also an increase in levels of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). 

Conclusion: Results from the study suggest that the extract possesses antiinflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Further studies should be carried out to determine the mechanism by which the extract exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.