Ameliorating Effects of Aqueous Extract of <i>Tetracarpidium conophorhum</i> against Iron- Overload Induced damage in Rats

Iron, though an important nutrient but in excess can produce serious damaging effects on organs of the body. Intake of plants and or plant products with iron chelating ability, instead of synthetic iron chelators, can produce less adverse effects and may be more effective. The potential effect of Tetracarpidium conophorhum (T. conophorhum) as a chelating agent of plant origin has not been determined hence the present study. Iron overload condition was induced by oral administration of iron II chloride in the rats. Twenty five rats were randomly divided into five groups. Groups A and B were the normal and negative control (iron overload only) respectively. Groups C-E were the iron overload induced rats treated with 250, 500 and 1000mg/kg body weight of T. conophorhum extracts. Animals in groups C-E received daily oral administration of extracts for thirty days. Thereafter, we studied the effects of T. conophorhum on liver function enzymes, antioxidant enzymes, hematological parameters and lipidperoxidation. Iron overloaded rats showed significant increase (p<0.05) in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total and direct bilirubin levels and a significant decrease (p<0.05) in total protein, albumin, antioxidant enzymes. T. conophorhum extract at a high dose of 1000mg/kg body weight was able to restore the levels of these parameters to normal. These findings therefore suggest that high dose of T. conophorhum seed extract may be effective in reducing the resultant effects produced in the iron overload-induced liver damage. Keywords: T. conophorhum, iron overload, antioxidants, lipid peroxidation