Evaluation of Antihypertensive and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Seed Extract of Telfairia occidentalis in Wistar Albino Rats

The study evaluated the ameliorative potentials of methanol extracts of Telfairia occidentalis seed in sodium chloride induced hypertensive rats. Twenty four albino rats weighing 190 g-280 g were used for the study. The rats were divided into six (6) groups of four (4) rats per group. Group I serve as the normal control. Group II received 10 ml/kg body weight of 16% sodium chloride only. Group III through V received daily dosage of 10 ml/kg body weight of 16% sodium chloride and 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of extract respectively while group VI received 3.6 mg/kg body weight captopril. All administration last for seven (7) days. The effect of the administration on phosphocreatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, serum sodium ion (Na+) concentration was evaluated. The in-vitro antioxidant potentials of Telfairia occidentalis seed was assayed using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine (DPPH) scavenging activity, Nitric oxide inhibition activity, Anti-lipid peroxidation. Results obtained showed a significant dose dependent increase in percentage 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine (DPPH) scavenging activity, nitric oxide inhibition, anti- lipid peroxidation of the plant extract P˂0.05. Administration of the extract at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight shows a significant reduction in serum phophocreatine kinase level and serum lactate dehydrogenase concentration compared to the negative control group P˂0.05. The results gotten in the experiment were highly comparable to that of standard drug captopril. The study shows that Telfairia occidentalis seed possesses antioxidant activity and can ameliorate the changes in hypertensive parameters induced by sodium chloride.