Annona muricata, as it is scientifically called but known in most parts of Nigeria as soursop. A fruit tree with various therapeutic uses, the plant belongs to the family of Annonaceae and has several medicinal properties. The medicinal properties of Annona muricata are well known, and they can be used to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions. Effects of ethanol extract of Annona muricata leaves (EEAML) on the enzymatic antioxidants of the kidney and colon in Wistar rats induced with 1, 2 Dimethylhydrazine (DMH) at 25 mg/kg bodyweight s.c. were investigated in this study. Thirty-six male Wistar rats weighing 110–170g were acclimated for two weeks and randomized into six groups (six per group). Group A (control), Group B (extract; 120 mg/kg body weight of ethanolic extract of A. muricata), Group C (DMH only), Group D (DMH + EXTRACT), Group E (pretreatment), and Group F (posttreatment). The extract was administered daily via oral gavage, while the DMH was given subcutaneously at a dosage of 25 mg/kg bodyweight. This study reveals the carcinogenic effect of DMH induced oxidative stress were ameliorated by the administration of this leaf extract of EEAML at a dose of 120mg/kg b.w. The colon and kidney homogenates of rats administered EEAML (co-treated, pretreatment and post- treatment) showed increased enzymatic antioxidant; glutathione peroxidase, catalase activities and SOD activities. But a reduction in malondialdehyde levels was observed. These findings validate the use of Annona muricata in traditional medicine by showing that the ethanolic extract of the leaves can reduce DMH-induced oxidative stress and alter the enzymatic antioxidant profile in colon carcinogenesis.
Olude Olayemi Mujidat and Omoregie Frank Osarumwense
