Antioxidant Properties of Canarium schweinfurthii, (including its quality indices), and Elaeis guineensis Oils on Rats Exposed to Paraquat-Induced Lipid Peroxidation

Abstract

The antioxidant property of Canarium schweinfurthii (C.s) oil in comparison with palm oil was studied in albino Wistar rats pretreated orally with the oils for 16 consecutive days. Thereafter, 20 and 80mg/kg body weight dose of paraquat was administered to the animals intraperitonealy (i.p) and were maintained for 3 hour period before sacrifice. At 20mg/kg body weight dose, the mean malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration (nM/dm3) for groups fed palm oil and C.s oil were: 0.0007.22±2.6 and 0.0035.11±2.1 respectively (P=0.05) compared to control group. Catalase activity (μMole/min) were 326.8±5.4, and 258±7.2 in that order (P=0.05) relative control group. At 80mg/kg body weight paraquat dose, the mean concentration of MDA for groups fed palm oil, C.s oil were 0.000001.3±5.37and 0.001.±9.2 in that order (P=0.05) compared to control group. Activity of catalase was 137±6.2, and 189.2±1.0 respectively (P=0.05) relative control group values. The quality indices for C.s oil showed saponification, free fatty acid, and iodine values of 200.22mg KOH/1g of oil, 3.42%, and 70.32 respectively. Refractive index was 1.45 whereas moisture content was 0.56%. C.s oil appeared to be a more efficient antioxidant than palm oil at 20mg/kg body weight paraquat dose but at 80mg/kg body weight paraquat dose, the reverse was the case. The result showed that both oils reversed peroxidation to some degree. Their consumption can be beneficial against peroxidation and thence oxidative stress.