In Vivo Antioxidant and Toxicity Properties of Methanol Root Extract of Ximenia Americana, L. (Olacaceae) in Drosophila Melanogaster

Abstract

Antioxidants are chemical molecules that serve as defensive agents in biological systems against the harmful effects of free radicals and are very important in maintaining the optimal function of the body. The antioxidant and toxicity properties of Ximenia americana methanol root extract were investigated using the Drosophila melanogaster model. Findings from the research showed that the extract caused an increase in the activities of all the Oxidative stress biological markers; Catalase, Total thiol, Glutathione-S-transferase, and Superoxide dismutase investigated in a concentration dependent manner, but the increased observed was not significant (P> 0.05) compared to the control. Also, the concentrations (5 mg, 20 mg, and 60 mg) used in the studies improved non-significantly (P>0.05) the survival of the treated groups in D. melanogaster when compared to the control. The present study revealed that X. americana root is relatively safe and has potent antioxidant activity due to an increased in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes (catalase, Total thiol, Glutathione-S-transferase) by the extract as such can be employed in the management of diseases that are implicated in oxidative stress.