EFFECTS OF XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA EXTRACT AND MELATONIN ON OSMOTIC FRAGILITY OF CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE INTOXICATED WISTAR RATS

Udokwu, Euphemia Ifeoma, Okoroiwu, I.L., Okolie N. J. C., Anonde Andrew Chekwube and Obeagu, Emmanuel Ifeanyi*

ABSTRACT

The research work is aimed at evaluating the effects of Xylopia aethiopica and melatonin on osmotic fragility in cyclophosphamide intoxicated adult wistar rats. Pods of Xylopia aethiopica were purchased from Orie-Ugba vegetable market, Umuahia North Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria. Results were expressed as means ± standard error of mean (SEM). Statistical analysis was done using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Significant differences were assessed at 95% level of significance between control and treated groups using Duncan and LSD (Post Hoc) tests. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Computer software package, SPSS version 21 was employed. In week one, two and three, there was significant increase in osmotic fragility in all the treatment groups compared with control except group 4 in week one and three. Osmotic fragility varied significantly from week one to three in all the treatment except group 13. In week one and two, there is a dose dependent increase in osmotic fragility of rats treated with 10, 30 and 50mg of Cyclophosphamide. Treatment with 400mg Xylopia aethiopica alone and 400mg Xylopia aethiopica and 0.5mg Melatonin and 0.5mg Melatonin significantly decreased the osmotic fragility compared with rats exposed to 10mg Cyclophosphamide. Similarly, treatment with 400mg Xylopia aethiopica alone and 400mg Xylopia aethiopica and 0.5mg Melatonin significantly decreased osmotic fragility of rats exposed to 30mg Cyclophosphamide. Osmotic fragility of rats treated with 400mg Xylopia aethiopica and 0.5mg Melatonin was significantly lower than 400mg Xylopia aethiopica alone. Treatment with 400mg Xylopia aethiopica and 0.5mg Melatonin significantly decreased osmotic fragility of rats exposed to 50mg Cyclophosphamide. In week three, treatment with 400mg Xylopia aethiopica alone and in combination 0.5 mg Melatonin significantly decreased the osmotic fragility of rats exposed to 10mg Cyclophosphamide. This study provides evidence that Xylopia aethiopica is a valuable medicinal food for combating cyclophosphamide induced systemic toxicity.

Keywords: xylopia aethiopica, melatonin, osmotic fragility, cyclophosphamide intoxicated wistar rats.