Changes in Nitric Oxide Levels in Lead-Exposed Male Rats Co-Treated with Methanolic Extracts of Curcuma longa Rhizomes and Spondias mombin Leaves

International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VI, Issue VIII, August 2019 | ISSN 2321–2705

Changes in Nitric Oxide Levels in Lead-Exposed Male Rats Co-Treated with Methanolic Extracts of Curcuma longa Rhizomes and Spondias mombin Leaves

Fortune S. Amah-Tariah¹, Joy O. A. Laz-Okenwa¹ and Mpakaboari T. Bekinbo^1*

¹Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
*Corresponding Author

Abstract−Nitric oxide (NO) is a known vasodilator compound and in humans and animals, NO is a signaling molecule that play vital role in many physiological and pathological processes. Considering the vital biological roles of NO, this study evaluated the possible changes in nitric oxide levels in lead-exposed male rats co-treated with methanolic extracts of some local spice and herb (Curcuma longa rhizomes and Spondias mombin leaves (MECL and MESM respectively)). Fifty four (54) adult male wistar rats weighing between 150g and 200g were procured for the study and divided into nine (9) groups including Group 1: Control (rats received 1ml of distilled water and normal feed daily); Group 2: received 100mg/kg lead acetate in drinking water throughout the study period; Group 3: rats received 100mg/kg lead acetate in drinking water + Vitamin E (100mg) dialy; Group 4: rats received 100mg/kg lead acetate in drinking water + 500mg/kg MECL; Group 5: rats received 100mg/kg lead acetate in drinking water + 1000mg/kg MECL; Group 6: rats received 100mg/kg lead acetate in drinking water + 200mg/kg MESM; Group 7: Rats received 100mg/kg lead acetate in drinking water + 400mg/kg MESM; Group 8: Rats received 100mg/kg lead acetate in drinking water + 200mg/kg MESM+500mg/kg MECL and Group 9 Rats received 100mg/kg lead acetate in drinking water + 400mg/kg MESM+1000mg/kg MECL. Treatments were done daily for 4 weeks. The outcome of the present study revealed that NO levels in groups 3, 6 and 9 were significantly (P<0.05) higher when compared to group 2 (Pb treated only). In conclusion, the marked elevation of serum NO level following the co-administration of the methanolic Curcuma longa rhizomes and Spondias mombin leaves reveal that they may possess therapeutic potentials in stabilizing nitric oxide deficiency.

Keywords: Nitric oxide (NO); Curcuma longa; Spondias mombin leaves; therapeutic potentials; lead acetate

Read More