Assessment of β-lactamase inhibition and antioxidant potential of ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of Irvingia gabonensis using GC-MS method

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic and antioxidant potential of aqueous and ethanol extracts from Irvingia gabonensis leaves, with a specific focus on their ability to inhibit β-lactamase enzyme activity. Both in vitro and in vivo approaches were employed to comprehensively assess the characteristics of the leaf extracts. Irvingia gabonensis, known for its medicinal properties, has been of interest due to its reported pharmacological activities. In the face of rising antimicrobial resistance, exploring natural sources for antimicrobial and antioxidant agents is crucial. This study builds upon existing knowledge by evaluating the phytochemical composition and potential therapeutic applications of Irvingia gabonensis leaf extracts. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was employed to identify the chemical components present in ethanolic leaf extracts. Antioxidant activities were assessed through various assays, including DPPH, FRAP, nitric oxide radical scavenging, and MDA scavenging assays. In vivo experiments involved the administration of different concentrations of leaf extracts to albino rats over a 28-day period. Blood samples collected were utilized for serum separation, enabling the analysis of antioxidant assays in vivo, including β-lactamase inhibition, lipid peroxidation (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity. The ethanolic extracts exhibited a significant 65.96% inhibition rate against β-lactamase enzyme activity. Additionally, there was an increase in the concentrations of glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), as well as heightened catalase (CAT) activity. Simultaneously, a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration indicated the extracts’ potential to mitigate lipid peroxidation. These results highlight the robust antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of Irvingia gabonensis leaf extracts. Irvingia gabonensis leaf extracts demonstrate substantial potential as antimicrobial and antioxidant agents, emphasizing their role in combating antimicrobial resistance. The significant inhibition of β-lactamase enzyme activity and the modulation of key antioxidant markers suggest the extracts’ therapeutic relevance. This study contributes to the understanding of Irvingia gabonensis phytochemical composition and supports its potential application as an antioxidant supplement and β-lactamase inhibitor.