VERNONIA AMYGDALINA ETHANOL LEAF EXTRACT PROTECTS AGAINST TRAMADOL-INDUCED ORGAN DAMAGES THROUGH INHIBITION OF OXIDATIVE STRESS

Vernonia amygdalinaas has been found to lower blood pressure, reduces body weight, andimprove fertility. However, its effects on oxidative stress imposed by opiods has yet to be determined.This research therefore aims to investigate the attenuating potentials of Vernonia Amygdalina ethanol leafextract on oxidative stress biomarkers, following the administration of graded doses of tramadol. FreshVernonia amygdalina leaf were extracted using ethanol and the extract were stored for use in theexperiment. Thirty (30) mature male Wistar rats weighing were used for study. The animals wereacclimated for seven days, divided into six groups of five animals in each group. Group 1 received 0.5 mlof normal saline. Group 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 were given tramadol 30 mg/kg body weight respectively for 12weeks, however, group 6 was withdrawn after 6 weeks of tramadol administration. Group 3, 4, 5 and 6also received ethanol extract of Vernonia amgydalina at a dose of 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000mg/kg body weight respectively for 12 weeks. At the end of the 12 weeks treatment period, the rats wereeuthanized by cervical dislocation; blood samples were collected and centrifuged to obtain serum forbiochemical analysis. Brain, Liver, Pancreas, kidney and testes were excised for biochemical evaluation.The data obtained were analyzed by comparing the values for individual controls for different treatmentgroups and the results were expressed as mean values ± standard mean error (mean ± SEM). Using thestudent's t-test, ANOVA variance analysis, and the results were considered significant at P-values of lessthan 0.01 (P<0.01) using SPSS version 23 software, significant differences between control andexperimental groups were measured. Results show a significant increase in the activities of non-enzymicantioxidants (Vitamins C, E, and K), carotenoids antioxidants (beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, andzeaxanthin), thiol antioxidants (Glutathiones, Glutathione peroxidase, and Lipoic acid), oxidoreductaseantioxidant (Catalase), metaloenzyme in all tissues of rats given tramadol and treated with VernoniaAmygdalina ethanol leaf extract when compared with to the group 2 rats that received only tramadol.Compared to the other groups, group 4 rats likewise show a more pronounced improvement. Whencompared to group 2 rats that got only tramadol, there was a significant decrease in Malondialdehydeactivities in all tissues of rats given tramadol and treated with Vernonia Amygdalina ethanol leaf extract.Vernonia amygdalina was found to be efficacious in reducing ROS-induced tramadol-induced chronictoxicity and organ impairment in Wistar rats. It is suggested that the bioactive chemicals in Vernoniaamygdalina that function as an adjunct in the chronic therapy of organ harm caused by opioid prescriptionaddiction be identified, isolated, and employed again to validate the findings of this study.