Patience N Ugwu¹, Fabian I Eze^2,3 , Vincent O Chukwube¹, Chinonso E Mgbeokwere¹, David O Ezenwanne¹, Charity C Ezea⁴, Eleje O Okonta¹, Estella U Odo¹

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the phytochemical composition, toxicological profile, pharmacognostic and therapeutic potential of aqueous extract of Telfairia occidentalis (T. occidentalis) in phenylhydrazine-induced oxidative stress in Wistar rats. Methods: The pharmacognostic and phytochemical parameters were assessed using established analytical standards. Acute toxicity study (LD50) was evaluated on Wistar rats using Lorke’s method, while the subacute toxicity was conducted using liver markers (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)) and kidney function tests (creatinine, uric acid, and urea). Furthermore, antioxidant activity was investigated by spectrophotometrically monitoring stress markers (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activity in vivo. Results: Aqueous extract of T. occidentalis at 100 - 400 mg/kg significantly reduced stress markers compared to non-treated group, surpassing standard Orheptal at 50 mg/kg (p < 0.05). The extract showed very high LD50 (> 5000 mg/kg) with no marked adverse effect on hepatic and renal functions. Phenolic content was highest in the extract (30.673 mg/g). Conclusion: Aqueous extract of T. occidentalis reduces oxidative stress, thus highlighting its promising role as a natural blood tonic and antioxidant. The high number of phenolic compounds in T. occidentalis is largely responsible for its activities