Teddy C. Adias¹, Anslem O. Ajugwo^2,, Tosan Erhabor³, Clement U. Nyenke⁴

Plant-derived substances are becoming increasingly known for their antioxidant activity. The purpose of this study was to determine if pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) extract protects against oxidative stress using animal model. 12 albino rats were procured, grouped into four groups and allowed to acclimatize for one week. Diluted acetone was used to induce oxidative stress. The extract was prepared and administered orally. Groups 1 and 2 received 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg of the extract respectively while group 3 received only acetone and group 4 received sterile normal saline and served as control. After the administration of the extract for 7 days, 4mls of blood samples were collected from the rats through ocular puncture into EDTA blood containers. The samples were analysed for Packed Cell Volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and White Blood cell count (WBC) using standard manual methods. From the results, there was significant (p<0.05) increase in haemoglobin concentration in the groups that received 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg of the extract when compared with control and acetone only groups. Though there was increase in PCV of the groups that received the extract, but it was not significant. From the findings of this study, the extract of Telfairia occidentalis may possibly improve haematological parameters and confer protection in oxidative stress conditions.

antioxidant activity, oxidative stress, Telfairia occidentalis, haematological parameters, acetone