The Antioxidant Modulating Properties of Justicia carnea Extract on Sheep Red Blood Cells Immunized Mice

Aims: Inflammatory cytokines as well as exogenously invading antigens among others are keenly involved in the generation of oxidative stress such as reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species capable of causing related diseases. hence this study aimed at evaluating the In-vivo antioxidant modulatory properties of Justicia carnea aqueous leave extract on sheep red blood cells immunized mice.

Study Design: The animals were grouped into six with five animals per group (Vehicle; distilled water 10 mL/Kg, Sheep Red Blood Cells 0.2 mL/Kg, Justicia carnea 125 mg/Kg, 250 mg/Kg and 500 mg/Kg, and Levamisole 7.5 mg/Kg )

Place and Duration of Study: The animals used for this study were breed, feed and housed at ambient temperature and well-ventilated animal house of the Basic Medical Sciences in Delta State University, Abraka and Emma-maria laboratory Abraka. The study lasted for two (2) weeks.

Methodology: All groups were immunized at day zero and day 5 with SRBC inducing immune response except for the VEH group that was not immunized. Treatment of the various groups with respective treatment agents commenced on day 3 to day 9. On day 10 the antioxidant enzymes (Determination of Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, Myeloperoxidase, Malondialdehyde, Glutathione Peroxidase, Nitric oxide and Xanthine Oxidase) of the brain, liver, kidney and Spleen were carried out.

Results: The findings in this study reveal the antioxidant enhancement by the plant Justicia carnea being significant when compared to the Vehicle and Sheep Red Blood Cells. Levamisole a standard immunostimulants drug also has significant antioxidant potentials.

Conclusion: The study was able to showcase the antioxidants activities of the plant Justicia carnea. Pharmacological antioxidants may be developed from the plant, which might be helpful in immune related diseases.