HEALING POTENTIAL OF SOURSOP (ANNONA MURICATA) SEED EXTRACT ON PESTICIDE-INDUCED HEPATORENAL TOXICITY IN MALE WISTAR RATS
Ezeokafor Emmanuel Nonso*, Oko Priscillia Bright, Uchefuna Roy Chinwuba, Nnaemeka Wuraola Serah, Ajaegbu Obinna Chinedu, Dim Catherine Nicholate, Nwankwo Samuel Ikwunne, Afuberoh Francis Chukwudi8 and Akpudo Genevieve Chiemelie*
ABSTRACT
Annona muricata (commonly known as Soursop), a tropical fruit from the Annonaceae family has gained attention for its medicinal and nutritional properties. This study investigated the healing potential of Soursop seed extract on pesticide (Sniper) induced hepatorenal toxicity in male Wistar rats. A total of 40 male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (A–E) of 8 rats each. Group A served as the normal control and received only feed and water. Group B was exposed to Sniper via inhalation in a 38×26×23 cm enclosed plastic chamber to induce toxicity. Groups C, D and E were similarly exposed to Sniper, followed by oral administration of Soursop seed extract at doses of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg respectively, using an oral cannula for a duration of 2 weeks. At the end of the treatment, the animals were sacrificed using euthanasia and blood samples were collected for analysis. Liver and kidney biomarkers were assessed and data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by post hoc LSD multiple comparisons. Results showed that Soursop seed extract significantly improved liver and kidney biomarkers in treated groups compared to the toxic control (P ≤ 0.05), indicating a protective effect. However, there were no significant differences in the relative weights of the liver and kidney across all groups. While the results are promising, further studies are recommended to determine the optimal dosage and long-term safety of Annona muricata seed extract for potential human application.
Keywords: Annona muricata (Soursop), Pesticide (Sniper), Liver biomarkers, Kidney biomarkers, Hepatorenal toxicity, Wistar rats.
[Full Text Article]
[Download Certificate]
Impact Factor : 8.181 
