Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidants effects of Methanol Stem Bark Extract of Eucalyptus Camaldulensis in Wister Albino Rats

Aim: The aim is to evaluate the antioxidant potentials of Eucalyptus camaldulensis methanol stem bark extract (ECMSBE) on Wister albino rats.

Methodology: The phytochemical screening of ECMSBE was conducted using standard methods. A total of 36 albino rats were used for the antioxidant studies. The rats were divided into six (6) groups of six rats. Control group received distilled water orally at 2ml/kg. Oxidative stress was induced in groups 2 to group 6 CCl4 (1ml/kg, s.c) at every 72hrs for 10 days. Group 2 was untreated while groups 3 – 6 received doses of 50, 100, 150 and 200mg/kg of ECMSBE respectively. On the 11th day, the rats were sacrificed and the liver was removed and homogenised and oxidative stress parameters were determined.

Results: Phytochemical analysis of ECMSBE revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, glycosides, steroids, terpenoids and resins. There was no significant difference (P<.05) between the CCl4 induced group and the group treated with ECMSBE (50mg/kg). However, their concentrations were significantly different from the group treated with ECMSBE (100mg/kg – 200mg/kg) when compared to the group treated with CCl4 Only. The CCl4-induced group had its vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E concentrations significant different (P<.05) from the groups treated with ECMSBE (100, 150 and 200mg/kg body weight). There was no significant difference (P>.05) in the levels of SOD, CAT and GPx between the group induced with CCl4 only and the group treated with ECMSBE (50mg/kg), however, it these concentrations were significantly higher (P<.05). The enzymatic antioxidants concentration in the normal control group was not significantly different (P>.05) when compared the group that was treated with ECMSBE (200mg/kg)

Conclusion: The result suggest that the extract of E. camaldulensis possessed antioxidant properties which can be used as effective protecting agents against oxidative stress and other diseases.