Free radical scavenging activities of anthocyanin flavonoid

Despite its nutritional content and huge application in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, the use of anthocyanin remains restricted due to the difficulty in its extraction process. In this study, we examined the antioxidant effects of anthocyanin (one of the numerous flavonoids known in modern enthno-medicinal practice) on some serum free radicals in wistar rats. Twenty (20) adult wistar rats of between 100 – 250 g were procured and housed in the animal house of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State. After two (2) weeks of acclimatization, the animals were then grouped into five groups of four (4) rats each (n=4). Control (Group I) rats were fed normal rat chow and water ad libitum, whereas, group II rats received 100 mg/kg body weight (bw.) of anthocyanin extract. Groups III, IV and V rats also received 200 mg/kg bw., 300 mg/kg bw., and 400 mg/kg bw of anthocyanin extract respectively for a period of four weeks, using the oro-gastric cannula post prandial. For each week, body weights were obtained, and serum assayed for changes in the levels of anti-oxidant enzyme activities [Catalase (CAT), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide Dismutase (SOD)] using appropriate biochemical procedures. Obtained results were subjected to statistical comparisons using the one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Tukey post hoc tests were also performed (where necessary) to ascertain the source(s) of mean differences between groups. We found a statistically significant decrease (at p < 0.05) by week in serum CAT, MDA, GPx and SOD levels with the administration of test substance. This also proved to be dose-dependent as increasing dose cause an increase in the enzyme activities over the period of administration. Body weight changes were also duration and dose dependent. Anthocyanin therefore showed potency in improving serum antioxidant enzyme activities. We recommend similar studies on other body tissues than blood.