EFFECT OF METHANOLIC GMELINA ARBOREA LEAF EXTRACT ON THE LIVER ENZYMES AND OXIDATIVE BIOMAKERS OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF SHEEP

ABSTRACT A 56 days trial was conducted to investigate the influence of methanolic Gmelina arborea leaf extract (MGALE) on the liver enzymes and oxidative biomarker’s profile of West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep. A total number of twenty (20) WAD sheep with an average live weight of 14.49±2.09kg were assigned into four treatment groups consisting of five (5) WAD sheep per treatment groups in a completely randomized design. MGALE was administered on daily basis at varying levels of 0, 10, 20, and 30mL to represent four treatment groups; T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. Same basal (Panicum maximum) and concentrate diets were fed across the treatment groups. Data collected on liver enzymes and oxidative biomarker’s profile parameters were subjected to one-way ANOVA at α = 0.05. Result revealed that MGALE had no significant (P>0.05) influence on the liver enzymes of WAD sheep observed in this study. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) values obtained in this study ranged from (12.50 – 13.50 iµ/1kg), (8.50 – 10.50 iµ/1kg) and (48.50 – 49.50 iµ/1kg) respectively. MGALE had no significant (P>0.05) influence on the oxidative biomarkers investigated except the Total Antioxidant Capacity and Catalase. The highest total antioxidant capacity values was observed in WAD drenched 20mL MGALE (7.31mM Talox) while the lowest was recorded in those administered 30mL (4.87mM Talox). Animals drenched 10mLMGALE recorded the highest catalase value (34.98 U/mL). It is therefore concluded that up to 20mL MGALE can be safely administered to WAD sheep, as it supports antioxidant defense mechanisms and demonstrates hepatic safety. iii