EFFECT OF CHRYSOPHYLLUM ALBIDUM LEAF EXTRACT ON ENERGY-GENERATING ENZYMES IN THE INTESTINE OF RATS FED CRUDE OIL TREATED DIET

Nigeria's heavy reliance on crude oil production has raised concerns about its environmental and health implications. This study investigates the impact of crude oil exposure on energy-generating enzymes in the intestine and explores the potential protective effects of Chrysophyllum albidum leaf extract. Crude oil is known to contain a mix of hydrocarbons and various chemical substances, including toxic elements like benzene and mercury, which can induce oxidative stress and damage cellular components. The study employed fifty male Wistar albino rats and divided them into ten groups, each subjected to different treatments. These treatments included crude oil exposure, C. albidum leaf extract at varying doses, and Vitamin C. The results shed light on the activities of key enzymes, namely glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), involved in energy metabolism and cellular respiration. Crude oil exposure led to a significant decrease in G6PDH and SDH activities, suggesting cellular damage and disrupted glucose metabolism. Additionally, LDH activity increased significantly, indicating potential impairment of cellular respiration. Notably, C. albidum leaf extract at different doses and Vitamin C demonstrated protective effects, attenuating the adverse impacts of crude oil exposure on these enzymes. This suggests that C. albidum may have antioxidant properties that combat oxidative stress and mitigate cellular damage induced by crude oil. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of Chrysophyllum albidum leaf extract as a therapeutic agent in countering the detrimental effects of crude oil exposure on energy-generating enzymes in the intestine.