Original Research Articles

In Vitro Antioxidant Activities and In Vivo Modulation of Testicular Oxidative Stress Markers by Verminoside and Specioside Isolated from Spathodea campanulata

Authors

  • Kingsley Chinedu Enyi

    Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
    Author

  • Adefunke Olukemi Opajobi

    Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
    Author

  • Alfred Ikechukwu Ajoh

    Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
    Author

  • Chukwudi Cyril Dunkwu

    Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
    Author

  • Osuvwe Clement Orororo

    Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
    Author

  • Kingsley Okwurinka

    Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
    Author

  • Joseph Mordi

    Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
    Author

  • Innocent Onyesom

    Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
    Author
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66779/e2cf8021
Abstract

Background: Lead exposure remains a major public health concern, with oxidative stress being a principal mechanism underlying its reproductive toxicity. Due to adverse effects associated with conventional chelation therapy, plant-derived antioxidants are increasingly explored as safer alternatives. Verminoside and specioside, iridoid glycosides isolated from Spathodea campanulata, possess antioxidant properties that may protect against lead-induced oxidative damage.

Methods: The in vitro antioxidant activities of verminoside and specioside were evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Oxidative stress markers including malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), nitric oxide (NO), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed in testicular tissue homogenates following lead exposure.

Results: Verminoside and specioside demonstrated significant concentration-dependent antioxidant activity in DPPH and FRAP assays. The FRAP EC50 values were 39.36±4.09 µg/ml, 48.50±8.98 µg/ml and 34.05±4.94 µg/ml for specioside, verminoside and ascorbic acid respectively, while the DPPH IC50 values were 59.67±0.58 µg/ml, 61.50±0.50 µg/ml and 50.00±0.00 µg/ml for specioside, verminoside and ascorbic acid respectively. Both compounds significantly (p< 0.05) reduced lipid peroxidation and nitrosative stress, while significantly (p< 0.05) restoring antioxidant enzyme activities and non-enzymatic antioxidant levels in testicular tissues.

Conclusion: Verminoside and specioside exhibit strongin vitro antioxidant activity and demonstrate protective effects against lead-induced oxidative stress in vivo.

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Published
10-07-2026
Issue
Vol. 2 No. 1 (2026): Advancing Translational Biomedical Research through Innovation, and Clinical Discovery
Section
Original Research Articles

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