title: Efficacy of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Telfairia occidentalis in the attenuation of CCl4-mediated oxidative stress.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the efficacy of Hibiscus sabdariffa (H. sabdariffa) and Telfairia occidentalis (T. occidentalis) extracts in the attenuation of CCl4-mediated oxidative stress.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy-two healthy matured male albino rats weighing between (120±20) g were divided into 6 groups (A-F) in a 2×6 factorial experiment using completely randomized design. Rats in Group A received only water, B received 1 mL/kg CCl4, C received 300 mg/kg, D received 600 mg/kg, E received CCl4+300 mg/kg while F received CCl4+600 mg/kg for each of the extract, respectively. Semen from epididymes was obtained for sperm analysis while blood was obtained through cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis, after the treatment regimen.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our results showed that CCl4 induction elevated aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, globulin levels significantly (P<0.05) while albumin was reduced. For sperm profile after CCl4 induction, sperm count, viability and motility were significant (P<0.05) reduced while sperm head abnormality increased. However, administering H. sabdariffa and T. occidentalis extracts at the doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg caused the reversal of these effects significantly.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Implicitly, the implication of our results is that H. sabdariffa and T. occidentalis extracts might be ted and optimized for the management of oxidative stress-related organ injuries, including infertility, though further researches are needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Calabar, Clabar, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Ikpeme Ekei
authors.initials: IE
authors.lastname: Victor
authors.affiliation: Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Calabar, Clabar, Nigeria. Electronic address: princeudensi@unical.edu.ng.
authors.forename: Udensi Ogbuagu
authors.initials: UO
authors.lastname: Ugorji
authors.affiliation: Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Calabar, Clabar, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Adetayo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Adeyinka
keywords: Hibiscus sabdariffa; Infertility; Liver enzymes; Oxidative stress; Telfairia occidentalis