Influence of dietary red palm oil on antioxidant status in male Wistar rats

Abstract

Antioxidant status in male rats following the dietary consumption of red palm oil (RPO) was investigated. Male wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 (n=5) received no RPO supplementation and served as the control while group 2 (n=6) and 3 (n=6) received 2ml and 4ml RPO respectively. Plasma total polyphenols, plasma antioxidant capacity i.e. oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) as well as liver and erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes [catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)] levels were determined using established techniques. Our results showed no significant differences (p<0.05) in total polyphenols, ORAC and FRAP in palm oil fed groups when compared with the control group. Catalase levels significantly increased (p<0.05) at both 2ml and 4ml RPO in the liver and erythrocyte. There was no significant difference in the liver GPx levels in palm oil fed groups while erythrocyte GPx level significantly increased at 4ml RPO when compared with the control group. Red palm oil did not significantly increase (p<0.05) liver and erythrocyte SOD levels in all the groups when compared with the control group. In conclusion, red palm oil increased the levels of liver and erythrocyte catalase as well as erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase level and hence, its dietary consumption could help to boost antioxidant status in the body and thus promote good health.