DOI: 10.36347/sasjm.2017.v03i01.001

Pages: Page: 1-4

In recent years, there have been increasing evidences that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are associated with pathological conditions such as atherosclerosis and carcinogenesis as well as with ageing processes. Ageing is characterized by an increased production of ROS in somatic tissues. Young guava leaves have been reported to contain antioxidants that remove free radicals generated by the ROS. This was further investigated by supplementing the diet of ageing wistar rats with dried, ground young guava leaves and estimating catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in both tests and controls. 49 adult wistar rats were used for this study and grouped into four. Group A (male control fed with normal diet), Group B (female control fed with normal diet), Group C (male test fed with young guava leaves supplemented diet) and Group D (female test fed with young guava leaves supplemented diet). All the groups were fed with normal diet for two weeks after which they were fed according to group which lasted for a period of 8 weeks. The experimental period lasted for 10 weeks in total. After the expiration of the experimental period, the blood samples of the animals were collected by caudal puncture. The sera were separated and used to determine catalase and superoxide dismutase levels. The data presented in this study show clearly that there is a significant increase in antioxidant levels that could curb the effects of oxidative damage resulting from free radicals generation through the supplementation of rat diet with dried, ground young guava leaves. This by implication means, supplementing diets in man or taking fresh vegetables or processed leaves in form of tea can ameliorate ageing processes as well as preventing age-related disorders caused by free radicals generation in the body and oxidative stress.