Comparative Effect of Cocos nuciferaand Cyperus esculentus Extracts on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infected Mice

Aim: To evaluate the comparative effect of Cocos nucifera and Cyperus esculentus extract on oxidative stress biomarkers in HBV infected mice.

Study Design: The study was a completely randomized design employing relevant statistical tools for analysis and interpretation.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University. The experiment lasted for 35 days.

Methodology: A total of 25 male mice were randomly selected into 5 groups (n=5). Group (A) was the Negative control group and so received no treatment. Group B C, D, and E were infected with HBV virus. And the infection was confirmed using Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) rapid kit. Group B animals were administered 0.2ml of Cocosnucifera extract, group C were gavaged 0.2ml of Cyperus esculentusextract while group E were gavaged 0.2ml of equal proportion of the two extract; Cyperus esculentus and Cocos nucifera extract. All the groups were exposed to their treatment for 35days.

Results: There was a significant (P>0.05) decrease in the levels of SOD, GSH, CAT in group B mice infected with HBV without any form of treatment. There was also significant increase in the level of MDA in the same group. However, with the coadministration of Cocos nucifera extract in group C, Cyperus esculentus extract in group D and combination of extracts in group E. There was a significant (p=0.05) decrease in all these biomarkers but a significant decrease in MDA compared with group B.

Conclusion: It appears that Cyperus esculentus extract offered a higher protective effect in HBV infected mice when compared to Cocos nucifera extract or the combination of the extracts. The consumption of Cyperus esculentus extract or a combination of the two extracts is advocated rather than Cocos nucifera extract alone.