Toxicological Effects on Selected Tissues of Rats Fed Glycoalkaloid-Rich and Light-Exposed Solanum Tuberosum

Abstract

Background: Exposure of potato tubers to light causes accumulation of glycioalkaloids in the tubers and overdose of glycoalkaoids are associated with some toxicity. This study aims to investigate the effect of consuming sunlight exposed tubers of Irish potato on some selected tissues of rats.
 Methods:Freshly harvested tubers of Solnum tuberosum were purchased from a farmland and were randomly grouped into five groups. Groups 1- 4 consisted of tubers exposed to sunlight (including visible and invisible light e.g. ultraviolet) for a period of 1, 2, 3, and 4 week(s), respectively, while group 5 served as the control and consisted of freshly harvested tubers of Irish potato that have not been exposed to sunlight. The glycoalkaloids content was determined in both the non-exposed (control) and sunlight exposed tubers. Thereafter the tubers were formulated as diet and administered to rats. Biochemical analyses on serum lipid profile, enzymes of selected tissues (serum, liver, and kidney) and lipid peroxidation were carried out.
 Results: The results showed that the total glycoalkaloids content of the exposed sunlight groups (230, 250, 270, and 300 mg/kg fresh weight, respectively) significantly increased compared to the control group (100 mg/kg fresh weight). A significant reduction (P < 0.05) in activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and a significant upsurge (P < 0.05) in alkaline phosphatase activity was observed in the selected tissues of sunlight-exposed potato tuber animal groups compared to the (non-exposed) group. Lipid peroxidation assessment revealed a significant upsurge (P < 0.05) in malondialdehyde formation and a mild alteration in serum lipid profile.
 Conclusion: The study concluded that consumption of sunlight exposed Solanum tuberosum tubers may pose a threat on vital organs of the body irrespective of duration of exposure.

Luffa cylindrica (Linn. M. J. Roem) Reduces Oxidative Stress In Vivo in Plasmodium berghei-Infected Albino Mice

“…Also, the GSH molecule is a powerful antioxidant in protecting eukaryotic cells in the host defense against oxidative stress, acting upon several different mechanisms. 35 The increased expression of SOD, CAT, and GST observed in the studied tissues following the administration of methanolic leaves extract of L. cylindrica is an indication of the antioxidant property of the extract acting by stimulating their in situ production in the affected tissues of the malaria-infected mice, thus restoring normalcy from the assault caused by the free radicals 39 which could avert further complications associated with malaria. Saliu et al 20 have demonstrated the antioxidant activity of different fractions of L. cylindrica leaves, one of which is the methanolic fraction.…”