Biochemical and oxidative stress responses to crude oil-contaminated and uncontaminated Mangifera indica stem bark aqueous extracts in female wistar albino rats

Abstract

Oxidative stress, characterized by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cellular antioxidant defenses, plays a pivotal role in cellular damage and disease. This study investigated the toxicological effects of crude oil-contaminated and uncontaminated Mangifera indica stem bark extracts on oxidative stress markers in female Wistar albino rats. Eighty rats were assigned to five groups, receiving daily oral doses of either 250 or 3500 mg/kg body weight of crude oil-contaminated (extract C) or uncontaminated (extract F) aqueous extracts, or distilled water (control), over 90 days. Liver, kidney, and heart tissues were analyzed for lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA), total protein content, and antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and reduced glutathione). Results revealed a significant increase (p