Bacteriology and Infectious Diseases

Ellagic acid has been found to possess trypano suppressive effects and ameliorated some of the organ pathological complications

but it is unknown whether the effects were mediated through an antioxidant related mechanism. This work, therefore, investigated the effects of ellagic acid on lipid peroxidation and antioxidants profile of Trypanosoma congolense infected rats. Malondialdehyde levels were significantly decreased (p˂0.05) across all organs in the ellagic acid treated groups. There was a significant increase (p˂0.05) in glutathione levels in group treated with 200 mg/kg BW ellagic acid across all organs. However, treatment with ellagic acid did not significantly (p˂0.05) change superoxide dismutase level in the liver of rats but an increase was observed in the kidney, spleen and heart of the treated groups. The 100 mg/kg BW of ellagic acid increased catalase levels (p˂0.05) in all organs except the kidney. We therefore concluded that ellagic acid boosted endogenous antioxidant reserves and reduced lipid peroxidation.