Assessment of Ackee Apple (Blighia Sapida) on Cholinergic and Antioxidant Enzymes; Possible Use of the Plant Stem-Bark Extract as a Biological Pest Controlling Agent

Abstract

Environmental protection practices include minimizing the level of synthetic chemicals as pesticides in agricultural activities. Reduction of cholinergic and metabolizing enzymes by natural products are safer pest-controlling alternatives in food security. Hence, the objective of this study is to assess the ability of Ackee apple (Blighia sapid) stem-bark extract as a potential biological pest control agent to interfere with acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and biomarkers in brain, liver, and blood of Wistar rat using standard methods. The Wistar rat brain and liver were excised and blood was collected into heparinized tubes at the end of a 28-day experiment for biochemical investigations. Data obtained revealed that the activities of AChE and GST decreased at a dose-dependent rate (P < 0.05). A non-significant difference in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) for all the treated groups and a dose-dependent increase in total protein concentration were detected. The extract did not significantly alter ALT, AST, and ALP, particularly at repeated doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg. The extract of Blighia sapida reduced AChE and GST activity; a property that could be exploited in the formulation of pest control agents.