Evaluation of phytochemical constituents, antidotal and protective properties of elaeis oleifera fruit extract in oral organophosphate poisoning in wistar rats

Objectives: This study aimed at determining the phytochemical constituents and curative-protective effects of extract of Elaeis oleifera against oral organophosphate poisoning in rats. Methods: The oil of yellow palm fruits was extracted; phytochemical screening and anti-poisoning activity of the palm oil were determined using standard methods. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA, Welch F, Tukey’s pairwise and multiple comparison tests (p≤0.05). Major findings: Yellow palm oil contained flavonoids, alkaloids, carotenoid, steroids, terpenoids, saponins, tocopherol and phenols. The biochemical parameters (alanine aminotransferase (157.60±5.79 - 241.80±17.16IU/L), aspartate aminotransferase (192.80±8.25 - 221.20±22.29IU/L), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (2.80±0.47 - 4.80±0.19g/dL) and total bilirubin (0.00±0.00 - 0.06±0.02mg/dL) of yellow palm oil treated groups of rats (A, B, C and D) showed significant recovery from oral organophosphate induced toxicities as against group E (566.90±19.49IU/L, 824.20±35.71IU/L, 653.60±70.11IU/L, 8.50±2.47g/dL, 0.08±0.05mg/dL) which received only poison with no reversal of toxicities, although with significant differences (p = 0.0001-0.0013; multiple comparisons). The haematological parameters (WBC (8.4±0.537x109/L, 7.2±0.769x109/L), RBC (8.4±0.328x1012/L, 8.0±0.313x1012/L), HGB (15.9±0.505g/dL, 15.4±0.487g/dL), HCT (48.4±1.533%, 46.3±1.592%), MCV (57.9±0.869fL, 58.8±1.099fL), MCH (19.6±0.407pg, 19.9±0.367pg), MCHC (33.9±0.276g/dL, 34.1±0.304g/dL), PLT (555.4±80.223x109/L, 601.2±35.157x109/L), and MPV (7.46±0.385fL, 6.86±0.150fL)) of yellow palm oil treated groups of rats (B and D) were within normal ranges when compared to control group F (ascorbic acid treated, p = 0.0082-0.0250; multiple comparisons). Conclusions: Yellow palm fruit oil contains phytochemicals which ameliorate symptoms and reverse oral dichlorvos induced biochemical and haematological toxicities in rats; suggesting its use in traditional medicine as anti-poison.