Free Radical Scavenging Activity of the Nigerian Leech (Aliolimnatis michaelseni) Saliva Extract

Introduction: Antioxidant is a substance that is capable of restricting or frustrating the oxidation of other oxidizable molecules by suppressing the free radical- caused oxidation chain reaction. They occur naturally in the body or can be obtained from external (Exogenous) sources such as plants and animal products. Laboratory experimental studies using these exogenous sources have shown that they can prevent free radical damage associated with development of cancer, heart diseases, diabetes and other life threatening diseases.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the free radical scavenging activity of Nigeria Leech (Aliolimnatis michaelseni) saliva extract (LSE).

Place and Duration of Study: Leech samples were collected from fresh water ponds in Nasarawa State Nigeria between June and December 2014.

Methodology: Antioxidant activity of the salivary gland secretion was determined using DPPH free radical scavenging activity method.

Results: Results showed that Leech saliva extract expressed a free radical scavenging activity with IC50 of 8.169 ug/ml initially and 8.67 ug/ml after starvation for 1 month compared with 5.025 ug/ml of L-ascorbic acid as a positive control.

Conclusion: Therefore, this study revealed that the proteomic contents of LSE are promising natural antioxidants.