Onion Juice Supplementation Increases Antioxidant Enzyme Status and Maintains Cellular Integrity of the Broncho-Alveolar Epithelium of the Lung in Adult Male Wistar Rats

Many scientific researchers have reported on onion extracts' potent antioxidant property linked to its rich flavonoid compound - quercetin. This study was designed to investigate how raw onion juice supplementation can boost the antioxidant status and improves broncho-alveolar epithelium in adult male Wistar rats. Fifteen healthy adult male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Group A - Control; Group B was given 2.5ml/kg of raw onion juice supplementation while Group C received 5ml/kg of raw onion juice supplementation orally for 14days. Results obtained shows superoxide dismutase activity increased significantly in group B (673±1.50) vs Control (671±11.50) and C (587±3.50) at p<0.05 while Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) increased significantly in group B (6921±11.10) vs control group (6321±16.80) and Group C (6355±35.50). The histological demonstration shows a well proliferative bronchoalveolar epithelium. Raw onion juice supplementation helps protect broncho-alveolar epithelium by its proliferative and antioxidant increasing ability linked to its rich flavonoid compound quercetin.

Key Words: Quercetin, broncho-alveolar epithelium, antioxidant, proliferative and superoxide dismutase