Abstract

Eze Vivian Uju, Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi*, Dr. Ghali Lucy, Prof. Ezimah Anthony C.U.,Ochei Kingsley Chinedum, Uchegbu-Ibezim Udochukwu Anurika and Iwegbulam, C.Pauline

ABSTRACT

Free radicals such as superoxide and nitric oxide in moderate proportions are able to carry out vital functions such as necessitating cell renewal and cell proliferation, apoptosis and combating pathogens.Excess production could overwhelm the antioxidant mechanism used to maintain a stable redox state. This leads to pathological conditions such as inflammatory bowel diseases and colon cancer. The use of exogenous sources of antioxidant is being explored. ?-tocopherol is a known antioxidant. However, the use of inulin (functional food) is an area of recent interest with little publications confirming its antioxidant ability. This project compares the antioxidant ability of ?-tocopherol to inulin. Data was analysed using one-way ANOVA in the Minitab 17. Student two sample t.test was used for two-treatment groups treatment. Data observed from this project is not enough to confirm the antioxidant ability of inulin.