Phytochemical analysis, hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of Alchornea cordifolia methanol leaf extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damage in rats

Antioxidant Activity and Effectiveness of Fig Extract in Counteracting Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Oxidative Damage in Rats

Figs are the edible fruits of the fig tree, Ficus carica L., that have been used for centuries for human consumption and in traditional medicine, to treat skin problems, inflammation, and gastrointestinal disorders. Our previous study investigated the presence of phenolic compounds in aqueous extracts of two Algerian popular fig varieties, azendjar (Az) and taamriouth (Ta), as well as their in vitro antioxidant activity. In this study, we assessed hydroethanolic extracts of these fig varieties. The total phenolic content was measured, along with the phenolic profile. Rutin was determined to be the dominant phenolic compound, followed by vanillic acid, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, quercetin, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, rosmarinic acid (in Az only), and cinnamic acid. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated both in vitro (DPPH and FRAP assays) and in vivo, in rats intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride. In all assays, the fig extract-especially the dark-peeled fig variety azendjar-showed antioxidant potency. The administration of fig extract resulted in a reduction in liver damage, expressed by both different biochemical markers and histopathological study (less degraded liver architecture, reduced fibrosis, and only mild inflammation). A dose-dependent therapeutic effect was observed. The extract from the dark-peeled fig variety, Az, was characterized by a higher phenolic content and a stronger antioxidant activity than the extract from the light-peeled variety-Ta. Our study justifies the use of figs in traditional healing and shows the potential of using fig extracts in natural medicines and functional foods.

Spectroscopic characterization of eupalitin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside from Boerhavia procumbens: In vivo hepato-protective potential in rat model

The liver is one of the most important organs responsible for detoxifying biomolecules and xenobiotics. Herein, we report the isolation, characterization, and hepatoprotective effect of the Boerhavia procumbens-derived eupalitin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (EGP) compound. The structure of the EGP compound was deduced by using NMR spectroscopic techniques and mass spectrometry. The EGP hepatoprotective activities were evaluated with HepG2 cell viability and LDH assays in vitro, and CCl4-induced toxicity was investigated in vivo in the rat model. Compared to the CCl4-treated group, cells exposed to the EGP compound at 200 µg/ml showed increased cell viability (60.52 ± 1.22 %) and decreased LDH levels (23.81 ± 1.89 U/ml). The serum levels of SGPT, SGOT, ALP, and total bilirubin in the CCl4-treated group were substantially higher than those in the control group (64 ± 1.89 U/ml, 86 ± 1.47 U/ml, 252.6 ± 2.96 U/ml, and 5.45 ± 0.32 mg/dl, respectively). When compared to animals treated with CCl4 alone, the EGP compound's in vivo hepatoprotective effect at 60 mg/kg with CCl4 significantly (p < 0.01) decreased the levels of SGPT and SGOT (26 ± 1.34 U/ml and 42.92 ± 1.6 U/ml) respectively. Furthermore, our histological study showed a significant response in restoring and maintaining the normal morphological appearance of the liver. Thus, our results show that the EGP compound is a promising and novel lead molecule for better hepatotoxicity control and therapy.

The effect of Moringa oleifera crude extract on liver cell line, HepG2

BACKGROUND

The liver plays a crucial role in the body's metabolic and detoxification processes. Given its importance, compromised liver function can negatively impact the body's metabolic and physiological function. Liver diseases can result from several factors, including exposure to toxins, alcohol consumption, and viral infections. Therefore, finding natural remedies for liver protection and treatment is important. Moringa oleifera is a tree known for its various medicinal properties, including hepatoprotective effects. This study aimed to investigate the potential of M. oleifera seed extract in protecting liver cells.

METHODS

In this study, dried-seed powder of M. oleifera was extracted using extraction solvents, methanol, and ethanol. HepG2 cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations of the extracts. The antioxidative activity, cell viability, and antiproliferation were assessed using the total antioxidant capacity assay (TAC) and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Additionally, liver enzyme activity was determined through alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase activity assays.

RESULTS

The extracts had varying effects on liver cells depending on the concentration and time of exposure. Lower concentrations (50 mg/l and 100 mg/l) have mild stimulatory effects/minimal impact on metabolic activity, while higher concentrations (200 mg/l and 400 mg/l) tend to decrease metabolic activity, especially at later time points. Moreover, the extracts effectively reduced the levels of the liver enzyme AST, indicating their ability to mitigate liver injury.

CONCLUSION

The study concludes that the crude extracts of M. oleifera seeds exhibit potential as a natural remedy for liver diseases. The effects of M. oleifera extract suggest that it has potential as a preventive and therapeutic agent for liver damage. This study highlights the importance of exploring natural remedies for liver protection and treatment.

Hepatoprotective Effect of a New FFAR1 Agonist-N-Alkylated Isobornylamine

Free fatty acid receptor-1 (FFAR1) is one of the possible therapeutic targets in the search for new hepatoprotective drugs. FFAR1 agonists were found to have hypolipidemic, antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and antioxidant effects in addition to hypoglycemic action. In this work, we conducted a study of the hepatoprotective effect of the compound QS-528 (previously discovered as an agonist of FFAR1) at doses of 60, 90, 120 and 150 mg/kg on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver injury. At the end of the experiment, a biochemical blood assay demonstrated that the introduction of QS-528 dose-dependently reduces the levels of liver enzymes (AST, ALT and ALKP). Histological and morphometric studies of animals' livers treated with QS-528 at doses of 120 and 150 mg/kg showed a decrease in degenerative/necrotic changes in hepatocytes and an increase in the regenerative activity of the liver. In addition, no toxicity at a single oral dose of 1000 mg/kg and an increase in HepG2 cell viability in vitro were found. Thus, the compound QS-528 was found to exhibit a hepatoprotective effect against CCl₄-induced toxic liver damage.

Phytofabrication and characterization of Alchornea cordifolia silver nanoparticles and evaluation of antiplasmodial, hemocompatibility and larvicidal potential

Purpose: The recent emergence of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) parasites resistant to current artemisinin-based combination therapies in Africa justifies the need to develop new strategies for successful malaria control. We synthesized, characterized and evaluated medical applications of optimized silver nanoparticles using Alchornea cordifolia (AC-AgNPs), a plant largely used in African and Asian traditional medicine. Methods: Fresh leaves of A. cordifolia were used to prepare aqueous crude extract, which was mixed with silver nitrate for AC-AgNPs synthesis and optimization. The optimized AC-AgNPs were characterized using several techniques including ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), scanning/transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Zeta potential. Thereafter, AC-AgNPs were evaluated for their hemocompatibility and antiplasmodial activity against Pf malaria strains 3D7 and RKL9. Finally, lethal activity of AC-AgNPs was assessed against mosquito larvae of Anopheles stephensi, Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti which are vectors of neglected diseases such as dengue, filariasis and chikungunya. Results: The AC-AgNPs were mostly spheroidal, polycrystalline (84.13%), stable and polydispersed with size of 11.77 ± 5.57 nm. FTIR revealed the presence of several peaks corresponding to functional chemical groups characteristics of alkanoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, phenols, steroids, anthraquonones and saponins. The AC-AgNPs had a high antiplasmodial activity, with IC₅₀ of 8.05 μg/mL and 10.31 μg/mL against 3D7 and RKL9 Plasmodium falciparum strains. Likewise, high larvicidal activity of AC-AgNPs was found after 24 h- and 48 h-exposure: LC₅₀ = 18.41 μg/mL and 8.97 μg/mL (Culex quinquefasciatus), LC₅₀ = 16.71 μg/mL and 7.52 μg/mL (Aedes aegypti) and LC₅₀ = 10.67 μg/mL and 5.85 μg/mL (Anopheles stephensi). The AC-AgNPs were highly hemocompatible (HC₅₀ > 500 μg/mL). Conclusion: In worrying context of resistance of parasite and mosquitoes, green nanotechnologies using plants could be a cutting-edge alternative for drug/insecticide discovery and development.

Investigation of polyphenol profile, antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective potential of Aconogonon alpinum (All.) Schur roots

Liver plays vital role in detoxification of exogenous and endogenous chemicals. These chemicals as well as oxidative stress may cause liver disorders. This study was aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of various fractions of Aconogonon alpinum methanolic extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver toxicity in mice. First, hepatoprotective potential of various fractions of A. alpinum was assessed and then antioxidant activity and profiling of polyphenolic compounds were assessed. A total of 78 male albino mice (BALB/c) were randomly divided into 13 groups (n = 6); Group I (normal control), Group II (CCl4 only), Group III (CCl4 + silymarin 100 mg/kg) and Groups IV–XIII (CCl4 + various fractions [200 and 400 mg/kg]). Hepatic biochemistry and liver injury were assessed by analysis of serum levels of hepatic enzymes and histopathological analysis, respectively. Results showed that polar fractions (ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions) exhibited highly significant (P < 0.01) reduction in increased level of liver biochemical parameters in a dose-dependent manner with consistent histopathological findings. Likewise, these fractions revealed strong antioxidant potential and polyphenolic compound contents. In conclusion, the present work has revealed promising antioxidant activity, polyphenolic profiling and potential hepatoprotective efficacy. Thus, the significant results unveil the study as a step forward towards evidence-based phytomedicine.

Whole-cell bioconversion of naringenin to high added value hydroxylated compounds using Yarrowia lipolytica 2.2ab in surface and liquid cultures

The bioconversion process of bioactive naringenin by whole-cells of Yarrowia lipolytica 2.2ab for the production of increased value-added compounds is successfully achieved in surface and liquid cultures. This approach is an alternative to the commercial production of these bioactive compounds from vegetable sources, which are limited due to their low concentrations and the complexity of the purification processes. The experimentation rendered seven value-added compounds in both surface and liquid bioconversion cultures. Some of the compounds produced have not been previously reported as products from the bioconversion processes, such as the case of ampelopsin. Biosynthetic pathways were suggested for the naringenin bioconversion using whole-cells of Y. lipolytica 2.2ab. Finally, the extracts obtained from the naringenin bioconversion in liquid cultures showed higher percentage of inhibition of DPPH· and ABTS· radicals up to 32.88 and 2.08 times, respectively, compared to commercial naringenin.

In vivo hepatoprotective and In vitro radical scavenging activities of Cucumis ficifolius A. rich root extract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cucumis ficifolius A. Rich is a perennial prostrate herb that stems up to 1 m long. Its root is widely used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases including liver diseases. Yet, scientific evidence is lacking to verify its ethno medicinal claims.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was conducted to assess the hepatoprotective and radical scavenging activity of 80% methanol crude extract and different fractions of Cucumis ficifolius root.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Radical scavenging activity was done applying the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay while hepatoprotective activity was assessed using pre- and post-treatment models of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver injury in Swiss albino mice of either sex weighing 25-30 g. A single oral dose of 2000 mg/kg was used for acute toxicity study, doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg were used in the pre-treatment model, and 500 mg/kg of extract and chloroform fraction were used in the post-treatment model. Biochemical markers and histopathological parameters were used to measure hepatoprotective activities.

RESULTS

C. ficifolius crude extract and its solvent fractions showed strong radical scavenging activity and the chloroform fraction had the highest activity. No sign of toxicity was shown in an acute toxicity test of the extract. Hepatoprotective activity evaluation on the crude extract by a pre-treatment model with 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg doses revealed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction of the serum level of CCl₄-induced liver enzyme markers at the highest tested dose (500 mg/kg). The chloroform fraction that had highest radical scavenging activity and the crude extract, both at 500 mg/kg, were again evaluated in a post-treatment model and the results revealed that both the extract and the chloroform fraction demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) hepatoprotective activities which support the results of the pre-treatment model.

CONCLUSION

The present study verified the hepatoprotective potentials of C. ficifolius extract and its chloroform fraction which might be, at least in part, through radical scavenging action.

Study of aflatoxicosis reduction: effect of Alchornea cordifolia on biomarkers in an aflatoxin B1 exposed rats

The toxicity of aflatoxins results in cancer and liver disease. Several natural substances such as plants exhibited their ability to inhibit the initiation of aflatoxin carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Alchornea cordifolia on biomarkers in an aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) exposed rats. The contents of polyphenols, flavonoids and the antioxidant activity of A. cordifolia ethanolic leaf extract (EELac) were assessed. Groups of rats were treated orally with a daily dose of a mixture of AFB1 at a dose of 150 μg/kg body weight and EELac (50, 100 and 300 mg/kg body weight) for 21 days. Biomarkers of AFB1, such as the AFB1-lysine adduct and aflatoxin M1 were assayed in blood and urine, respectively, using an HPLC system with a fluorescence detector. The contents of polyphenols and flavonoids were 6783.23 ± 272.76 μg EAG/g and 10.54 ± 3.15% of dry matter, respectively. EELac showed a good antioxidant activity (IC50 = 12.65 ± 0.13 μg/mL). The administration of the mixture (AFB1 + EELac) at different doses significantly reduced the level of AFB1-lysine adduct from 14.04 ± 2.1 to 4.13 ± 0.9 ng/mg albumin and that of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) from 456 ± 16 to 220 ± 24 ng/mL (p <0.05). The rate of reduction was 70.58% for AFB1-lysine adduct and 51.75% for AFM1. A. cordifolia could be used in the prevention of toxicity induced by AFB1 on account of its high content in phenolic compounds.

Antibacterial activities and toxicological study of the aqueous extract from leaves of Alchornea cordifolia (Euphorbiaceae)

BACKGROUND

A. cordifolia is a plant widely used in Africa to solve many health problems. In Cameroon, it is used in the treatment of urogenital infections. As a continuation of our search for pharmacologically active agents from natural sources, the antimicrobial activity of A. cordifolia leaf extracts against E. coli and the toxicity of this extract were investigated.

METHODS

The antibacterial activity of the aqueous extract from leaves of Alchornea cordifolia was carried out in vitro on Escherichia coli, as well as in vivo on E. coli-infected rat model. Phytochemical screening was performed using standard methods. The acute toxicity was investigated in mice, while at the end of treatment of infected rats, some biochemical, hematological and histological markers of toxicity were evaluated.

RESULTS

The extract exhibited a bacteriostatic activity with MIC value of 1500 μg/ml. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenols, tannins, triterpens, flavonoids, alkaloids, anthraquinones, anthocyanins, saponins and coumarins in the extract. The acute toxicity study showed LD50 values of 8.6 g/kg and 3.8 g/kg in male and female mice respectively. In vivo, the oral administration of the extract showed a dose-dependent decrease of the bacterial load as the extract at 232, 112 and 58 g/kg were able to eradicate the infection after 9, 11 and 13 days of treatment. The infected rats showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the level of serum creatinine, ALAT, white blood cells, and a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the level of food and water intake, the relative weight of lungs, heart and spleen. In the treated rats, a significant (p < 0.05) increase in food and water intake and ALAT was observed at the doses of 116 and 232 mg/kg. A decrease in the red blood cells count and serum protein levels was also observed. These observations corroborate liver damages as revealed by the histopathological examination of the cross sections of this organ.

CONCLUSION

The results of this assay thus showed that the extract of A. cordifolia is bacteriostatic, therapeutic at 58 g/kg bw and may be considered as slightly and almost non-toxic on females and males mice respectively.

Protective effects of seed melon extract on CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Citrullus lanatus ssp. vulgaris var. megalaspermus Lin et Chao, was also known as watermelon belongs to family Cucurbitaceae, variously used as healthy food and in the treatment of liver and lungs problems. Currently, Citrullus lanatus has become a major economic crop of medicinal and edible effects with regional characteristics.

AIM

This study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of the seed melon (Citrullus lanatus ssp. vulgaris var. megalaspermus Lin et Chao) extract (SME) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced hepatic fibrosis in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, mice were randomly divided into 7 groups, including normal control, model, silymarin tablets as the positive control, SME 100, 200, 400, and 800mg/kg. After 8 weeks, activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglycerides (TG), hyaluronic acid (HA) and laminin (LN) were checked. The levels of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutataion (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were determined after SME administration. The hydroxyproline (HYP) levels, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and histopathologic examinations of hepatocyte fibrosis were also determined. Additionally, effects of SME on alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor beta-1(TGF-β1) protein expressions were determined.

RESULTS

We found that SME could significantly lower the serum levels of hepatic enzyme markers AST, ALT, HA and LN (P<0.01). Compared with the CCl₄-only treatment group, levels of hepatic SOD and GSH-Px were significantly increased, and the MDA levels were remarkably decreased in mice treated by SME at medium dose (400mg/kg) and high dose (800mg/kg) (P<0.01). A histological examination of the liver showed that lesions, including necrosis, lymphocyte infiltration and fatty degeneration, were partially healed by treatment with SME. The results of protein expressions studies displayed that SME could inhibit α-SMA and TGF-β1 protein expression (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The present results suggested that protective effect of SME against CCl₄-induced hepatic fibrosis may rely on its effect on reducing oxidative stress and improving drug metabolizing enzyme activity in liver.

Recent trends in phytochemistry, ethnobotany and pharmacological significance of Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Muell. Arg

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Muell. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae) (A. cordifolia) is widely distributed throughout tropical Africa, where it is used extensively in traditional medicine. Conditions for which the plant has enjoyed wide use are: coughs, gonorrhoea, infertility, prostatitis, bacterial infections, diarrhoea, ulcers, pain, inflammation, fever and bronchial troubles. This review summarizes the achievements of the investigations in traditional uses, ethnobotany, phytochemistry, biological activities and toxicological profile of A. cordifolia; this review also describes the shortcomings of studies on this herbal drug and thus serves as the basis of further scientific research and development of this traditional herbal drug.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A. cordifolia-related information was collected from various resources including published articles in peer-reviewed journals, unpublished materials, textbooks, government survey reports and scientific databases such as Scifinder®, Pubmed, Science Direct, Wiley, Springer, ACS, Scielo, Web of Science and other web search instruments (Google, Yahoo), published on the subject from 1950 to 2016. 'The Plant List' (www.theplantlist.org) and 'Kew Royal Botanic Gardens' (mpns.kew.org) were used to validate the scientific name of the plant.

RESULTS

The literature revealed several reports on traditional uses, biological activities, chemical constituents and toxicological evaluation of A. cordifolia. The phytochemical information indicates identification of 95 compounds including fatty acids, terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, which exhibited various pharmacological activities such as wound healing, anti-inflammation, anticancer, antioxidant, immunomodulation, antidiarrhoeal, antimicrobial, antidepressant, hepatoprotective, antiplasmodial and anxiolytic. However, there are still significant gaps in the completeness of our understanding of A. cordifolia bioactivity, therapeutic value, and roles played by each of the numerous phytoconstituents.

CONCLUSIONS

The present review indicated that A. cordifolia is a valuable medicinal plant with multiple pharmacological effects. However, further research on the pharmacological mechanism of action of this plant is recommended in order to unravel the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical relevance and toxicity of its extracts as well as constituents.

Ethnomedical and ethnobotanical investigations on the response capacities of Guinean traditional health practioners in the management of outbreaks of infectious diseases: The case of the Ebola virus epidemic

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The recent outbreak of Ebola virus infections has mostly remained confined to the West African countries Guinea-Conakry, Sierra-Leone and Liberia. Due to intense national and international mobilizations, a significant reduction in Ebola virus transmission has been recorded. While international efforts focus on new vaccines, medicines and diagnostics, no coherent national or international approach exists to integrate the potential of the traditional health practitioners (THPs) in the management of infectious diseases epidemics. Nevertheless, the first contact of most of the Ebola infected patients is with the THPs since the symptoms are similar to those of common traditionally treated diseases or symptoms such as malaria, hemorrhagic syndrome, typhoid or other gastrointestinal diseases, fever and vomiting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In an ethnomedical survey conducted in the 4 main Guinean regions contacts were established with a total of 113 THPs. The socio-demographic characteristics, the professional status and the traditional perception of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) were recorded.

RESULTS

The traditional treatment of the main symptoms was based on 47 vegetal recipes which were focused on the treatment of diarrhea (22 recipes), fever (22 recipes), vomiting (2 recipes), external antiseptic (2 recipes), hemorrhagic syndrome (2 recipes), convulsion and dysentery (one recipe each). An ethnobotanical survey led to the collection of 54 plant species from which 44 identified belonging to 26 families. The most represented families were Euphorbiaceae, Caesalpiniaceae and Rubiaceae. Literature data on the twelve most cited plant species tends to corroborate their traditional use and to highlight their pharmacological potential.

CONCLUSIONS

It is worth to document all available knowledge on the traditional management of EVD-like symptoms in order to evaluate systematically the anti-Ebola potential of Guinean plant species.

An ethnobotanical study of plants used to treat liver diseases in the Maritime region of Togo

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In Togo, many persons still rely on plants for healing, however very little is known about the medicinal practices of the indigenous people. The present study aimed to document the medicinal plant utilization for the management of liver diseases in the Maritime region of the country.

METHODOLOGY

This was an ethnobotanical survey conducted in the Maritime region of Togo from June to August 2015. The data were gathered from 104 traditional healers (TH) by direct interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. The calculated use values (UV) were used to analyze the importance of the cited plants.

RESULTS

A total of 99 plant species belonging to 88 genera and 49 families were cited by the TH as curing the hepatic diseases. The most represented families were Caesalpiniaceae with 8 species, followed by Euphorbiaceae with 7 species, Apocynaceae and Asteraceae with 6 species each. The highest UV were recorded with Gomphrena celosioides (0.13), Xylopia ethiopica (0.12), Senna occidentalis (0.12), Bridelia ferruginea (0.12), Cymbopogon citratus (0.12), Kigellia Africana (0.09), Cassia sieberiana (0.08) and Sanseviera liberica (0.08), showing their importance in the management of liver dysfunction in the surveyed region. The main used parts were the leaves, followed by the roots, the whole plant, the rhizome and the bark, accounting for more than 10% each. The herbal medicines were mostly prepared in the form of decoction and administrated by oral route.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that Maritime region of Togo has an important plant biodiversity that is exploited by the indigenous TH. However, some plants cited by the TH have not been studied for their possible hepatoprotective effects. These plants are therefore a starting point for biological screenings.

Preliminary evaluation of hepatoprotective potential of the polyherbal formulation

Aim:

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of the polyherbal formulation (PHF)containing Cajanus cajan (L.)Millsp., Lawsonia inermis L. Linn, Mimosa pudica L., Uraria picta (Jacq.)DC. and Operculina turpethum (L.)Silva Manso on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)induced acute liver damage in albino rats.

Materials and Methods:

The groups of animals were administered with PHF at the doses 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. (per oral [p.o.])once in a day for 7 days and at day 6th and 7th the animals were administrated with Carbon tetrachloride (1.0 mL/kg b.w. 50% v/v with olive oil,; p.o.). The effect of PHF on serum glutamine pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamine oxaloacetate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP)and total bilirubin were determined in CCl₄ - induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Further, the effects of PHF on glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD)level and lipid peroxidation (LPO)activity were also investigated.

Results:

The results demonstrated that PHF (400 mg/kg b.w.)significantly reduces the CCl₄ induced increase in level of serum SGPT, serum ALP and total bilirubin. PHF (400 mg/kg b.w.)prevents the depletion level of GSH and decrease in the activity of SOD in CCl₄ -induced liver injury in rats. In addition, PHF also showed a significant decrease in the LPO levels signifying the potent antioxidant activity.

Conclusion:

All our findings suggest that PHF could protect the liver cells from CCl₄ - induced liver damages and the mechanism may be through the anti-oxidative effect of PHF.

Antidepressant-like effect of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Mull. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae) in mice: involvement of monoaminergic system

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The leaf of Alchornea cordifolia (Euphorbiaceae) is used in traditional African medicine in the treatment of various neurological and psychiatric disorders including depression. Previous studies have shown its potent antidepressant-like effect in the forced swimming test (FST). Hence, this study sought to investigate the involvement of monoaminergic systems in the antidepressant-like effect elicited by hydroethanolic leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia (HeAC) in the FST.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HeAC (25-400mg/kg, p.o.) was administered 1h before the FST. To investigate the contribution of monoaminergic systems to antidepressant-like effect, receptors antagonists were injected 15min before oral administration of HeAC (200mg/kg) to mice and 1h thereafter, subjected to FST.

RESULTS

HeAC (200 and 400mg/kg, p.o.) produced dose dependent and significant (P<0.001) antidepressant-like effect, in the FST, without accompanying changes in spontaneous locomotor activities in the open-field test. The anti-immobility effect of HeAC (200mg/kg) in the FST was prevented by pretreatment of mice with SCH 23390 (0.05mg/kg, s.c., a dopamine D1 receptor antagonist), sulpiride (50mg/kg, i.p., a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist), prazosin (1mg/kg, i.p., an α1-adrenoceptor antagonist), yohimbine (1mg/kg, i.p., an α2-adrenoceptor antagonist), and GR 127993 (5-HT1B receptor antagonist). Similarly, 3 days intraperitoneal injection of p-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA, 150mg/kg, i.p., an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis) prevented the antidepressant-like effect elicited by HeAC. The combination of subeffective doses of imipramine (5mg/kg, p.o.) or fluoxetine (5mg/kg, p.o.), with HeAC (25mg/kg, p.o., subeffective dose) produced a synergistic antidepressant-like effect in the FST.

CONCLUSION

The hydroethanolic extract of Alchornea cordifolia possesses antidepressant-like effect mediated through interaction with dopamine (D1 and D2), noradrenergic (α1 and α2 adrenoceptors), and serotonergic (5HT1B receptors) systems. Also, the potentiation of the anti-immobility effect of conventional antidepressants (fluoxetine and imipramine) by Alchornea cordifolia suggest potential therapeutic effect in depression.

Immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharides isolated from Alchornea cordifolia

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Extracts of leaves from different species of the genus Alchornea have been used for centuries to treat a variety of medicinal problems in tropical Africa. However, little is known about the high-molecular weight active components conferring therapeutic properties to these extracts.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharides isolated from the leaves of Alchornea cordifolia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Water-soluble polysaccharides from leaves of Alchornea cordifolia were extracted and fractionated by DEAE-cellulose, Diaion HP-20, and size-exclusion chromatography. Molecular weight, sugar analysis, and other physical and chemical characterization of the fractions were performed. Immunomodulatory activity of the polysaccharide fractions was evaluated by determining their ability to induce monocyte/macrophage nitric oxide (NO) and cytokine production. Activation of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) was also assessed using a phospho-MAPK array. Activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) was measured using an alkaline phosphatase reporter gene assay in THP1-Blue monocytic cells.

RESULTS

Six polysaccharide fractions from Alchornea cordifolia were isolated. Fractions containing type II arabinogalactan had potent immunomodulatory activity. Particularly, the parent fraction AP-AU and its high-molecular weight sub-fraction AP-AU1 (average M(r) was estimated to be 39.5kDa) induced production of NO and cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1β, -6, -10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and granulocyte-macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF)] in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and human and murine monocyte/macrophages cell lines in vitro. Furthermore, treatment with AP-AU1 induced phosphorylation of Akt2, p38δ/p38γ, p70S6K1, RSK2, and mTOR, as well as stimulation of NF-κB transcriptional activity.

CONCLUSION

Our results provide a molecular basis to explain a portion of the beneficial therapeutic properties of water extracts from Alchornea cordifolia leaves in traditional folk medicine of Africa.

Antiglycation, antioxidant and toxicological potential of polyphenol extracts of alligator pepper, ginger and nutmeg from Nigeria

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the antioxidant and antiglycation potential of polyphenols from three spices; alligator pepper, ginger and nutmeg.

METHODS

Polyphenol extracts of these spices were subjected to brine-shrimp lethality assay, phytotoxicity test, DPPH and superoxide anion radical scavenging as well as BSA-glucose antiglycation assay.

RESULTS

Results obtained showed that polyphenol extract of ginger has the highest antioxidant potential with IC50 0.075 and 0.070 mg/mL for DPPH and superoxide anion radical scavenging assay while alligator pepper displayed highest antiglycation activity with IC50 0.125 mg/mL. However, nutmeg extract exhibited weakest cytotoxic and phytotoxic potential with LD50 4359.70 and 1490 µg/mL respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

It can be concluded that the polyphenol extracts of alligator pepper, ginger and nutmeg displayed good antioxidant as well as antiglycation potential and are safe for consumption.