Ameliorative effect of extract of Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex kunth leaves against CCl4 - and acetaminophen—induced liver damage in rats

Abstract

Liver diseases have continued to be a major health problem in the world’s population with drug-induced liver damage as one of the causes. Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex Kunth is an ornamental plant and almost all parts of this plant are of medicinal importance. It exhibits strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and wound healing activities. This study was conducted to assess the hepatoprotective effects of hydroethanolic extract of Tecoma stans (TSE) against acetaminophen- and CCl4-induced liver damage in rats. CCl4 (1 ml/kg body weight dissolved in olive oil) and acetaminophen (500 mg/kg b.wt) was used to induce hepatotoxicity in the animals. Animals were treated with TSE (dose: 100 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg b.wt) and standard drug, silymarin (100 mg/kg), for 7 days. Biochemical parameters such as ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin (total and indirect), serum proteins (total protein, album and globulin), total cholesterol and triglycerides, creatinine and urea were evaluated. Also, liver histology and oxidative stress assessment were conducted. Significant increases in the major indicators of liver toxicity were observed in the paracetamol and CCl4 only group when compared to the normal. Levels of these biochemical parameters were reduced after the administration TSE (250 mg/kg) and the silymarin (100 mg/kg). The biochemical assessment was supported by histological observations. TSE has shown to possess significant hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties in the current study.