Abstract
Aims: The present study assessed the antioxidant and hepatoprotective potentials of the methanolic leaf extract of Lasimorpha senegalensis – a medicinal plant used by the indigenous people of Nigeria to treat hepatitis and feverish conditions.
 Place and Duration of Study: The research work was conducted in the Department of Pharmacognosy and Environmental Medicine and Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, both in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, from May to August, 2019.
 Methodology: Phytochemical analyses and acute toxicity study of the sample followed standard procedures. In vitro antioxidant assay was by DPPH and H2O2 models. A total of 25 male Wistar albino rats (120 – 150 g) were grouped into five, each group with five animals. Hepatotoxicity was induced with carbontetrachloride (1 ml/kg). The treatment groups (3-5) received extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) and Silymarin (100 mg/kg). Endogenous antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase), plasma malondialdehyde and liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphate) were determined after treatment.
 Results: The results showed the leaf extract had appreciable amounts of bioactive phytochemicals and free radical scavenging activity (IC50 of 0.52 mg/ml and 0.71 mg/ml for DPPH and H2O2 respectively) with no toxicity at 5000 mg/kg. The extract also elevated the endogenous antioxidants and significantly (p ≤ .05) reduced lipid peroxidase and liver enzymes.
 Conclusion: This report justifies the local use of this plant in the management of various diseases related to oxidative stress and liver damage.
Highlights
Oxidative stress is a condition caused by free radicals and highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) which build up in human bodies if not properly taken care of by the endogenous systems, under normal physiological activities [1]
Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase are some of the endogenous antioxidant enzymes found normally in every living cell [4], while malondialdehyde (MDA) is a biomarker of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation
The current results showed that the leaf extract of L. senegalensis reduced lipid peroxidation by lowering the concentration of MDA in the experimental animal groups
Summary
Oxidative stress is a condition caused by free radicals and highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) which build up in human bodies if not properly taken care of by the endogenous systems, under normal physiological activities [1]. Free radicals and ROS are toxic to human cells, affect activation of enzymes and in the process damage the tissues. Several diseases and conditions are associated with oxidative stress; they include cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, ageing and neural and cardiovascular malfunction [1,2]. The liver being the organ where detoxification occurs is most susceptible to disease attack as result of the intake of hepatotoxic drugs, smoking, air pollution and pesticide poisoning. Apart from detoxification, the liver is regarded as the relevant organ in the body because it regulates several metabolic activities in the body – it secretes bile and produces blood-clothing factors. Common liver diseases include jaundice, hepatitis and cirrhosis [1,3]
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