Abstract
Objective Opilia celtidifolia is a plant used in Cameroonian ethnomedicine to cure jaundice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of O. celtidifolia leaves aqueous extract in rats subjected to ethanol-induced liver damage. Material and Methods. 36 rats including 18 males and 18 females were divided into 6 groups of 3 males and 3 females each, namely, 3 control groups (normal, negative, positive) and 3 test groups. The normal and negative control groups were given distilled water (5 ml/kg), the positive control group received silymarin (100 mg/kg), and the test groups were given O. celtidifolia extract at the doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. All groups, except the normal control, received concomitantly and daily 40% ethanol (4 g/kg) for 3 weeks to induce hepatotoxicity. Biochemical parameters such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, and lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides) were evaluated. Histological sections of the liver, kidneys, and lungs were examined. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis of the extract were carried out. Results The groups treated with the extract at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg showed a significant decrease (p < 0.001) of transaminases (ALT and AST), ALP, and bilirubin compared with the negative control. These results were confirmed by observation of histological sections of the liver that confirmed protective action of extract against ethanol-induced hepatocellular injury. Conclusion O. celtidifolia possesses hepatoprotective properties that could be related to its high content of tannins and saponins in the leaves aqueous extract.
Highlights
Opilia celtidifolia is a plant used in Cameroonian ethnomedicine to cure jaundice. e aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of O. celtidifolia leaves aqueous extract in rats subjected to ethanol-induced liver damage
E sample was authenticated at the Herbarium of the Garoua Wildlife School by Mr Vounserbo through comparison with the existing voucher specimen recorded under No HEFG/1962. ese leaves were dried in the shade at room temperature, ground in a clean mortar, and sieved. e fine powder obtained was used for the preparation of the aqueous extract
Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical Tests. e protocol described by Harborne [16] was used for qualitative phytochemical tests of the aqueous extract of O. celtidifolia leaves in order to detect the presence or absence of secondary metabolites classes such as flavonoids, phenols, tannins, proteins, saponins, and coumarins
Summary
Hepatoprotective Effects of Aqueous Extract of Opilia celtidifolia (Opiliaceae) Leaves against Ethanol-Induced Liver Damage in Rats. Received 17 January 2020; Revised September 2020; Accepted September 2020; Published 24 October 2020
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