Hepatoprotective effects of leaf extract of Annona senegalensis against aflatoxin B1 toxicity in rats.

Abstract

Global aflatoxin contamination of agricultural commodities is of the most concern in food safety and quality. This study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of 80% methanolic leaf extract ofAnnona senegalensisagainst aflatoxin B1(AFB1)-induced toxicity in rats.A. senegalensishas shown to inhibit genotoxicity of aflatoxin B1in vitro. The rats were divided into six groups including untreated control, aflatoxin B1only (negative control); curcumin (positive control; 10 mg/kg); and three groups receiving different doses (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg) ofA. senegalensisextract. The rats received treatment (with the exception of untreated group) for 7 days prior to intoxication with aflatoxin B1. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatinine were measured. Hepatic tissues were analysed for histological alterations. Administration ofA. senegalensisextract demonstrated hepatoprotective effects against aflatoxin B1-induced toxicityin vivoby significantly reducing the level of serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase and regenerating the hepatocytes. No significant changes were observed in the levels of alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatinine for the AFB1intoxicated group, curcumin+AFB1andAnnona senegalensisleaf extract (ASLE)+AFB1(100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg body weight [b.w.]) treated groups.Annona senegalensisis a good candidate for hepatoprotective agents and thus its use in traditional medicine may at least in part be justified.Contribution:The plant extract investigated in this study can be used in animal health to protect the organism from toxicity caused by mycotoxins.