Nepeta paulsenii Briq. inhibits hepatic toxicity in albino rats: Phytochemical analysis and chemical profiling

Abstract

Nepeta paulsenii is a less explored plant found in the South-Eastern hilly region of Pakistan. Local people consider it a medicinal plant. The protective effect of methanol extract of N. paulsenii leaves on carbon-tetrachloride (CCl4) tempted liver damage in male rats was assessed. Forty-eight rats were equally divided into 8 groups and various concentrations of extract + CCl4 were induced for 30 days. Crude methanolic extract of N. paulsenii plant was examined through phytochemical analyses and gas chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometre (GC–MS) before biological testing on albino rats. Phytochemical analysis of extract showed coumarins, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins and betacyanins, while GC–MS results revealed the existence of several compounds belonging to diverse classes, responsible for the hepatoprotective attribute of N.paulsenii. CCl4 exposure substantially decreased the antioxidant enzymes activity while increased the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and reactive oxygen species levels. A remarkable increase in the aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels was observed in CCl4 treated rats. Comet-parameters were observed after CCl4 administration. N. paulsenii extract administration substantially improved the antioxidant enzyme activity, hepatic markers as well as comet parameters and reversed the CCl4 induced histopathological damages. The results revealed that N. paulsenii has therapeutic effects against CCl4-induced liver damages.