Phytochemical and Toxicological Effect of Ethanol Extract of Heliotropium Indicum on Liver of Male Albino Rats

Abstract

Heliotropium indicum is a plant of the Boraginaceae family reported to have multiple beneficial health effects, including analgesic, anti-malaria, anti-microbial, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, amongst others. 42 Male Wistar rats were used for this study. Group A served as control and received distilled water only. Groups B, C, D, E, and F were fed with the extract of Heliotropium Indicum in different concentrations. (500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, 1500 mg/kg 2000 mg/kg and 3000 mg/kg) respectively. This study showed that Heliotropium indicum contains phytochemicals such as saponins tannins, cardiac glycosides, and terpenoids. Our results revealed that Heliotropium indicum decreased the ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin levels, especially at doses from 1500 mg/kg B.W. Also, inflammatory cytokine expressions were significantly reduced at similar doses. However, the level of antioxidants (GSH, CAT, GST, SOD, GPx) were significantly increased by Heliotropium indicum administration at doses ranging from 1500 mg/kg to 3000 mg/kg. The antioxidative potentials of Heliotropium indicum are further complemented by its ability to reduce inflammatory cytokine expression, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2 as well as NO and LPO. Ethanol extract of Heliotropium indicum at doses between 1500 mg/kg and 3000 mg/kg has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory effects and can counteract lipid peroxidation.