Abstract
Narcissus tazetta (Amaryllidaceae) is a medicinal plant widely used for cut flowers and potted ornamental plant in Tunisia flora. The current study evaluated the phenolic composition and antioxidant properties of its flower extracts and investigated its potential protective activity against cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Mice were divided into six groups of six each: group 1, serving as negative controls, received by intraperitoneal way only distilled water; group 2 received by intraperitoneal way CdCl2 (0.16 mg/kg bw); groups 3 and 4 received CdCl2 at the same dose of group 2 and 100 or 200 mg/kg bw of Narcissus tazetta flower extracts via oral route; groups 5 and 6, serving as positive controls, received only Narcissus tazetta flower extracts. Polyphenolic compounds of the extract were analyzed by colorimetric and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) methods. Total antioxidant activity and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging potential of the extract were estimated using colorimetric method. Results indicated that ethanolic flower extract contained high levels of total phenolic and flavonoid along with a strong total antioxidant and DPPH free radical scavenging activities. HPLC-MS analysis identified eight phenolic compounds, including rutin, kaempferol glycosides, and chlorogenic acids. The extract also exhibited marked hepatoprotective effects against CdCl2 toxicity by reducing hepatic levels of malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, hydrogen peroxide, metallothioneins, and DNA degradation. Additionally, co-administration of Narcissus tazetta flower extracts lowered the plasma activities of transaminases, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, and lactate dehydrogenase and increased hepatic levels of reduced glutathione, nonprotein thiols, vitamin C, and catalase activity. The hepatoprotective effects of the extract were demonstrated by histopathological improvement of liver disorders. The current study provided ethnopharmacological application of Narcissus tazetta flower extracts against CdCl2-induced oxidative stress, suggesting its chemoprevention role of its phenolic compounds as a natural antioxidant.
Highlights
Narcissus tazetta, commonly known as Narjes, is widespread as an ornamental plant in the Mediterranean regions (Grey-Wilson and Mathew, 1981)
The current study evaluated the phenolic composition and antioxidant properties of its flower extracts and investigated its potential protective activity against cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-induced hepatotoxicity in mice
The results revealed that the flower extracts of this species exhibited 134.57 mg GAE /g DW of the total antioxidant activity
Summary
Narcissus tazetta (monocotyledon, Amaryllidaceae family), commonly known as Narjes, is widespread as an ornamental plant in the Mediterranean regions (Grey-Wilson and Mathew, 1981). It is cultivated for its bulb trade, as well as for its essential oil and volatile compounds extracted from its fragrant white flowers (Chun Chen et al 2013; Ruíz-Ramón et al 2014). Its bulb extract was used in the Traditional Persian Medicine to treat internal ulcer, burns, nerve injury, skin stain and inflammation This plant showed diverse pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-cholinesterase and anti-malaria activities (López et al 2002; Sener et al 2003). Narcissus tazetta was shown to accumulate high amounts of cadmium in its roots, suggesting the possible use of this species in phytoremediation programs, and for protective effects against heavy metals induced toxicity (Homeira Soleimani et al 2019)
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