Abstract
Markhamia tomentosa (Benth.) K. Schum. (Mt) is a Cameroonian medicinal plant, traditionally used to treat painful and inflammatory illness. This study aimed to examine the effects of methanol leaves extract (MLE) of Mt in D-galactosamine (D-GaIN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver injury. The MLE (100 and 200 mg/kg), Ascorbic acid (10 mg/kg) and distilled water were administered 12 h and 1 h before intraperitoneal injection of D-GaIN (10 mg/mouse)/LPS (0.1 μg/g). Animals were sacrificed 6 h after D-GalN/LPS challenge. Liver injury was assessed biochemically by determination of aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), nitrites, total protein and bilirubin levels were explored. Histopathological examination of liver tissue was also performed. Liver enzymes (ALAT, ASAT, ALP) activity, nitrites, MDA and bilirubin levels were increased, while protein level, SOD and catalase activities were significantly reduced by D-GalN/LPS administration. MLE (100 or 200 mg/kg) protected mice against D-GalN/LPS-induced death. In addition, the plant extract significantly reduced ALAT and ALP activity, exhibiting 23.00% and 62.20% protection, respectively. SOD activity and total protein were significantly (p D-GaIN/LPS-induced liver injury. The obtained results showed that MLE of Mt may possess hepatoprotective effects. Protection afforded by MLE against D-GalN/LPS-induced fulminant liver injury may result from reduction of oxidative stress.
Highlights
There is an increasing interest in phytotherapy across the world [1]
This study aimed to examine the effects of methanol leaves extract (MLE) of Mt in -galactosamine ( -GaIN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver injury
In group of mice treated with M. tomentosa methanol extract (100 or 200 mg/kg), 3 h after injection of -GaIN/LPS, the mortality rate was 0.00% and 16.67%, five hours afterward it was 16.67% and 33.33%, respectively, and remained unchanged until the end of experiment
Summary
Medicinal plants have been explored over years and some of currently available drugs are from plants’ origin [2]. World Health Organization has pointed out the importance of research to support the development of traditional herbal medicine in delivering appropriate, safe and effective treatments [3]. They are largely found in tropics and few species are distributed in the temperate and sub-tropical regions [5]. They are mostly used for medicinal and ornamental purposes. A tree of about 15 m high, found in the savannah forests, throughout West Africa and extending southward to Angola belongs to this family. In Cameroon, this plant is commonly known as “bougtoun” in Bayangam, “bobèdou” in Duala, “abbe” in Koosi or “mawelu” in Kpe [6]
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