The Role of Cymbopogon Citratus Extract in Protecting the Liver Against Injurious Effect of Dimethylnitrosamine in Rats

Naglaa Ali Saber Sarg

doi:10.11648/j.ijcda.20150104.12

Abstract

Background: N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a potent hepatotoxin that induces fibrosis of the liver. Cymbopogon citratus, a plant that is widely cultivated to be eaten either fresh with food or dried in tea or soft drink has been reported to possess a number of medicinal and aromatic properties. Aim of the work: This work is aimed to study the protective effect of Cymbopogon citratus ethanolic leaf extract against hepatic injury and fibrosis induced by repeated intermittent administration of Dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) in rats. Materials and methods: A total of 30 rats divided into 3 groups were used. Group 1 served as control, Group 2 was given intraperitoneal injection with DMA at a concentration of 10mg/kg body weight on three consecutive days of each week over a period of three weeks. Group 3 was given DMA at a concentration of 10mg/kg body weight on three consecutive days of each week over a period of three weeks and 100 mg/kg body weight of Cymbopogon citratus ethanolic aqueous leaf extract 5 hours after administration of DMN. Results: It was found that DMN produces histopathological changes of the liver; including signs of severe hepatic injury. The cytoplasm of most hepatocytes appeared vacuolated with pyknotic and karyolytic nuclei, congested blood vessels and focal necrotic areas with marked increase of the collagen fibers deposition around the blood vessels. Ultrastructural changes showed Pyknotic nuclei, vacuolated cytoplasm and reduction or complete loss of cristae in the mitochondria. These were reversed by simultaneous treatment with Cymbopogon citratus. In conclusion: The results of this present study indicated that aqueous leaf extracts of Cymbopogon citratus has an antihepatotoxic action against DMN induced hepatic oxidative damage in rats which might be ascribed to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging property.

Highlights

The liver is the largest visceral organ in the human body and the chief site for metabolism and detoxification
Liver cirrhosis often results in high mortality and is a risk factor in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) [2], which rank the fifth of the cancer incidence worldwide [3]
Light microscopic examination of liver sections of an adult control rat normal hepatic architecture where the hepatocytes were arranged in cords radiating from the central vein extending to the periphery of the lobule

Summary

Introduction

The liver is the largest visceral organ in the human body and the chief site for metabolism and detoxification. Aim of the work: This work is aimed to study the protective effect of Cymbopogon citratus ethanolic leaf extract against hepatic injury and fibrosis induced by repeated intermittent administration of Dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) in rats. Group 3 was given DMA at a concentration of 10mg/kg body weight on three consecutive days of each week over a period of three weeks and 100 mg/kg body weight of Cymbopogon citratus ethanolic aqueous leaf extract 5 hours after administration of DMN. Ultrastructural changes showed Pyknotic nuclei, vacuolated cytoplasm and reduction or complete loss of cristae in the mitochondria These were reversed by simultaneous treatment with Cymbopogon citratus. In conclusion: The results of this present study indicated that aqueous leaf extracts of Cymbopogon citratus has an antihepatotoxic action against DMN induced hepatic oxidative damage in rats which might be ascribed to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging property

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Conclusion