Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of Spondias mombin leaf and stem extracts against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity

Nwidu, Lucky Legbosi; Elmorsy, Ekramy; Yibala, Oboma I.; Carter, Wayne

Abstract

Objective

Spondias mombin L. is a tree used in folk medicine in Nigeria for the treatment of hepatitis. This study was carried out to comparatively evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of S. mombin leaf and stem (SML and SMS) methanolic extracts in a rat model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity.
Methods

Forty-two rats were distributed into seven groups. Groups A and B received water; groups C and D received 500 and 1000 mg/kg SML extract, respectively; groups E and F received 500 and 1000 mg/kg SMS extract, respectively; and group G received 100 mg/kg silymarin. Water, the two extracts, and silymarin were administered daily by oral gavage for 7 days. Hepatotoxicity was induced in groups B to G by the administration of CCl4 once on the seventh day. After 48 h, rats were sacrificed, and tissues and serum samples were examined for histological and biochemical indices of hepatotoxicity.
Results

Administration of CCl4 resulted in liver injury with significant elevation in the hepatocellular injury markers alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBIL), and conjugated bilirubin (CBIL), associated with a significant reduction in total circulatory protein. Pretreatment with SML and SMS extracts at both doses significantly ameliorated liver injury; lowered ALT, AST, ALP, TBIL, and CBIL levels; elevated cellular glutathione levels as well as catalase and superoxide dismutase activities; and decreased the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances.
Conclusion

This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the potential therapeutic benefit of S. mombin in xenobiotic-induced hepatotoxicity.

Citation

Nwidu, L. L., Elmorsy, E., Yibala, O. I., & Carter, W. (2018). Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of Spondias mombin leaf and stem extracts against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity. Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences, 13(3), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtumed.2018.03.006

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 14, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Apr 12, 2018
• Publication Date: Jun 1, 2018
• Deposit Date: May 8, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: May 8, 2018
• Journal: Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences
• Electronic ISSN: 1658-3612
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 13
• Issue: 3
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtumed.2018.03.006
• Keywords: Hepatoptection; hepatotoxicity; oxidative stress; Spondias mombin L.
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/961395
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1658361218300313?via%3Dihub
• Contract Date: May 8, 2018