Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Potentials of Lasimorpha senegalensis Schott Leaf Extract on Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Liver Damage in Rats

Aims: The present study assessed the antioxidant and hepatoprotective potentials of the methanolic leaf extract of Lasimorpha senegalensis – a medicinal plant used by the indigenous people of Nigeria to treat hepatitis and feverish conditions.

Place and Duration of Study: The research work was conducted in the Department of Pharmacognosy and Environmental Medicine and Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, both in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, from May to August, 2019.

Methodology: Phytochemical analyses and acute toxicity study of the sample followed standard procedures. In vitro antioxidant assay was by DPPH and H2O2 models. A total of 25 male Wistar albino rats (120 – 150 g) were grouped into five, each group with five animals. Hepatotoxicity was induced with carbontetrachloride (1 ml/kg). The treatment groups (3-5) received extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) and Silymarin (100 mg/kg). Endogenous antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase), plasma malondialdehyde and liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphate) were determined after treatment.

Results: The results showed the leaf extract had appreciable amounts of bioactive phytochemicals and free radical scavenging activity (IC50 of 0.52 mg/ml and 0.71 mg/ml for DPPH and H2O2 respectively) with no toxicity at 5000 mg/kg. The extract also elevated the endogenous antioxidants and significantly (p ≤ .05) reduced lipid peroxidase and liver enzymes.

Conclusion: This report justifies the local use of this plant in the management of various diseases related to oxidative stress and liver damage.