Flavonoid-rich fraction of Lasianthera africana leaves alleviates hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride in Wistar rats

Abstract

Lasianthera africana P. Beauv. (Icacinaceae) is a good source of natural antioxidants, having the potential to protect against oxidative stress-related diseases and complications. This study investigated the antioxidant, hepatoprotective and curative effects of flavonoid-rich fraction of L. africana leaves (LAFRF) against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Phytochemical, nutrient content, and in vitro antioxidant activity of LAFRF were determined by standard methods. Fifty Wistar rats were randomized into 10 groups (n = 5). Groups 1 and 2 served as normal and CCl₄ controls, respectively. Groups 3A–6A constituted the protective study while groups 3B–6B represented the curative study. The effects of LAFRF at 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant status, liver enzymes activities, and histology of CCl₄-intoxicated rats were assessed. LAFRF total flavonoids (281.05 ± 7.44 mg QE/g), indicated LD₅₀ above 5000 mg/kg b.w., and scavenged ABTS*⁺ with an IC₅₀ of 5.05 ± 0.00 µg/mL relative to butylated hydroxytoluene (4.16 ± 0.00 µg/mL), and a concentration-dependent increase in total antioxidant capacity. Carbon tetrachloride (1 mL/kg) triggered significant (p < 0.05) increases in malonedialdehyde concentration (2.67 ± 0.21 mg/mL), with a corresponding decline in antioxidant status, and increases in alkaline phosphatase, alanine and aspartate aminotransferase activities (68.00 ± 9.59 IU/L, 79.60 ± 5.03 IU/L and 81.80 ± 3.96 IU/L), respectively. LAFRF significantly (p < 0.05) lowered lipid peroxidation levels, liver enzyme activities, increased antioxidant status, and improved hepatic histo-architecture of pre- and post LAFRF-treated rats. This demonstrates its high antioxidative, hepatoprotective and curative effects, indicating its potential for future drug development.

Keywords:

• Antioxidants
• flavonoids
• hepatotoxicity
• Lasianthera africana
• liver
• medicinal plants
• oxidative stress

Acknowledgments

Authors are grateful to Mr & Mrs Emmanuel Ekpo for funding the PhD research of Daniel Emmanuel Ekpo, and to Dr. Udofia Akpan Obot (FCIN) of Century Recovery Service Ltd., Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria, for providing preliminary resources for the conduct of this research. We are also thankful to Dr. Chika Bright Ikele of the Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, for conducting the microscopic histological assessment. We appreciate Dr. Joyce O. Ogidigo of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Abuja, Nigeria, for her technical inputs. Special thanks to DivineFavour Ekufre Etukudo of the Department of Medicine and Surgery, Bencarson School of Medicine, Babcock University, Ogun State, Nigeria, for proofreading the final version of the manuscript.

Author contributions

D. E. Ekpo: Conceptualized and designed the work; Performed all laboratory experiments; Analyzed and interpreted the data; Wrote the draft and final versions of the manuscript, and coordinated the peer review process.

P. E. Joshua: Conceptualized and designed the work; Analyzed and interpreted the data; Supervised the work.

A. S. Odiba: Provided insight into the in vitro laboratory investigations; Analyzed and interpreted the data; Improved on the final draft of the manuscript.

O. F. C. Nwodo: Conceptualized and designed the work; Analyzed and interpreted the data; Supervised the work.

All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest in this publication.

Data availability statement

All data required for the conduct of this study, and interpretation of results obtained from the experiments are included in this publication.

Additional information

Funding

No funding was received from any institution or grant awarding body for the conduct of this research.