In vitro hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of crude extract and isolated compounds from Ficus gnaphalocarpa

Abstract

The in vitro hepatoprotective effect of the methanolic extract from Ficus gnaphalocarpa (Miq.) Steud. ex A. Rich (Moraceae) on the CCl₄-induced liver cell damage as well as the possible antioxidant mechanisms involved in this protective effect, were investigated. The phytochemical investigation of this methanolic extract led to the isolation of six compounds identified as: betulinic acid (1); 3-methoxyquercetin (2); catechin (3); epicatechin (4); quercetin (5); and quercitrin (6). The hepatoprotective activity of these compounds was tested in vitro against CCl₄-induced damage in rat hepatoma cells. In addition, radical-scavenging activity, β-carotene-linoleic acid model system, ferric-reducing antioxidant parameter and microsomal lipid peroxidation assays were used to measure antioxidant activity of crude extract and isolated compounds. Silymarin and trolox were used as standard references and, respectively, exhibited significant hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities. (5), (6) and (2) showed significant antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities as indicated by their ability to prevent liver cell death and lactate dehydrogenase leakage during CCl₄ intoxication. These results suggest that the protective effects of crude extract of F. gnaphalocarpa against the CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity possibly involve the antioxidant effect of these compounds.

Phytochemical composition, in vitro antioxidant activity and acute toxicity of Irvingia gabonensis (O’Rorke) baill ethanolic leaf extract

“…In combination with palm oil, the leaves are also used to stop haemorrhage in pregnant women. In Senegal, the decoction of the stem bark is used in the treatment of gonorrhoea, hepatic and gastrointestinal disorders (Hubert et al 2010). A very important criterion that must be considered in the selection of herbal medicines for health use is the safety of such herbs.…”

Ethanolic leaf extract of Irvingia gabonensis (o’Rorke) Baill protects against nephrotoxocity and hepatotoxicity in cadmium-induced wistar albino rats

“…The leaves are used to stop haemorrhage in pregnant women when combined with palm oil. The decoction of the stem bark is used in the treatment of gonorrhoea, hepatic and gastrointestinal disorders in Senegal (Hubert et al 2010). The leaf extracts of the plant has been reported to have diuretic effect in rats and hypotensive effect in cats (Nosiri et al 2009a;2009b).…”

Proximate composition, mineral content and amino acid profile of Irvingia gabonensis O’Rorke baill leaf

“…The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the stem bark have also been documented [9]. It is also known that the seed extract and the stem bark have antioxidant activity [10], [3]. The hematological properties and prophylactic effect of the ethanolic stem bark extract of this plant on cadmium-induced toxicity in Wistar rats was reported by Ojo et al, [11], [12].…”

“…It is commonly called bush mango or wild mango and grows to 15-40m with a slightly buttressed hole. It occurs in the wild low land forest [3], the dark green foliage is dense and the leaves are elliptical. The yellow/white flowers occur in bundles or clusters between February and March, and the fruit appears during the rainy season between July and September.…”

“…The aqueous decoction of the leaves is also used as antidote for some poisonous substances. The Senegalese use the decoction of the stem bark in treating gonorrhea, hepatic and gastrointestinal disorders [3]. The root bark is also prescribed in poultice form to treat wounds.…”