Liver function in Wistar rats: Alchornea and Costus against paracetamol.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Liver function of wistar rats fed the combined ethanolic leaf extract of alchornea cordifolia and costus afer in paracetamol-induced toxicity
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Arhoghro E. M., Ikeh C H, Eboh A.S. and Angalabiri-Owei B.
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Liver function of wistar rats fed the combined ethanolic leaf extract of alchornea cordifolia and costus afer in paracetamol-induced toxicity
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
Medicinal plants are significant for their therapeutic properties, with a long history of use in treating various ailments. The active compounds responsible for their efficacy are often phytochemicals found in these plants. Traditional medicine utilizes these plants extensively in primary healthcare, especially in developing countries, to combat diverse diseases. This study investigates the hepatoprotective effects of combined ethanolic leaf extracts of Alchornea cordifolia and Costus afer on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. As liver damage due to drug-induced toxicity remains a pressing issue, understanding the benefits of these plant extracts offers potential therapeutic avenues.
2) Hepatotoxicity and the Role of Paracetamol
Paracetamol, commonly used as a pain reliever and antipyretic, can cause severe liver damage when overdosed. The liver metabolizes paracetamol primarily through cytochrome P450 enzymes, converting it into a toxic metabolite known as N-acetyl-p-benzquinone imine (NAPQI). Under conditions of overdose, the liver's stores of glutathione are depleted, resulting in an accumulation of NAPQI that can lead to acute hepatic necrosis. Consequently, understanding how natural products can mitigate such toxicity is critical for developing therapeutic interventions against paracetamol-induced liver injury.
3) Efficacy of Combined Extracts
The study demonstrated that the combined ethanolic leaf extracts of Alchornea cordifolia and Costus afer significantly ameliorate the biochemical markers of liver damage in Wistar rats exposed to paracetamol. The treatment groups that received the combined extracts exhibited a notable decrease in serum levels of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) and bilirubin, which are indicative of hepatic damage. Furthermore, there was an observed increase in serum protein and albumin levels in the extract-treated groups compared to those administered paracetamol only. This suggests that these extracts possess potent hepatoprotective properties.
4) Polyherbal Therapy and Its Advantages
The concept of polyherbal therapy, which involves using multiple plant sources in combination, has gained attention for its potential to provide enhanced therapeutic effects with minimized side effects. This study aligns with the notion that using multiple extracts simultaneously can yield synergistic effects in combating liver toxicity. The findings indicate that the phytochemical components within Alchornea cordifolia and Costus afer work together to exert protective pharmacological effects against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. The combined antioxidants and other biologically active substances likely contribute to the observed therapeutic efficacy.
5) Conclusion
In conclusion, the research illustrates that paracetamol poses a significant risk of hepatic damage, particularly in cases of overdose. However, the introduction of combined ethanolic leaf extracts from Alchornea cordifolia and Costus afer exhibits substantial protective effects against this damage in Wistar rats. These findings reinforce the therapeutic potential of using medicinal plants in treating liver toxicity, highlighting the need for further exploration into their mechanisms of action and possible applications in clinical settings.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the main objective of the study conducted on Wistar rats?
The main objective was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of combined ethanolic leaf extracts of Alchornea cordifolia and Costus afer on biochemical parameters in Wistar rats with paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity.
What types of extracts were administered to the rats in the study?
Rats received combined ethanolic leaf extracts of Alchornea cordifolia and Costus afer at doses of 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg body weight, along with paracetamol treatment.
What were the key findings regarding liver enzyme levels in the study?
Paracetamol-treated rats showed significantly elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) compared to control. The extracts reduced these enzyme levels significantly, indicating liver protection.
What does a significant increase in AST and ALT levels signify?
A significant increase in AST and ALT levels indicates liver damage or dysfunction, commonly seen in cases of drug-induced hepatotoxicity.
How were the effects of the extracts evaluated in the experiment?
The effects were evaluated through biochemical analysis of liver function tests and serum markers after inducing hepatotoxicity using paracetamol in the Wistar rats.
What conclusions were drawn about the herbal extracts used in the study?
The study concluded that the combined extracts of Alchornea cordifolia and Costus afer offer protective effects against paracetamol-induced liver damage in rats.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Liver function in Wistar rats: Alchornea and Costus against paracetamol.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Costus:
Costus refers to a genus of tropical plants known for their medicinal properties. In the context of the study, Costus afer was particularly investigated for its hepatoprotective effects against paracetamol-induced liver damage in Wistar rats, highlighting the relevance of this plant in traditional medicine and pharmacology.
2) Animal:
Animals, particularly Wistar rats in this study, are used in research to model human biological processes and diseases. Their responses to pharmaceuticals, like the hepatotoxic effects of paracetamol, provide insights into potential therapeutic interventions and the safety and efficacy of plant extracts used in traditional medicine.
3) Study (Studying):
The study aims to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of combined ethanolic leaf extracts from Alchornea cordifolia and Costus afer on paracetamol-induced toxicity. Research studies like this are essential to validate traditional remedies and contribute to the evidence base for natural treatments in the management of liver diseases.
4) Water:
Water plays a crucial role in biological processes; it's the medium for transporting nutrients and waste in organisms. In the context of the study, distilled water was used for reconstituting the leaf extract and providing hydration to the rats, ensuring they remained in a controlled environment during the experiment.
5) Table:
Tables in scientific studies present organized data for easy interpretation. In this research, tables displayed the biochemical results of liver function tests, allowing for straightforward comparison between different treatment groups. This aids in understanding the effects of the extracts on liver health after paracetamol administration.
6) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can harm living organisms. In this study, paracetamol's hepatotoxicity was induced to assess the protective effects of plant extracts. Understanding toxicity is critical for evaluating drug effects and developing safe therapeutic agents, particularly from herbal sources.
7) Disease:
Diseases can result from various factors, including chemical exposure or biological infections, compromising health. The study addresses liver disease caused by paracetamol overdose, underscoring the importance of investigating protective agents like plant extracts, which may offer alternative treatments and enhance liver health.
8) Drug:
A drug is a substance used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease. Paracetamol, as the primary drug in this study, is commonly used for pain relief but can cause liver damage in high doses. This research evaluates alternative treatments to mitigate such adverse drug effects.
9) Activity:
Activity, in a pharmacological context, refers to the biological effects and therapeutic potential of substances. The study highlights the protective activity of combined ethanolic leaf extracts against liver toxicity, emphasizing the importance of assessing these effects for developing effective natural remedies.
10) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world. This study exemplifies applied scientific research in pharmacology and biochemistry, using controlled experiments and methodologies to explore the therapeutic potentials of plant extracts in liver protection.
11) Blood:
Blood is a vital fluid that transports oxygen, nutrients, and waste products in animals. In the study, blood samples were analyzed to assess liver function through enzyme levels, which serves as an indicator of liver damage and the efficacy of the tested plant extracts in reducing such damage.
12) Post:
Post refers to actions taken after an event; in this context, it pertains to post-treatment observations or analyses after administering paracetamol and the extracts to the rats. This phase is crucial for evaluating the outcomes and determining the effectiveness of the treatment regimens.
13) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological pertains to the study of drugs and their effects on biological systems. This research explores the pharmacological properties of Alchornea cordifolia and Costus afer, particularly their potential to protect against liver toxicity induced by paracetamol, enhancing the understanding of herbal medicines' pharmacodynamics.
14) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial refers to substances that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. While the study primarily focuses on hepatoprotection, the mention of antibacterial effects highlights the broader therapeutic potentials of the plant extracts, reinforcing their medicinal value beyond liver health.
15) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in plants with potential health benefits. The study investigates the phytochemicals in Alchornea cordifolia and Costus afer that may contribute to their hepatoprotective effects, supporting the need to explore these natural compounds for therapeutic applications.
16) Sugar:
Sugar, often generalized as sweet-tasting carbohydrates, can influence health and metabolism. In this context, the term 'sugar' incorporates the background on Costus afer, which possesses sweet traits and is recognized for its medicinal use in treating diabetes, linking sugar metabolism and traditional treatment approaches.
17) Roka:
Roka refers to the plant Trichilia roka, noted for its medicinal properties. Including references to such species highlights the relevance of multiple plants known for hepatoprotective effects, suggesting the interconnectedness of traditional medicine practices within the research focus on liver health.
18) Cage:
Cages are enclosures used to house animals for research. In this study, Wistar rats were kept in standard cages, allowing for controlled conditions that are crucial for ensuring the validity and reliability of the experimental results in assessing the protective effects of plant extracts.
19) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the branch of science that studies drug interactions, effects, and mechanisms. This research contributes to the field of pharmacology by investigating the effects of plant extracts on liver function and toxicity, promoting the integration of traditional remedies in modern drug development.
20) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
Accumulation refers to the build-up of a substance over time. In this study, paracetamol accumulation in the liver can lead to toxic effects, emphasizing the importance of understanding how herbal extracts can reduce or prevent such accumulation and its related organ damage.
21) Alleviation:
Alleviation means the reduction or mitigation of symptoms or conditions. The study aims to demonstrate the alleviation of paracetamol-induced hepatic damage through the use of plant extracts, showcasing their potential benefits in therapeutic settings and traditional medicine applications.
22) Observation:
Observation in research refers to the systematic examination of phenomena or and resulting data. In this study, careful observation of the biochemical changes in rats after treatments provides insights into the efficacy of the extracts, enhancing the reliability of the study's conclusions.
23) Discussion:
Discussion involves interpreting the research findings, comparing results with existing literature, and elucidating implications. This section of the study analyzes the effects of the plant extracts on liver health, placing the findings in a broader context of traditional medicine and herbal therapies.
24) Developing:
Developing pertains to the process of growth or evolution, often within scientific fields. The study underscores the developing understanding of herbal remedies in treating liver diseases, bridging traditional knowledge and modern pharmacological approaches to enhance healthcare solutions.
25) Substance:
Substance refers to a particular kind of matter. In the study, substances such as ethanolic leaf extracts of Alchornea cordifolia and Costus afer are investigated for their potential hepatoprotective properties, highlighting the importance of identifying effective compounds for therapeutic applications.
26) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a class of phytochemicals with antioxidant properties. In the study, potential flavonoid components in the plant extracts may contribute to their protective effects against liver damage, illustrating the significance of these compounds in herbal medicine and their roles in mitigating oxidative stress.
27) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. This study contributes to the broader field of medicine by exploring the therapeutic benefits of plant extracts, supporting the integration of natural products into conventional medical practices for liver health.
28) Species:
Species refers to a group of organisms with similar characteristics. In this research, the specific species of Alchornea cordifolia and Costus afer are investigated for their unique hepatoprotective effects, emphasizing the diversity of plant species used in traditional medicine and their potential therapeutic relevance.
29) Mineral:
Minerals are inorganic substances essential for various physiological processes. While not the primary focus, the study acknowledges the significance of minerals alongside phytochemicals in plants, which can contribute to overall health benefits and support the therapeutic properties of the investigated extracts.
30) Forest:
Forests are ecosystems densely populated by trees and various plant species. The utilization of plants such as Costus afer, which thrives in forested environments, highlights the importance of natural habitats in providing medicinal resources and the role of biodiversity in traditional healing practices.
31) Family:
Family in taxonomy is a higher classification level that groups related species. The classification of Costus afer within the Zingiberaceae family underscores the ecological relationships among plants and suggests common traits that might influence their pharmacological properties and therapeutic potentials.
32) Powder:
Powder refers to a finely ground substance. In this study, the powdered forms of plant leaves were used to prepare ethanolic extracts, illustrating the process of extracting bioactive compounds from plants for subsequent evaluation of their therapeutic efficacy in liver protection.
33) Ghana:
Ghana, a country in West Africa, has a rich tradition of herbal medicine. The mention of traditional uses of plants like Alchornea cordifolia within Ghanaian culture provides context to the study, reflecting the significance of local plants in health management and their inclusion in modern research.
34) House:
House refers to the structure that provides shelter. In the study, the animal house signifies the controlled environment for housing rats, essential for maintaining consistent conditions during experimentation and ensuring ethical treatment in compliance with research standards.
35) Mash (Mas):
Mash refers to a type of feed often given to animals, typically composed of grains. In the context of this research, the mention of 'growers mash' indicates the standardized diet provided to the rats, ensuring adequate nutrition during the experiment to maintain health and minimize variability in results.
36) Tree:
Trees are perennial plants characterized by a trunk and branches. Inscribing the relevance of trees highlights the natural source of the studied plants, which possess various medicinal properties and exemplify the importance of sustainable harvesting from forest ecosystems in traditional and modern medicine.
37) Male:
Male pertains to the sex of organisms that produce sperm. In this study, male Wistar rats were selected to eliminate variability related to sex in physiological responses, providing a consistent subject group for assessing the impacts of paracetamol and the protective roles of the plant extracts.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Liver function in Wistar rats: Alchornea and Costus against paracetamol.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Phytochemical, Statistical analysis, Group classification, Chronic liver disease, Hepatoprotective effect, Institutional Animal Ethical committee, Liver Function, Antioxidant.