Hepatoprotective potential of Ficus auriculata and Sarcochlamys pulcherrima.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Hepatoprotective potential of ficus auriculata and sarcochlamys pulcherrima, two ethnomedicinal plants used by the mishing community of assam
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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B. K. Doley and B. B. Kakoti
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Hepatoprotective potential of ficus auriculata and sarcochlamys pulcherrima, two ethnomedicinal plants used by the mishing community of assam
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr201815-13033
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The liver, being the largest organ in the human body, plays a critical role in various metabolic activities. However, its susceptibility to toxicity from various agents poses significant health challenges. This study focuses on the hepatoprotective potential of two ethnomedicinal plants, Ficus auriculata and Sarcochlamys pulcherrima, traditionally used by the Mishing community in Assam. The effects of these plants were evaluated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats, assessing their capability to mitigate liver damage characterized by elevated serum enzyme levels.
Mechanism of Hepatotoxicity
Carbon tetrachloride is a well-documented hepatotoxicant that induces liver damage primarily through the generation of trichloromethyl free radicals. These radicals lead to lipid peroxidation, impairing cellular integrity and ultimately resulting in cell death. The study's findings indicate that both Ficus auriculata and Sarcochlamys pulcherrima exhibit hepatoprotective effects, as demonstrated by their significant ability to reduce elevated serum levels of liver enzymes such as SGOT, SGPT, and ALP following CCl4 administration. This suggests a potential antioxidant mechanism that could help mitigate oxidative stress in hepatocytes.
Biochemical Analysis of Treatment Efficacy
The experiment involved various dosage groups, comparing the effects of methanolic and aqueous extracts of both plants at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg against a control group treated with silymarin, a known hepatoprotective agent. The results indicated that both plant extracts significantly lowered the levels of SGOT, SGPT, ALP, and bilirubin, markers commonly associated with liver damage. Notably, the administration of these extracts in higher dosages (400 mg/kg) resulted in even more considerable reductions in enzyme levels compared to the standard treatment with silymarin, showcasing their potential as effective hepatoprotective agents.
Histopathological Observations
The histopathological evaluation of liver tissues provided further insights into the protective effects of the plant extracts. Liver sections from the CCl4 treated group exhibited significant damage, characterized by ballooning degeneration and necrosis of hepatocytes. In contrast, livers treated with the extracts displayed lesser degrees of damage, confirming the plants' protective attributes. These observations indicate improvements in liver architecture and cellular integrity, correlating with the biochemical findings where the enzyme levels were notably reduced.
Conclusion
The findings from this study underscore the significant hepatoprotective potential of Ficus auriculata and Sarcochlamys pulcherrima against chemically induced liver damage. The results support the traditional medicinal use of these plants by the Mishing community of Assam for liver-related disorders. The aqueous extracts in particular were shown to be more effective than the methanolic counterparts, suggesting that further investigations into the pharmacological properties and mechanisms of these ethnomedicinal plants are warranted. Ultimately, this research contributes to a greater understanding of the therapeutic applications of these plants in hepatoprotection and reinforces the relevance of traditional medicine in contemporary health practices.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the hepatoprotective plants studied in the research?
The study examines the hepatoprotective effects of two ethnomedicinal plants: Ficus auriculata and Sarcochlamys pulcherrima, used by the Mishing community of Assam.
How was hepatotoxicity induced in the study's experiments?
Hepatotoxicity was induced in albino Wistar rats using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 1 ml/kg mixed with olive oil.
Which biochemical parameters were measured to assess liver damage?
The levels of SGOT, SGPT, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin were measured to evaluate liver damage and the hepatoprotective effects of the plant extracts.
What were the administration methods for the plant extracts?
Methanolic and aqueous extracts of Ficus auriculata and Sarcochlamys pulcherrima were administered orally at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg for the study.
What was the effect of the plant extracts on liver enzymes?
Both plant extracts significantly reduced elevated serum enzyme levels induced by CCl4, indicating hepatoprotective activity and stabilization of liver function.
What was concluded about Ficus auriculata compared to Sarcochlamys pulcherrima?
The study concluded that Ficus auriculata exhibited more potent hepatoprotective activity than Sarcochlamys pulcherrima, supporting its traditional medicinal use for liver disorders.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Hepatoprotective potential of Ficus auriculata and Sarcochlamys pulcherrima.”. 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) Drug:
The term 'drug' refers to a substance that induces a physiological effect on the body, particularly in the context of treatment or prevention of diseases. In the study, herbal extracts such as 'Ficus auriculata' and 'Sarcochlamys pulcherrima' serve as potential drugs for liver protection against damage induced by toxins.
2) Animal:
The term 'animals' is the plural form of animal and signifies multiple non-human organisms used in research. The study involved several rats, categorized into various treatment groups to assess the efficacy of plant extracts on liver health, demonstrating practical applications for animal studies in pharmacology.
3) Study (Studying):
The word 'study' indicates a systematic investigation into a topic to derive conclusions. This research focused on the hepatoprotective effects of two ethnomedicinal plants in rats, analyzing biochemical parameters and histopathological changes to establish their potential benefits in traditional medicine and contribute to drug development.
4) Activity:
In the context of pharmacology, 'activity' refers to the effect or action exerted by a drug on biological systems. The study evaluated the hepatoprotective activity of the plant extracts, which was measured by their ability to mitigate liver damage and restore normal serum enzyme levels in treated rats.
5) Toxicity:
'Toxicity' refers to the degree to which a substance can harm an organism. Carbon tetrachloride was used to induce hepatotoxicity in rats, allowing the researchers to examine the protective effects of the plant extracts. The study documented the toxic effects of CCl4 on liver function.
6) Water:
Water is a critical solvent in both biological systems and laboratory settings. In the study, plant extracts were suspended in distilled water before administration to rats. Water serves as a medium for drug delivery, ensuring that the extracts can be effectively absorbed and utilized by the body.
7) Science (Scientific):
'Science' encompasses systematic knowledge gained through observation and experimentation. The study embodies scientific inquiry by investigating the hepatoprotective properties of specific plant extracts, contributing to the broader field of pharmacognosy and highlighting the importance of traditional knowledge in modern scientific practices.
8) Assamese:
Assamese is a language spoken in the state of Assam, India, and denotes the cultural identity of its people. The study highlighted plants traditionally used by the Mishing community of Assam, emphasizing the significance of ethnic knowledge in the contemporary understanding of herbal medicine's therapeutic potential.
9) Medicine:
'Medicine' refers to the science or practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. The research connects traditional medicines, represented by 'Ficus auriculata' and 'Sarcochlamys pulcherrima', with scientific validation of their hepatoprotective effects, contributing to the evolution of herbal and pharmacological treatments.
10) Family:
In botanical taxonomy, 'family' groups together related plant species sharing common characteristics. 'Ficus auriculata' belongs to the Moraceae family, while 'Sarcochlamys pulcherrima' is in the Urticaceae family. Understanding plant families assists in the identification of phytochemical properties and their therapeutic applicability.
11) India:
'India' signifies the nation where the study was conducted, specifically looking at ethnomedicinal practices in Assam. The rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of India contribute significantly to traditional healing systems, prompting scientific investigations into the efficacy of indigenous plants for modern therapeutic uses.
12) Table:
In research, a 'table' organizes data succinctly, facilitating comparisons and analyses. The study included a table detailing the effects of various treatments on serum biochemical parameters, allowing for clear visualization of results and the hepatoprotective activities of the plant extracts against carbon tetrachloride-induced damage.
13) Blood:
Blood is a vital fluid transporting oxygen, nutrients, and waste products throughout the body. In the study, blood samples were collected to assess serum biochemical parameters, such as SGOT and SGPT. Monitoring changes in these parameters aids in evaluating liver function and hepatotoxic effects.
14) Discussion:
'Discussion' in research refers to the evaluation and interpretation of results. In this study, the discussion forum allowed the authors to analyze the pharmacological significance of findings related to the hepatoprotective effects of the studied plants and their implications for traditional medicine and future research.
15) Disease:
'Disease' indicates a pathological condition affecting normal functioning. The study addresses hepatopathy, specifically liver toxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride. Understanding plant extracts' effects on liver health is crucial for developing therapeutic options for preventing and treating liver-related diseases.
16) Repair:
'Repair' refers to the process of restoring function or structure after damage. The study found that the plant extracts contributed to the repair of liver cells by lowering elevated serum enzyme levels induced by hepatotoxicity, thus highlighting their potential role in hepatic tissue recovery.
17) Death:
In biology, 'death' denotes the cessation of all biological functions that sustain a living organism. The study's focus on hepatotoxicity aimed to prevent liver damage leading to cell death. Therefore, the research is significant in understanding how herbal treatments could mitigate such lethal effects.
18) Food:
'Food' relates to substances consumed to provide nutritional support and energy. In the context of the study, the Mishing community considers these plants as special food items during festivals, illustrating the intersection of culinary practices and medicinal uses in traditional ethnomedicine.
19) Ripe:
'Ripe' refers to a stage of maturity in fruits or edible portions. The study noted that 'ripe receptacles' of the plant are considered beneficial for liver health. This highlights the importance of plant maturity in determining the efficacy of natural remedies used in traditional medicine.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Hepatoprotective potential of Ficus auriculata and Sarcochlamys pulcherrima.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Statistical analysis, Aqueous extract, Institutional Animal Ethical committee, Dose-dependent, Ethnomedicinal plant, Methanolic extract, Control animals, Bilirubin, Hepatoprotective Potential.