Altered biliary flow rate and bile composition following consumption of ethanolic fruit extract of Dennettia in rats

Abstract

Background:Dennettia tripetala is a tropical plant with some ethno-medicinal uses; it enhances uterine contraction/involution in pregnant and post-partum women, it is also a mild laxative, with anti-bacteria, antifungal properties etc.,Aims:This study sought to elucidate the impact of D. tripetala fruit extract intake on biliary flow rate and bile composition in rats.Materials and Methods:A total of 18 albino Wistar rats were randomly assigned into three groups of 6 rats each and fed on normal rat chow + drinking water and/or 85 mg/kg, 170 mg/kg body weight of D. tripetala extract for 14 days.Results:The rate of bile secretion in the control, low dose (LD) and high dose (HD) D. tripetala extract treated rats was 4.40 ± 0.24 ml/h, 3.20 ± 0.20 ml/h and 4.60 ± 0.25 ml/h respectively. Showing a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in LD and an increase in HD. Na+ concentration increased significantly (P < 0.01) in the LD extract recipients, but was reduced in the HD. LD of the extract increased K+ significantly (P < 0.001) while HD decreased it (P < 0.05). Both low and HD of the extract reduced Cl– concentration significantly (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001 respectively). HCO3– increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the HD extract recipients. However, total cholesterol, total and conjugated bilirubin concentrations were not significantly altered by D. tripetala fruit extracts.Conclusion:In conclusion, this study showed that LD of D. tripetala may reduce bile flow rate while HD may increase it without altering the saturation of cholesterol and bilirubin.

A Review of the Uses and Medicinal Properties of Dennettia tripetala (Pepperfruit)

“…A number of studies have been carried out to ascertain the toxicity of DT. Although DT has been reported to contain uvariopsin, an alkaloid which improves bile secretion and attenuates hepatic disorders [ 22 , 23 ], a study by Ofem and colleagues [ 22 ] showed that the ethanolic extract of DT fruits administered at a certain dose reduces bile production in normal healthy rats. The extract also caused an increase in sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate ions in bile and reduced the chloride and unconjugated bilirubin content of bile [ 22 ].…”

Dennettia tripetala (Pepper Fruit), a review of its ethno-medicinal use, phyto-constituents, and biological properties

“…Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are usually generated as part of metabolism in living organism and the effects of these species are prevented by antioxidants. Some of these antioxidants are endogenous that is produced in the body, while others are obtained from plants in the form of antioxidant nutrients (26). Several studies have shown that D. tripetalais used in the management of oxidative stress related diseases and infections (27).…”

“…A number of studies have been carried out to investigate the toxic effect of D. tripetala. D. tripetala has been shown to contain uvariopsin, an alkaloid that helps to improves bile secretion and reduces hepatic disorders (26,40). However, a study by Ofemet al, (26) discovered that the ethanolic extract of D. tripetala fruits given at a certain dose reduces bile production in normal healthy rats.…”

Persistent organic pollutants in adipose tissue should be considered in obesity research

“…Most of the major transporters and enzymes that determine the mechanisms of bile formation and secretion in hepatocytes have been characterized at the molecular level, offering the opportunity to regulate this process therapeutically . Phytochemicals in some herb or plant food have been reported to increase bile secretion through the synthesis of bile salts, changes in transporter expression/activity and the evocation of signalling pathways . A diet rich in phospholipids can also increase bile formation and bile acid transport .…”