"Evaluation of an Active Butanol Fraction Effects of Blighia Unijugata (Sapindaceae) Leaves on Some Biochemical Blood Parameters in Male Wistar Rats"

Abstract

Background and Objective: Blighia unijugata is usually used for its many therapeutic indications in Côte d'Ivoire. This study evaluated the effects of oral administration of an active butanol fraction of Blighia unijugata for 28 days on some biochemical blood parameters of male rats. Materials and Methods:The active butanolic fraction of Blighia unijugata (BFBu) was prepared by successive liquid-liquid extractions of the total ethanolic extract of this plant with water, hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. Male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) of Wistar strain were assigned into four groups of six animals each including a control group receiving distilled water and three test groups receiving BFBu at 50; 500 and 1000 mg/kg bw for 28 days respectively. The substances were administered orally, once a day. Blood samples were taken on days 7; 14; 21 and 28 of treatment by puncture at the level of the orbital sinus of the eye of rats previously anesthetized with ether for the determination of biochemical parameters using an automatic analyzer (KENZA MAX Biochemis Try, France). Biochemical analysis included creatinine, urea, total protein, transaminases (AST, ALT), total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, bilirubins (direct and indirect), glucose, electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chlorine, calcium, magnesium) and atherogenicity index.Results: At repeated doses of 50, 500 and 1000 mg/kg bw for 28 days, the extract contributed to a significant increase in certain biochemical parameters such as AST, ALT, urea, creatinine, and total proteins. On the other hand, this same extract evaluated under the previous conditions, caused a decrease in the levels of glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, bilirubins (direct and indirect) and had no noticeable effect on the variation in the concentration of certain electrolytes. Conclusion:At high doses, the active butanol fraction of Blighia unijugata caused mid-term hepatic and renal toxicity. However, at a dose of 50 mg/kg bw, this fraction is non-toxic. This fraction has hypoglycemic effects and does not predispose rats to the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

Effect of ethanolic stem-bark extract of Blighia unijugata on body and organ weight, biochemistry, and hematology in Sprague-Dawley rats

“…Twenty (20) male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly selected into four groups: Normal control, EBU-50, EBU-100, and EBU-200 with 5 rats in each group. Rats in the NC group received distilled water, while those of EBU-50, EBU-100, and EBU-200 were treated with 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg of EBU respectively.…”

“…It is used indigenously to treat boils, vertigo, and post-partum hemorrhage, and also as a purgative, sedative, anti-emetic, and anthelminthic remedy 10,11 . Several scientific studies have explored or validated its antimicrobial [12][13][14][15] , molluscicidal 16,17 , antioxidant 15,18,19 , hypotensive 20,21 , anti-inflammatory , antidepressant 22 , and hematological 11 activities among others, in various models. Our lab has worked on ethanolic stem bark extract of Blighia unijugata over the years, particularly on its anti-fibroid 23 , anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-diabetic activities.…”