Ficus exasperata Attenuates Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatic Damage via NF-κB Signaling Mechanism in Experimental Rat Model

Abstract

Ficus exasperata has been used to treat ulcer, diabetes, fever, and a variety of stress-related disorders. Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is the most common cause of drug-induced acute liver injury. In this study, we evaluated the hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant capacity of ethanolic extract of F. exasperata (EFE) on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Rats were pretreated with EFE (150, 250, 500 mg/kg) and thereafter received 250 mg/kg APA intraperitoneally (i.p.). The normal control group received distilled water, while the negative control group received 250 mg/kg APAP, respectively. Hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress-antioxidant parameters were then assessed. Flavonoids, saponins, steroids, and glycosides, but not phenolics were detected by EFE phytochemical analysis. No mortality was recorded on acute exposure of rats to varying concentrations of APAP after 24 h; however, a dose-dependent increase in severity of convulsion, urination, and hyperactivity was observed. APAP overdose induced high AST, ALT, ALP, and total bilirubin levels in the serum, invoked lipid peroxidation, depleted GSH, decreased CAT, SOD, and GST levels, respectively. Nitric oxide (NO) level, myeloperoxidase activity, TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κB, COX-2, MCP-1, and IL-6 were also increased. Importantly, pretreatment of rats with EFE before acetaminophen ameliorated and restored cellular antioxidant status to levels comparable to the control group. Our results show and suggest the hepatoprotective effect of F. exasperata and its ability to modulate cellular antioxidant status supports its use in traditional medicine and renders it safe in treating an oxidative stress-induced hepatic injury.

Estimation of Antioxidant Potential, Phytochemical Profiling, and In Silico Characterization of Hepatoprotective Biomarkers of Phyllanthus fraternus G.L. Webster Leaves

“…Therefore, medicinal plant extracts and phytoconstituents derived from them have been widely assessed for their hepatoprotective activity. [4,5] Polyphenolics derived from plants, such as phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, and lignans, possess various medicinal properties, such as antioxidants [6] hepatoprotective [7] anti-inflammatory, [8] anti-proliferative, and anti-carcinogenic effects. [9] Phyllanthus fraternus G.L.…”

“…Due to the involvement of oxidative stress in virtually all mechanisms of liver injury, it is prudent to assume that compounds showing antioxidant properties may play a critical role in hepatoprotection. Therefore, medicinal plant extracts and phytoconstituents derived from them have been widely assessed for their hepatoprotective activity [4,5] . Polyphenolics derived from plants, such as phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, and lignans, possess various medicinal properties, such as antioxidants [6] hepatoprotective [7] anti‐inflammatory, [8] anti‐proliferative, and anti‐carcinogenic effects [9] .…”

In Vitro Experimental Assessment of Ethanolic Extract of Moringa oleifera Leaves as an α-Amylase and α-Lipase Inhibitor

“…Obesity, a metabolic disorder, occurs as a result of excessive accumulation of fat [4][5][6]. It is also regarded as an imbalance in energy intake and expenditure [7,8].…”