Chinedu Imo, Friday O.
Uhegbu, Ifeanacho Nkeiruka G., Egbeigwe Otito and Ezekwe A. S., from the different institute of Nigeria. wrote
a Reseach Article about, Gongronema latifolium Extract Mitigates
Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Damage in Rats. Entitled, Biochemical and
histological changes associated with methanolic leaf extract of Gongronema
latifolium in acetaminophen-induced hepatic toxicity in wistar albino rats. This
research paper published by the International Journal of Biomolecules and Biomedicine (IJBB). an open access scholarly research journal on Biomedicine.
under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences|
INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.
Abstract
This study examined the
biochemical and histological changes associated with methanolic leaf extract
of Gongronema latifolium in acetaminophen-induced hepatic toxicity in
wistar albino rats. The serum liver enzymesALT, AST and ALP decreased
significantly (p<0.05) in the test animals treated with 600mg/kg of the leaf
extract. Protein concentration increased significantly (p<0.05) in the test
animals treated with 600mg/kg of the leaf extract.The effect of the G.
latifolium leaf extract seems to be dose dependent on the liver enzymes
and protein concentration measured. The results showed that
acetaminophen-induced hepatic toxicity in the wistar albino rats as observed in
the negative control was reversed with the administration of the leaf extract
of Gongronema latifolium (in groups 3, 4 and 5) in the test animals.
The histological analysis of the liver showed that the extract had a
normalising effect on the effected liver. These results indicate that the leaf
extract of Gongronema latifolium exhibits biochemical and
histological changes and can be used against some hepatic inflammations.
Read more : Therapeutic Insights from Red Soil Actinomycetes: Purification and Metabolite Analysis |InformativeBD
Introduction
Gongronema latifolium (whose leaves are bitter) is commonly called ‘‘utazi’’ and ‘‘arokeke’’ in South Eastern and South Western parts of Nigeria respectively. It is a tropical rainforest plant primarily used as spice and vegetable in traditional folk medicine (Ugochukwu et al., 2003).
Phytochemical analysis of leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium shows the presence of essential oil, saponins, alkaloids, minerals with calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and potassium (Atangwho et al., 2009). It is a tropical rainforest plant which has been traditionally used in the South Eastern part of Nigeria for the management of diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The presence of phytochemicals (tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids and hydrocyanide), proximate (crude fat, ash, fat and protein), mineral elements (Cr, Cu, Se, Zn and Fe) and vitamins (A, C, riboflavin, niacin and thiamine) has been reported in the root bark and twig extracts (Egbung et al., 2011). Plant based natural constituents can be derived from any part of the plant like bark, leaves, flowers, roots, fruits, seeds, etc. that is any part of the plant may contain active components (Ibe et al., 2014).
Elevated levels of serum enzymes are inductive of cellular leakage and loss of functional integrity of cell membrane in liver. Since the plant is used variously by traditional/alternative medicine practitioners to manage various ailments, the biochemical and histological changes was therefore studied.
Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) is a widely used overthe-counter analgesic and antipyretic. It is commonly used for the relief of headaches and other minor aches and pains and is a major ingredient in numerous cold and flu remedies (Chinedu et al., 2013). The onset of analgesia is approximately 11 minutes after oral administration of paracetamol (Moller et al., 2005), and its half-life is 1–4 hours. Though acetaminophen is used to treat inflammatory pain, it is not generally classified as an NSAID because it exhibits only weak anti-inflammatory activity.
While generally safe for use at recommended doses (1,000 mg per single dose and up to 4,000 mg per day for adults), acute overdose of paracetamol can cause potentially fatal liver damage and, in rare individuals, a normal dose can do the same; the risk is heightened by alcohol consumption. Paracetamol toxicity is the foremost cause of acute liver failure in the Western world, and accounts for most drug overdose in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
Histology studies the microscopic anatomy of cells and tissues of plants and animals. It is commonly performed by examining cells and tissues by sectioning and staining, followed by examination under a light microscope or electron microscope. The ability to visualize or differentially identify microscopic structures is frequently enhanced through the use of histological stains. Histological assessment of the liver, and thus, liver biopsy, is a cornerstone in the evaluation and management of patients with liver disease and has long been considered to be an integral component of the clinician’s diagnostic armamentarium (Rockey et al., 2009).
Liver histology may also be very helpful in patients with coexisting
disorders such as steatosis and HCV or hemochromatosis or an “overlap” syndrome
of PBC with AIH (Zein et al., 2003).
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