Curative effects of the aqueous extract of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. gray (Asteraceae) against ethanol induced-hepatotoxicity in rats

Ivan Stève Tsopmejio Nguepi; Florence Tsofack Ngueguim; Raceline Kamkumo Gounoue; Adolphe Mbatchou; Theophile Dimo

doi:10.1515/jbcpp-2019-0370

Article

Curative effects of the aqueous extract of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. gray (Asteraceae) against ethanol induced-hepatotoxicity in rats

Ivan Stève Tsopmejio Nguepi , Florence Tsofack Ngueguim , Raceline Kamkumo Gounoue , Adolphe Mbatchou and Theophile Dimo

Published/Copyright: February 10, 2021

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From the journal Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology Volume 32 Issue 6

Abstract

Objectives

Tithonia diversifolia (Asteraceae) is used in Cameroonian traditional medicine for the treatment of several diseases amongst which are hepatic disorders. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-diabetic properties have been reported but, there is no scientific information on its hepato-protective effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the curative effects of the Tithonia diversifolia (T. diversifolia) leaves aqueous extract on ethanol induced-hepatotoxicity in rats.

Methods

Ethanol 40° (4 g/kg) was administered daily by intragastric gavage for 21 days, and then the extract was administered concomitantly with ethanol for two more weeks. Some biochemical serum and tissue parameters were evaluated. Histopathologic analysis of the liver was carried out.

Results

The ingestion of ethanol induced a significant reduction of body weight and a significant increase in some markers of hepatic function (Alanine Amino-transferase, Aspartate Amino-transferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl-transferase, total bilirubin and albumin). These alterations were accompanied by a significant increase in the levels of serum triglycerides (p<0.001). Intoxicated animals were also characterized by a significant decrease of reduced glutathione and nitrites concentrations, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities as well as an increase of malondialdehyde levels. The histopathological examination showed vascular congestion, disorganized parenchyma, liver inflammation and dilation of sinusoid. The extract at the doses of 60 and 120 mg/kg reversed ethanol-induced adverse effects.

Conclusion

Our study found that, the aqueous extract of T. diversifolia leaves has hepato-protective activity against ethanol-induced liver damages due partly to its antioxidant effect. This result justifies its empirical use for the treatment of liver problems.

Keywords: antioxidant; ethanol; hepato-protection; hepatotoxicity; Tithonia diversifolia

Corresponding author: Theophile Dimo, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Laboratory of Animal Physiology, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Phone: +237 677657442, E-mail: dimo59@yahoo.com

Acknowledgment

The authors thank Mr. Fogou for the ethnopharmacological information and the procedure to prepare the extract.

Research funding: None declared.
Author contributions: Theophile Dimo designed the study. Tsopmejio Ivan Stéve Nguepi, Tsofack Florence Ngueguim and Adolphe Mbatchou conducted pharmacological and biochemical studies. Tsopmejio Ivan Stève Nguepi, Tsofack Florence Ngueguim and Kamkumo Raceline Gounoue performed histological studies and have been involved in drafting the manuscript. Adolphe Mbatchou and Kamkumo Raceline Gounoue performed statistical analyses. All authors contributed substantially to the manuscript, accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
Competing interests: Authors state no conflict of interest.
Informed consent: Not applicable.
Ethical approval: All procedures in this study followed the principles of laboratory animal use and care of the “European community” guidelines (EEC Directive 2010/63/EEC) and were approved by the “Animal Ethical Committee” of the Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I.

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Received: 2019-12-14

Accepted: 2020-09-08

Published Online: 2021-02-10

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Articles in the same Issue

https://doi.org/10.1515/jbcpp-2019-0370

Keywords for this article

antioxidant; ethanol; hepato-protection; hepatotoxicity; Tithonia diversifolia