Hepatoprotective potentials of Acridocarpus orientalis in mice

Abstract Background Overdose of paracetamol affects liver cells leading to cell death. This is done through hepatic necrosis, which is characterized by a rupture of the plasma membrane. A variety of investigations has been conducted using herbal extracts to assess liver toxicity induced by paracetamol. Here we examined herbal plant species, Acridocarpus orientalis (A. orientalis), ethanolic extract to study its potential to protect against hepatotoxicity in mice. Serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and reduced glutathione (GSH) enzymes were estimated for all mice groups. A phytochemical screening was also conducted. Results Phytochemical screening showed that A. orientalis contains flavonoids, tannins, carbohydrates and phenolics derivatives. A. orientalis pretreatment showed significant reduction of liver marker enzymes ALT and AST in almost all concentrations. Furthermore, serum GSH levels were significantly increased in A. orientalis pretreated mice groups. In addition, a reduction in liver weights in pretreated mice with A. orientalis showed significant weight loss at dose 250 mg/kg BW (P < 0.05). Moreover, the histological liver analysis showed near normal restoration of liver architecture in A. orientalis pretreated mice. Conclusion pretreatment with A. orientalis protects mice against heplatotoxic adverse effects of paracetamol as indicated by reduction of serum ALT and AST enzymes, with elevation of GSH antioxidant protective enzyme, which may have contributed to the main hepatoprotective action of A. orientalis.