Phytochemical Characterization, Hepatoprotective Activity on Alcohol-Induced Toxicity of the Aqueous Extract of Curcuma longa (Zingiberaceae) in Wistar Rats
Ameaka Fatima Nkempu
Department of Pharmacotoxicology & Pharmacokinetics, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Tembe Estella
Department of Pharmacotoxicology & Pharmacokinetics, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Tchadji Mayoudom Vanessa Edwige
Department of Pharmacotoxicology & Pharmacokinetics, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Bayaga Herve
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Dobgima John Fonmboh
Department of Nutrition, Food and Bioresource Technology, College of Technology, The University of Bamenda, NWR, Cameroon.
Eustace Bonghan Berinyuy
Department of Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical chemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Njinkio Borgia Nono
Department of Pharmacotoxicology & Pharmacokinetics, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Tabi Yves Omgba
Department of Pharmacotoxicology & Pharmacokinetics, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Ngameni Bathelemy
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Fokunang Charles *
Department of Pharmacotoxicology & Pharmacokinetics, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé, Cameroon.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Liver or hepatic disease refers to different conditions that affect the liver. Chronic alcohol consumption is one of the most frequent causes of liver disease and accounts for about 55% of liver cirrhosis deaths recorded in Cameroon in 2020. Standard accessible treatments focus on end-stage liver disease with safety and efficacy obstacles. We have a research gap in Cameroon to understand the alternative use of natural products as treatment with a long traditional history of safe use. Curcuma longa has long been a source of traditional and modern medicine. It is commonly used in Cameroon as a spice and herbal product with some level of activity against various forms of liver disease.
Objective: To phytochemically screen for bioactive metabolites and evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extract of Curcuma longaon alcohol-induced toxicity in Wistar rats.
Methods: Phytochemical screening was carried out on the aqueous extract obtainedfrom maceration of plant rhizomes. Three doses (125, 250 and 500mg/Kg) of the plant extract and the reference (Silymarin 50mg/Kg) were administered daily (p.o) to rats 30 min before administration of 40% alcohol (2mL/100g p.o) for 21 days. Biochemical parameters such as ALAT, ASAT, GGT, Bilirubin and Lipid profile were quantified and histological studies of the liverwas carried out using standard procedures.
Results: Phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract of C. longa revealed polyphenols such as flavonoids, tannins, quinones, saponins and phlobatanins. The plant showed hepatoprotective activity by decreasing liver toxicity markers such as ASAT, ALAT, GGT and Bilirubin. Histology revealed dose-dependent protection with 500 mg/Kg showing the most cellular integrity, no central vein occlusion and minimal fibrosis.
Conclusion: This study indicated the presence of polyphenols like flavonoids and tannins in the aqueous extract of C. longa. The presence of these secondary metabolites in the studied extract justifies its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties confirmed by its hepatoprotective effects on alcohol-induced toxicity. This was clearly shown by biochemical and histological parameters. More sensitive and specific methods are required to test for these secondary metabolites in serum.
Keywords: Curcuma longa, polyphenols, Alcohol-induced toxicity, Hepatoprotection