Methanolic Extract of Cassia Sieberiana Leaves: Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Properties in Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Abstract

The study's objectives were to assess the methanolic extract of C. sieberiana leaves' hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties. Hepatoprotective, in vitro, and in vivo antioxidant activity is the study design. Location and Study Period: June 2023, Department of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Animal Health and Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Umuahia, Abia State. Methodology: Using the cold maceration technique, Cassia sieberiana leaves were extracted for 48 hours using 80% methanol. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)- induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats was used to assess the hepatoprotective efficacy of C. sieberiana extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) and silymarin (100 mg/kg). Both in vitro (2, 2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl photometric test) and in vivo (malondialdehyde and catalase level assay) models were used to measure the antioxidant activity. Results: 9.5% w/w of dark green, pasty extract was produced after 48 hours of cold maceration extraction of C. sieberiana leaves. Saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes/sterols, glycosides, and tannins were detected using the CSE's phytochemical spot test. When compared to the negative control group, the extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) and silymarin (100 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) increased the levels of alkaline phosphate, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the serum of the treated rats. In the 2, 2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) photometric experiment, the extract (25–400 µg/ml concentration) increased antioxidant activity in a concentration-dependent manner. In the DPPH photometric experiment, the extract's IC50 was 50 µg/ml. When compared to the negative control group, the extract and silymarin significantly (p<0.05) increased the amount of catalase in the treated rats. Additionally, as compared to the negative control group, the extract (400 mg/kg) and silymarin (100 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.05) reduced the amount of malondialdehyde in the treated rats. Conclusion: This research shows that C. sieberiana leaves have strong antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. It supported the use of C. sieberiana leaves in traditional medicine to treat illnesses linked to liver damage.