Ameliorative effects of <i>Harungana madagascariensis</i> in combination with antioxidants in rats

Abstract

The ameliorative properties of Harungana madagascariensis were evaluated on liver damage in rats. The effects of the Ethyl acetate extract of this plant in combination with Ascorbic acid, Selenium and Allopurinol were evaluated. Albino rats (Wistar) grouped into 12 of 5 animals per group for protective studies were used. Acetaminophen at 800mg/kg dose was used to induce hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity while different doses of Ethyl acetate extract in combination with three antioxidants (Ascorbic acid 200mg/kg, Selenium 1mg/kg and Allopurinol 50mg/kg) were used to ameliorate these effects in a 9-day study. This study showed that acetaminophen induced liver and kidney damage causing increase in liver biomarkers such as the aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphate (ALP), creatinine, blood urea, total protein and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). The combination of Ethyl acetate extract of H. madagascariensis (ETH) with ascorbic acid, selenium or allopurinol at different doses caused ameliorative effect on the biomarkers and reduced the increased levels of the liver enzymes seen in acetaminophen group. The histopathology of the liver in the acetaminophen group showed moderate portal congestion with mild periportal cellular infiltration and a moderate to severe portal fibrosis, while the kidney showed severe diffuse tubular degeneration and necrosis. The combination of EHM (500mg/kg) with these antioxidants caused significant ameliorative effects on the histopathology caused by acetaminophen. The synergy between EHM and the antioxidants especially ascorbic acid and selenium increased the efficacy of the plant extract, because lower dose of EHM at 200mg/kg when combined with ascorbic acid and selenium produced less significant damage in the liver or kidney compared to acetaminophen alone.