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AASCIT Journal of Bioscience
2015; 1(5): 103-110
Published online February 26, 2016 (http://www.aascit.org/journal/bioscience)
ISSN: 2381-1250 (Print); ISSN: 2381-1269 (Online)
Keywords Total Cholesterol (T-CHOL),
Triglyceride (TG),
Low Density Lipoprotein
Cholesterol (LDL-CHOL),
High Density Lipoprotein
Cholesterol (HDL-CHOL) and
Hepatotoxicity
Received: December 29, 2015
Revised: January 14, 2015
Accepted: January 16, 2015
Effect of Aqueous Whole Plant Extract of Selaginella myosurus on Lipid Profile of Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4) - Induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Rats
Omeodu S. I., Peters D. E.*, Erameh J. A.
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State,
Nigeria
Email address [email protected] (Peters D. E.)
Citation Omeodu S. I., Peters D. E., Erameh J. A. Effect of Aqueous Whole Plant Extract of Selaginella
myosurus on Lipid Profile of Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4) - Induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Rats.
AASCIT Journal of Bioscience. Vol. 1, No. 5, 2015, pp. 103-110.
Abstract The study was designed to investigate the effect of aqueous whole plant extract of
selaginella myosurus on lipid profile of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced
hepatotoxicity in wistar rats. Fifty two (52) wistar rats of both sexes weighing 150-175g
(±4g/group) were divided into thirteen groups. Group 1 received distil water only, 2 and
3 received CCl4 only, 4-7 received varying doses of 400 and 800mg/kgbw of extract, 8-
11 received varying doses of 400 and 800mg/kgbw of extract after CCl4 treatment and 12
and 13 received 100mg/kgbw of vitamin C after treating with CCl4 for 7 and 14 days.
Rats were sacrificed and blood sample collected for determination of total cholesterol (T-
CHOL), triglyceride (TG), low and high density lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-CHOL
and HDL-CHOL) levels. Liver was collected for histological investigation while
phytochemical screening was conducted on the plant. Result revealed significant
increases (p<0.05) in the levels of T-CHOL and LDL-CHOL and non significant
differences (p>0.05) for HDL-CHOL and TG when groups 2 and 3 were compared to
group 1.Groups 4-8 showered non significant differences (p>0.05) when compared to
group 1 in all the parameters. T-CHOL, TG and HDL-CHOL levels non significantly
varied (p>0.05) in groups 9-13 when compared to group 1.Significant increase (p<0.05)
was observed in LDL-CHOL level for groups 8-11 and 13 when compared to group 1.
Quantitative phytochemical screening of plant revealed the presence of flavonoids,
triterpenoids, saponins, tannin, steroid, cardiac glycoside, phenol in decreasing order
(32.19 ± 0.23-13.10± 0.11) and absence of alkaloids, anthraquinone and cyanogenic
glycosides. Histopatology of liver tissue revealed regeneration of necrotized hepatocytes
tissues in dose and time dependent manner. In conclusion, aqueous whole plant extract
of selaginella myosurus corrected lipid abnormality resulting from CCl4-induced liver
damage.
1. Introduction
The central role played by liver in the clearance and transformation of chemicals
exposes it to toxic injury (Saukkonen et al., 2006). Many of the modern drugs mainly
based on synthetic chemical compounds used in the management of hepatic injury and
toxicity have been found to have harmful side effects on human system (King& Perry,
AASCIT Journal of Bioscience 2015; 1(5): 103-110 104
2001). This has triggered off extensive research and
development in the field of herbal medicine. In fact there is a
growing demand for herbal medicine in most of the
developed and developing countries of the world today
(Handa et al., 1999). The liver performs more than 500 vital
metabolic functions (Gray & Lewis, 2005; Saukkonen et al.,
2006; Naruse et al., 2007). It is involved in the synthesis of
products like glucose derived from glycogenesis, plasma
proteins, clotting factors and urea that are released into the
bloodstream. Although most cells of the body metabolize fat,
certain aspects of fat metabolism occur mainly in the liver
(Robert et al., 2009). Specific functions of the liver in fat
metabolism, as follows: Oxidation of fatty acids to supply
energy for other body functions, Synthesis of large quantities
of cholesterol, phospholipids, and most lipoproteins,
Synthesis of fat from proteins and carbohydrates. To derive
energy from neutral fats, the fat is first split into glycerol and
fatty acids; then the fatty acids are split by beta-oxidationinto
two-carbon acetyl radicals that form acetyl coenzyme
A(acetyl-CoA). This can enter the citric acid cycle and be
oxidized to liberate tremendous amounts of energy. Beta-
oxidation can take place in all cells of the body, but it occurs
especially rapidly in the hepatic cells. The liver itself cannot
use all the acetyl-CoA that is formed; instead, it is converted
by the condensation of two molecules of acetyl-CoA into
acetoacetic acid, a highly soluble acid that passes from the
hepatic cells into the extracellular fluid and is then
transported throughout the body to be absorbed by other
tissues. These tissues reconvert the acetoacetic acid into
acetyl-CoA and then oxidize it in the usual manner. Thus, the
liver is responsible for a major part of the metabolism of fats.
About 80 per cent of the cholesterol synthesized in the liver
is converted into bile salts, which are secreted into the bile;
the remainder is transported in the lipoproteins and carried by
the blood to the tissue cells everywhere in the body (Robert
et al., 2009). The liver synthesizes lipoprotein Phospholipids
are likewise synthesized in the liver and transported
principally in the lipoproteins. Both cholesterol and
phospholipids are used by the cells to form membranes,
intracellular structures, and multiple chemical substances that
are important to cellular function. Almost all the fat synthesis
in the body from carbohydrates and proteins also occurs in
the liver. After fat is synthesized in the liver, it is transported
in the lipoproteins to the adipose tissue to be stored (Robert
et al., 2009). An excess of chemicals hinders the production
of bile thus leading to the body’s inability to flush out the
chemicals through waste. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum of
the liver is the principal ‘metabolic clearing house’ for both
endogenous chemicals like cholesterol, steroid hormones,
fatty acids and proteins, and exogenous substances like drugs
and alcohol. The predominant type of liver diseases varies
according to country and may be influenced by local factors.
The causative factors of liver disorders include virus
infection exposure to our consumption of certain chemicals.
The substance that injures the liver cells in some people and
results serious harm to the liver caused by drugs and by the
combination of drugs and other substances is an important
health problem. Treatment options for common liver diseases
such as cirrhosis, fatty liver and chronic hepatitis are
problematic. The effectiveness of treatment such as
interferon colchicine, penicillamine and corticosteroid are
inconsistent at best and incidence of side effect is profound
through the treatment is worse than the disease. Physician
and patients are in need of effective therapeutic agents with
low incidents of side effect. There are few effective
therapeutic agents with low incident of side effects. There are
few effective plants that cure liver diseases so considerable
interest has developed in the examination of these numerous
plants remedies which are useful in liver diseases
(Thyagarajan et al., 2002). Selaginella myosurus is a shrub
that can be found on a terrestrial habitat, on rocks, or rarely
hemiepiphytic or epiphytic. Its stems can prostrate, creeping,
decumbent, cespitose, climbing, or fully erect, articulate or
not and greatly branched. Rhizophores is usually present,
stout or filiform (Lin et al., 1987; Gayathri et al., 2005).
Selaginella has been prescribed in traditional medicine of
China and India, which has been thousands of years old. The
utilization of these medicinal plants was also done by various
other cultures, although generally limited to specific species.
Selaginella can be found in the pharmacopoeia in Asia,
Africa and Latin America, but not found in Europe and North
America (Duke et al., 2002). Selaginella traditionally used to
treat several diseases such as: injury, treatment of post-
childbirth, cancer, skin diseases, headaches, fever, respiratory
infections, urinary tract infections, menstrual disorders, liver
disorders, fractures and arthritis. The parts used are all parts
of the plants, although sometimes they are called only a
leaf.A whole plant maceration of selaginella myosurus is
used to treat headache in South-west region of Cameroon
(Jiofacket al., 2010). Selaginella is useful to treat wounds,
menstrual disorders and for treatments before, during, and
after giving birth, and to improve fitness and endurance of
the body (tonic). In Gabon, a decoction of the stem and
leaves of Selaginella myosurus is used for rituals or for other
cultural aspects (Sassen& Wan, 2006). Selaginella species
contain powerful inhibitor compounds which may act as
primary antioxidants that react with free radicals. The
scavenging effects of selected four Selaginella species are as
follows:
Selaginellainvolvens>Selaginellaintermedia>Selaginellatene
ra>Selaginellainaequalifolia. Sivaraman et al. reported that
all the selected four species of Selaginella contain powerful
inhibitor compounds which may act as primary antioxidants
that react with free radicals (Sivaramanet al., 2013). As in
selected Selaginella species, the crude extracts of few other
pteridophytes have already been reported to exhibit strong
scavenging activities (Huanget al., 2003; Haunget al., 2005;
Zhongxiang et al., 2007; Lai & Lim, 2011). Hagerman et al.
have reported that the high molecular Ferric reducing
antioxidant power (FRAP) value (Hagerman et al., 2007).
The reductive ability of the Selaginella species that was
assessed by Sivaraman et al. suggests that all the extracts
105 Omeodu S. I. et al.: Effect of Aqueous Whole Plant Extract of Selaginella myosurus on Lipid Profile of Carbon
Tetrachloride (CCl4) - Induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Rats
were able to donate electron. Hence, they should be able to
donate electrons to free radicals in actual biological or food
systems also, making the radicals stable. According to Oktay
et al. a highly positive relationship between total phenolics
and antioxidant activity appears to be the trend in many plant
species (Oktay et al., 2003). Sivaraman et al. found out that
ethanolic extracts of different Selaginella species possess
significant antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities.
Previously Gayathri et al. studied the antioxidant properties
of Selaginellainvolvens, Selaginelladelicatula and
Selaginellawightii from the wild and tested the in vitro and in
vivo lipid peroxidation, immunomodulatory property and
hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (Gayathri et al., 2005).
They reported that the aqueous extract of Selaginella
involvens has promising thymus growth stimulatory activity
in adult mice and remarkable antilipid peroxidation property.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Apparatus/Equipment
Spectrophotometer (BSA 3000), SFRI France, Rotary
evaporator, Centrifuge (Universal laboratory century),
Hettich Zentrifugen, Metlar weighing balance, SIEMENS
Advia 2120 Automated Analyzer
2.2. Reagents/Chemicals
All reagents and chemicals are of analytical grade.
2.3. Collection/Identification of Plant
Selaginellamyosurus was collected in the surrounding bush
of the University of Port Harcourt in Choba community of
Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers state. A
voucher specimen (UPH-NO.C-129) was authenticated by a
botanist, Dr. N. L. Edwin-Nwosu and deposited at the
herbarium unit of the Department of Plant Science and
Biotechnology (PSB), University of Port Harcourt.
2.4. Extract Preparation
The whole plant of Selaginella myosurus was washed with
running tap water and air dried for 2 weeks before grinding
into powdered form. The coarsely powdered plant material
was macerated in a maceration jar for 24hours, with distilled
water. Filtration was done in a glass funnel which was placed
in a retort stand, using a Whatman filter paper. The filtrate
was allowed to stand for about 1-2 hours to observe any
residue or sediment. The filtrate was put in a rotary
evaporator which separated the water from the extract,
leaving the extract in a paste form which was poured into a
crucible plate and dried on a steam bath at 40°C to 50°C. The
crude extract was stored in a refrigerator pending usage.
2.5. Phytochemical Screening
Phytochemical screening of the whole plant of Selaginella
myosurus was done using standard procedure as described by
Sofoware (1993) in the Department of Pharmacognosy,
Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Port Harcourt.
2.6. Source of Animals
A total of fifty two (52) wistar rats of both sexes weighing
between 150g-175g were purchased from an animal breeding
facility in Choba community, and were kept in the
Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt
Animal House, Choba park for one week acclimatization.
The rats were fed with normal rat feed and water ad libitum.
2.7. Lethal Dose (LD50) Determination
LD50 determinationwas done using an “up-and-down”
procedure described by Bruce, (1985). Three doses of
1000mg/kg, 3000mg/kg, and 5000mg/kg were orally
administered to 3 groups of rats (n=2 rats per group). The rats
were observed for 24hours and for a period of 1 week. No
death was recorded; therefore, safe doses of 400,600, 800 and
1000mg/kgBW were selected.
2.8. Experimental Design
The rats were divided into thirteen (13) groups (n=4rats).
GROUP 1: (Control): 0.5ml of distilled water was orally
given to the animals in this group dailyfor 14 days.
GROUP 2: A single dose of 120mg/kg b.w of CCl4
administered intraperitoneally to rats in the group for 7 days.
GROUP 3: A single dose of 120mg/kg b.w of CCl4
administered intraperitoneally to rats in the group for 14
days.
GROUP 4: A single daily dose of 400mg/kg b.w of
aqueous whole plant extract of Selaginella myosurus was
orally administered to rats in the group for 7 days.
GROUP 5: A single daily dose of 400mg/kg b.w of
aqueous whole plant extract of Selaginella myosurus was
orally administered to rats in the group for 14 days.
GROUP 6: A single daily dose of 800mg/kg b.w of
aqueous whole plant extract of Selaginella myosurus was
orally administered to rats in the group for 7 days.
GROUP 7: A single daily dose of 800mg/kg b.w of
aqueous whole plant extract of Selaginella myosurus was
orally administered to rats in the group for 14 days.
GROUP 8: A single daily dose of 400mg/kg b.w of
aqueous whole plant extract of Selaginella myosurus was
orally administered for 7 days to rats intraperitoneally treated
withCCl4.
GROUP 9: A single daily dose of 400mg/kg b.w of
aqueous whole plant extract ofSelaginella myosurus was
orally administered for 14 days to rats intraperitoneally
treated with CCl4.
GROUP 10: A single daily dose of 800mg/kg b.w of
aqueous whole plant extract ofSelaginella myosurus was
orally administered for 7 days to rats intraperitoneally treated
with CCl4.
GROUP 11: A single daily dose of 800mg/kg b.w of
aqueous whole plant extract ofSelaginella myosurus was
orally administered for 14 days to rats intraperitoneally
treated with CCl4.
AASCIT Journal of Bioscience 2015; 1(5): 103-110 106
GROUP 12: A single daily dose of 100mg/kg b.w of Vit. C
was orally administered for 7 days to rats administered CCl4
intraperitoneally.
GROUP 13: A single daily dose of 100mg/kg b.w of Vit. C
was orally administered for 14 days to rats administered CCl4
intraperitoneally.
2.9. Sacrifice, Collection and Preparation of
Plasma
At the end of 7 and 14 days, all the animals were
anaesthetized with chloroform before decapitated for
collection of blood. The blood was stored in heparinised
sample bottle, spun at 5000rpm using MSE centrifuge to
obtain plasma for biochemical investigations, while that for
haematology investigation was collected in EDTA sample
bottles.
3. Biochemical Investigation
Total Cholesterol (TC) and Triacylglycerol (TG), were
estimated by enzymatic methods described by Allain et al.,
(1974). High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) was
determined by enzymatic methods as described by Stein,
(1987). The Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C)
was calculated using the Friedewald et al., (1972).
3.1. Histopathogical Studies
The rats were dissected using a set of dissection kit and
livers of the control and treated groups were collected and
fixed in 10% freshlyprepared formalin for 48 hours and
subsequentlydehydrated in alcohol, cleared with xylem and
embedded in paraffin wax. Sections of lobe at about5µm
were mounted on glass slides and stained with haematoxylin
and eosin (Lillie, 1965).
3.2. Statistical Analysis
All the values were reported as mean ± standard error of
mean (M ± SEM). Statistical analysis was performed using
SPSS version 20.0 (IBM, U.S.A). The data were analyzed
using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significant
difference were determined using post Hoc Turkey’s test for
multiple comparisons at p< 0.05.
Table 1. Effect of Aqueous Whole Plant Extract of Selaginella myosuruson
Lipid Profile of WistarRats.
TREATMENT
GROUPS
((M±SEM)
T-CHOL
(umol/L)
TG
(umol/L)
HDL
(umol/L)
LDL
(umol/L)
Group 1
Water control 1.90±0.11a 1.40±0.07 0.58±0.05 0.58±0.05a
Group 2
CCl4 only for7
days
2.25±0.09a 1.40±0.12 0.55±.03 1.02±0.03a
Group 3
CCl4 only for 14
days
2.32±0.09a 1.63±0.17 0.45±0.06 1.08±0.05a
Group 4
400mg/kgbw Ext. 1.73±0.14 1.38±0.05 0.53±0.05 0.65±0.16
TREATMENT
GROUPS
((M±SEM)
T-CHOL
(umol/L)
TG
(umol/L)
HDL
(umol/L)
LDL
(umol/L)
for 7days
Group 5
400mg/kgbw Ext.
for 14 days
1.65±0.10 1.25±0.06 0.55±0.02 0.63±0.01
Group 6
800mg/kgbw Ext.
for 7days
1.73±0.08 1.40±0.04 0.65±0.06 0.60±0.07
Group 7
800mg/kgbw Ext.
for 14 days
1.70±0.04 1.35±0.20 0.70±0.00 0.66±0.01
Group 8
CCl4+400mg/kgb
w Ext. 7 days
1.83±0.05 1.15±0.09 0.45±0.06 0.79±0.01a
Group 9
CCl4+400mg/kgb
wExt. 14 days
2.30±0.12a 1.68±0.11 0.40±0.04 0.99±0.04a
Group 10
CCl4+800mg/kgb
w Ext.7 days
2.02±0.08 1.33±0.09 0.58±0.06 0.85±0.05a
Group 11
CCl4+800mg/kgb
w Ext. 14day s
1.95±0.06 1.60±0.11 0.45±0.03 0.84±0.02a
Group 12
CCl4+100mg/kgb
w+Vit. C7days
1.85±0.02 1.15±0.02 0.60±0.00 0.70±0.02
Group 13
CCl4+100mg/kgb
w+Vit. C14days
1.85±0.02 1.45±0.02 0.55±0.02 0.75±0.02a
Data are represented in Mean±Standard Error of Mean (M±SEM)
Similar superscripts represent significant different (p<0.05) in the same row
Table 2. Qualitative Phytochemical Screening of Whole Plant Extract of
Selaginella myosurus.
SECONDARY
METABOLITES TEST RESULT
Alkaloids
Drangedorff -ve
Mayer -ve
Hager -ve
Flavonoids
Shinoda -ve
Lead acetate -ve
Alkali +ve
Tannins
FeCl3 +ve
Phlobatannins +ve
Gelatin ND
Albumin ND
Anthraquinone Free Anthraquinone -ve
Combined Anthraquinone -ve
Triterpenoid/steroids Liebermann-Buchard +ve
Salwoski +ve
Fixed oil +ve
Carbohydrates Molisch +ve
Fehlings +ve
Cardenolide Keller Killani +ve
Kedde +ve
Cyanogenic
glycosides Frothing -ve
Saponins
Frothing +ve
Haemolysis -ve
Emulsion +ve
Note: +Ve means present, -ve means absent, while ND is Not Detected
107 Omeodu S. I. et al.: Effect of Aqueous Whole Plant Extract of Selaginella myosurus on Lipid Profile of Carbon
Tetrachloride (CCl4) - Induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Rats
Table 3. Quantitative Phytochemical Screening of Whole Plant Extract of
Selaginella myosorus.
Secondary metabolite
(mg/100g)
mean± standard error of mean
(m + SEM)
Flavonoid 32.19± 0.23
Saponins 23.74± 0.20
Cardiac glycoside 15.28± 0.23
Steroid 16.53± 0.12
Terpenoid 26.24± 0.12
Tannin 18.74± 0.17
Phenol 13.10± 0.11
Fig. 1. Photomicrograph of the liver tissue of rat treated with distilled water
only as control.Arrows indicating normal hepatocyte and central vein
(H&E) magnification X 400.
Fig. 2. Photomicrograph of the liver tissue of rat treated with CCl4only for
14days (negative control). Arrow= ballooning necrosis of hepatocytes.
(H&E) magnification X 400.
Fig. 3. Photomicrograph of the liver tissue treated 400mg/kg bw extract only
for 14days showing normal liver histology (H&E x400).
Fig. 4. Photomicrograph of the liver of rat treated with 800mg/kgbwextract
only for 14 days showing normal liver (H&E) X 400.
Fig. 5. Photomicrograph of the liver tissue of rat treated with CCl4 +
400mg/kgbw extract only for 7 days. Encircled area contains increased
inflammatory cells. (H&E) X 40.
Fig. 6. Photomicrograph of the liver tissue of rat treated with CCl4 +
400mg/kgbw extract only for 14 days. Arrow indicating zone of necrotic
tissue (H&E) X 40.
AASCIT Journal of Bioscience 2015; 1(5): 103-110 108
Fig. 7. Photomicrograph of the liver tissue of rat treated with CCl4 + 800mg
extract only for 7 days. Arrow indicating zone of necrotic tissue (H&E) X
400.
Fig. 8. Photomicrograph of liver tissues treated with CCl4 + 800mg/kg b.w
extract for 14 days(H&E X400). Result shows normal histology.
Fig. 9. Photomicrograph of the liver tissue of rat treated with CCl4 +
Vitamin C for 7days as positive control. (H&E) X 400.
Fig. 10. Photomicrograph of liver tissues treated with CCl4 + 100mg/kg b.w
Vitamin C for 14 days (H&E X400). Result shows normal liver histology.
4. Discussion
Liver is a versatile organ of the body that regulates internal
chemical environment. Liver injury induced by various
hepatotoxins has been recognized as majortoxicological
problems in the modern world (Das et al., 2012). Developing
therapeutically effective agents from naturalproducts may
reduce the risk of CCl4-induced toxicity when the drug is
used clinically (Shen et al., 2009). Modern medicines have
little to offer for alleviation ofhepatic diseases and it is
chiefly the plant basedpreparations which are employed for
the treatment of liver disorders (Somasundaram et al., 2010).
There is agreat demand for the development of an efficient
hepatoprotective drug from the natural resource (Tandon et
al., 2008).
Result from Table 1 revealed significant increase (p<0.05)
in the levels ofT-CHOLandLDL-CHOLand non significant
difference (p>0.05) for HDL-CHOL and TG when groups 2
and 3 were compared to group 1. Elevated levels of T-CHOL
and LDL-CHOL in this study indicate deterioration of
hepatocytes by the action of trichloromethyl radical, a highly
reactive species that triggers lipid peroxidation (Deng et al.,
2012).Increase in LDL-CHOL concentration in the plasma of
CCl4- induced rats might be due to defect in LDL-CHOL
receptor either through failure in its production (or) function
(Abdullah, 2013).
Distinct alterations in lipid metabolism have been reported
in CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats (Singhal and Gupta,
2012 and Amina et al., 2012).The liver plays a key role in lipid
metabolism. It is more or less the hub of fatty acid synthesis
and lipid circulation through lipoprotein synthesis. The liver is
central to the regulation of cholesterol levels in the body. Not
only does it synthesize cholesterol for export to other cells, but
it also removes cholesterol from the body by converting it to
bile salts and putting it into the bile where it can be eliminated
in the feces. Furthermore, the liver synthesizes the various
lipoproteins involved in transporting cholesterol and lipids
throughout the body (Yang et al.,2011).
Groups 4-8 showered non significant differences (p>0.05)
when compared to group 1 in all the parameters under
investigation indicating that the extract is safe at these
concentrations.
T-CHOL, TG and HDL-CHOL levels non significantly
varied (p>0.05) in extract treated groups 9-13 when
compared to group 1.Significant increase (p<0.05) was
observed in LDL-CHOL level for groups 8-11 and 13 when
compared to group 1.The Significant reduction in the levels
of T-CHOL and LDL-CHOL for extract treated groups when
compared to groups 2 and 3 indicates regeneration and
restoration of function of hepatocytes. Several other studies
have shown significant protection of the abnormalities of
lipid profilesagainst CCl4-hepatotoxicity rats when treated
with plant extracts or bioactive compounds (Singhal and
Gupta, 2012 and Amina et al., 2012).
Quantitative phytochemical screening of plant revealed the
presence of flavonoids, triterpenoids, saponins, tannin,
steroid, cardiac glycoside, phenol in decreasing order (32.19
109 Omeodu S. I. et al.: Effect of Aqueous Whole Plant Extract of Selaginella myosurus on Lipid Profile of Carbon
Tetrachloride (CCl4) - Induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Rats
± 0.23-13.10± 0.11) and absence of alkaloids, anthraquinone
and cyanogenic glycosides.
Tetrachlorometane (CCl4) is metabolized by CYP2E1,
CYP2B and possibly CYP3A to form the trichlorometthyl
radical, CCl3. Which bind to cellular molecule as damaging
crucial cellular progression. This radical react with oxygen to
form the tri-chloromethylperoxy radical CCl3OO, a highly
reactive species that triggers lipid peroxidation and leads
ultimately to hepatotoxicity (Robbins and Cotran, 2006;
Balahoroglu et al., 2008; Deng et al., 2012).Recently,
phenolics have been considered powerful antioxidants in
vitro and proved to be morepotent antioxidants than Vitamin
C and E and carotenoids (Rice-Evans et al.,1995;Rice-Evans
et al.,1996). It has been proposed that the antioxidant
properties of phenolic compounds can be mediated by the
following mechanisms: (1) scavenging radical species such
as ROS/RNS; (2) suppressing ROS/RNS formation by
inhibiting some enzymes or chelating trace metals involved
in free radical production; (3) up regulating or protecting
antioxidant defense (Cotelle, 2001).Phytosterols that covers
both plant sterols and stanols is a steroid (Silveira et al.,
2003). They are plant components with a structure similar to
cholesterol (Plaza, 2001), although they aremore poorly
absorbed by the intestine. They are classifiedinto different
groups depending on their structure and biosynthesis
(Piironen et al., 2000). Phytosterols (e.g., ergosterol) have
cholesterol-lowering properties (Banthorpe, 1994) and can
reduce cholesterol level in human subjects up to 15% (Vieira
et al., 2005).Their exact mechanism ofaction and cholesterol
lowering properties are notknown, but, because their
structure is similar to that of cholesterol, they compete for
solubilization in the micelles and therefore inhibit intestinal
absorption of both dietary and endogenous cholesterol
(Heinemann et al., 1991).
Histopatology of liver tissue revealed regeneration of
necrotized hepatocytes tissues as dose and time of
administration increased.
5. Conclusion
In conclusion, aqueous whole plant extract of selaginella
myosurus corrected lipid disorders due to CCl4- induced
damage on the liver hence could serve as therapeutically
effective herbal agents against lipid abnormality due to liver
damage.
References
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