Protective Effects of Hydroalcoholic and Aqueous Extracts of Allamanda cathartica Leaves against Acetaminophen-induced Hepatic Damage in Rats

Abstract

Background: The liver plays a major role in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids and is one of the important organs of the human body. The recent studies indicated that oxidative stress might be a pivotal originating factor in the pathogenesis of liver diseases including drug-induced hepatic damage, alcoholic hepatitis, and viral hepatitis or ischemic liver injury. Objective: The current study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts of Allamanda cathartica (A. cathartica) leaves against acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity in rats. Methods: Animals were divided into nine groups, each containing six rats, and the study duration was 14 days. Hepatotoxicity was induced by administering acetaminophen (3 g/kg b.wt, p.o.). The effects of three dose levels (100, 150, and 200 mg/kg b.wt, p.o.) of hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts of A. cathartica leaves were evaluated. Silymarin (100 mg/kg b.wt, p.o.) was used as the standard drug and significantly reduced the toxic effects of acetaminophen. Results: The results indicated that both hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts of A. cathartica protected the liver from acetaminophen-induced oxidative stress, supporting the traditional claims regarding this plant. Blood samples and liver tissues were collected and subjected to biochemical and histopathological analysis. Significant improvements in biochemical parameters including ALT, AST, ALP, total protein, bilirubin, lipid profile, antioxidants, and oxidative stress markers were observed in extract-treated hepatotoxic rats. Histological findings revealed that acetaminophen caused marked necrosis and lymphocyte infiltration, whereas higher doses of both extracts maintained near-normal hepatic structure. Conclusions: In conclusion, hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts of A. cathartica leaves demonstrated significant hepatoprotective effects against acetaminophen induced liver toxicity in rats. These findings support its traditional use and highlight its potential as a therapeutic agent for hepatic disorders.