Pharmacological Evaluation of Plant Extracts in Rats

Introduction:

Chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and hepatotoxicity are serious health concerns that have prompted research into natural remedies. This study aims to evaluate the potential pharmacological activities of aqueous leaf extracts of Apium graveolens (ALAP), Allium amperifolium (ALAA), Lactuca sativa (ALLS), and a polyherbal extract (PHE) in mitigating inflammation, oxidative stress, and hepatotoxicity in Wistar-albino rats.

These plant extracts have been traditionally used for their medicinal properties, and their effectiveness against these health issues could lead to novel therapeutic approaches.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of aqueous leaf extracts of Apium graveolens (ALAP), Allium amperifolium (ALAA), Lactuca sativa (ALLS), and a polyherbal extract (PHE) on inflammation-related activity, oxidative stress, and hepatotoxicity in Wistar-albino rats.

Materials and Methods:

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the selected extracts were measured in vitro. The antioxidant activity of ALAP, ALAA, and ALLS was determined through superoxide, hydroxyl, H₂O₂, nitric oxide, and DPPH radical scavenging assays, with ascorbic acid as a standard.

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In addition, the anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the HRBC membrane stabilization method, and the protein denaturation test was performed using diclofenac as a standard. The functional group analysis of ALAP, ALAA, and ALLS was conducted using Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR), and thermal stability was assessed using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC).

To induce inflammation, carrageenan was administered in the paw, and paw thickness was measured at various time intervals. After 5 hours, all treatment group animals were sacrificed. Paw levels of SOD, CAT, GSH, and MDA were evaluated as markers of oxidative stress.

Pro-inflammatory markers such as Tumor Necrotic Factor-α, Interleukin-6, and C-reactive protein levels were assessed in paw homogenates. Finally, histopathology of the paw was conducted in all treatment groups.

To induce hepatotoxicity, paracetamol was used as an inducing agent. After 14 days of treatment with the selected plant extracts and polyherbal extracts, liver enzyme levels (SGOT, SGPT, and ALP) were examined. The specific liver levels of SOD, GSH, CAT, and MDA were also evaluated as markers of oxidative stress. Pro-inflammatory markers such as Tumor Necrotic Factor-α, Interleukin-6, and CRP levels were assessed in liver homogenates. Histopathology of the liver was conducted in all treatment groups.

Results:

The SPEs and polyherbal extracts exhibited significant dose-dependent scavenging activity against superoxide, hydroxyl, H₂O₂, NOx, and DPPH radicals compared to ascorbic acid. Furthermore, SPEs and polyherbal extracts demonstrated significant activity in membrane stabilization and protein denaturation assays within a concentration range of 100-500 µg/ml, comparable to diclofenac. Additionally, SPEs and polyherbal extracts showed a significant dose-dependent reduction in paw thickness in carrageenan-induced edema at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 hours.

Conclusions:

This investigation concludes that SPEs and polyherbal extracts possess pharmacological activities against oxidative stress, inflammation, and hepatotoxicity, likely due to the presence of phytochemicals such as flavonoids, steroids, saponins, phenols, and anthocyanins. Among all the SPEs, Apium graveolens demonstrated superior pharmacological effects. The PHE exhibited significant effects on oxidative stress, inflammation, and hepatotoxicity compared to all the treatment groups. Furthermore, these extracts and the polyherbal formulation hold potential for patenting and commercialization.