Hepatoprotective Activity of Methanolic Extract of Amaranthus cruentus in Paracetamol Intoxicated Rats

Abstract

Objectives:This research assesses the hepatoprotective activity of the methanolic extract of Amaranthus cruentus (MEAC) against paracetamol paracetamol-intoxicated rat model.

Methods: Methanolic extract of leaves of Amaranthus cruentuswas collected through the soxhlet apparatus. The extract is further utilized for physical examination,phytochemical screening, and GC-MS analysis. Albino Wistar rats (120-150 g) were used to assess the hepatoprotective activity of the extract. After 14 days of treatment of either distilled water (10 ml/kg/day, p.o.), silymarin (100 mg/kg/day, p.o.), or MEAC at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight, p.o., respectively, animals were subjected to intoxicated with a single high dose of paracetamol (2 g/kg, o.p.) after overnight fasting. Liver function tests(ALP, ALT, AST), total bilirubin, total protein level, and oxidative stress markers(MDA, GSH, GPx, and SOD) were examined for examined hepatoprotective activity.

Results: Physical examination, Phytochemical screening, and GC-MS analysis revealed that Amaranthus cruentus has flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds. The liver profile of MEAC has significantly reduced ALP, AST, and ALT levels as compared to the paracetamol-treated groups. Moreover, MEAC significantly reduced the total bilirubin and increased the total protein contents, as compared to the paracetamol group. MEAC also significantly restored the oxidative stress biomarkers.

Conclusions: This study data revealed that Amaranthus cruentus has hepatoprotective potential against paracetamol-induced experimental animals due to its high phenolic compounds.