Hepatoprotection with Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz)

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Hepatology
• Phytomedicine

Background:

• Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a common inducer of experimental liver injury.
• Hepatoprotective effects of medicinal plants are of significant interest in drug discovery.
• Gynura pentaphylla is a plant with traditional medicinal uses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of Gynura pentaphylla leaf and stem bark extracts.
• To determine the safety and toxicity profile of Gynura pentaphylla extracts.
• To assess the impact of Gynura pentaphylla on biochemical markers of liver injury.

Main Methods:

• Induction of hepatic injury in albino rats using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4).
• Administration of varying doses of Gynura pentaphylla leaf and stem bark extracts.
• Measurement of plasma enzymes: alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin.
• Histopathological examination of liver tissue.

Main Results:

• The highest dose of Gynura pentaphylla leaf extract (750 mg/kg body wt) demonstrated significant recovery of hepatic tissue.
• Plasma enzyme levels and histopathological findings indicated hepatoprotective activity.
• No toxic effects were observed at therapeutic doses of the leaf extract.
• Histopathological toxicity was noted at doses of Gynura pentaphylla leaf extract at and above 2.5 g/kg body wt.

Conclusions:

• Gynura pentaphylla leaf extract exhibits promising hepatoprotective properties against CCl4-induced liver injury in rats.
• The study supports the traditional use of Gynura pentaphylla for liver ailments.
• Further research into the active compounds and mechanisms of action is warranted.