Hydroethanolic extract and fractions of Pericopsis laxiflora stem bark protect against liver injury in Rat

Pericopsis laxiflora is a medicinal plant that is ubiquitous, especially in the tropical and savannah regions. It can be used in the treatment of hemorrhoids, rheumatism, abdominal pain treatment, diarrhoea, dysentery, fever, skin diseases, and jaundice. The present study investigated the protective effect of 50% hydroethanolic extract and fractions of Pericopsis laxiflora stem bark in lead-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The development of liver injury has become a global issue and their treatment and management mostly result in more economic problems, especially in the African population. The stem bark of P. laxiflora was processed and 50 % hydroethanolic extract (HSE) was prepared. HSE was subjected to sequential fractionation with organic solvents: chloroform (CFHSE), ethyl acetate (EFHSE), and methanol (MFHSE), to obtain respective fractions. The residue was designated as aqueous fraction (AFHSE). Hepatoprotective activities of HSE and fractions (at 250 mg/kg) and Silymarin were assessed using the lead (as lead acetate; 50 mg/kg, i.p.). Body and organ weight changes, biochemical, hematological profile, oxidative stress parameters, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, TGF-β, NF кβ, and COX-2) in liver homogenate were measured. A histopathological examination of the liver was performed. Treatment with HSE and fractions resulted in a significant increase in relative organ weights, GSH, CAT, SOD, and levels and a significant decrease in MDA and MPO levels against Pb, as well as the restoration of liver biomarkers and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, TGF-β, NF кβ, and COX-2) to near-normal levels. Biochemical data were corroborated by histological observations, with MFHSE recording the highest percentage of liver protection. The present investigation suggests that HSE possesses remarkable hepatoprotective properties and this can be attributed to the inhibitory effect on oxidative stress and suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines.