Evaluation of endophytic fractions of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. roots for hepatoprotective activity in rats

Objectives: Endophytes are major originators of new bioactive compounds with fascinating pharmacological activities. In this study, a perusal was done for isolation, characterization, and screening of endophytic bacteria of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn (BDEF) root for antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities. Methods: BDEF was isolated from the roots and grown in nutrient agar media aseptically. The grown bacteria was further fermented in nutrient broth and extracted using chloroform (CBD) and ethyl acetate (EABD). CBD and EABD were assayed for free radical scavenging properties against 2, 2 diphenyl 1 picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl radical, and reducing power. Findings: The highest inhibition was exhibited in EABD with IC50 level of 22.86 μg/ml for DPPH and 82.78 μg/ml for hydroxyl radical, respectively. Further, CBD and EABD (100 and 200 mg/kg) were evaluated for antihepatotoxic activity against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity. The results revealed that CBD and EABD (200 mg/kg p.o.) restored the biochemical parameters, against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity to the normal values. The altered lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels were also restored by EABD (200 mg/kg p.o.). BDEF was studied for rDNA sequencing by polymerase chain reaction technique. The endophytic bacterium was identified as Bacillus cereus based on its morphological and molecular characterization. Conclusions: CBD and EABD fractions have exhibited antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity.