Infused aqueous curry tea extracts ameliorate Nω‐Nitro‐L‐Arginine Methyl Ester‐induced liver dysfunction in male albino Wistar rats

Background: Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. (Rutaceae) has been reported to positively affect liver function. However, the effect of M. koenigii leaves on Nω‐Nitro‐L‐Arginine Methyl Ester (L‐NAME) induced liver dysfunction is unknown. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the effect of M.koenigii leaves as tea on L‐NAME induced liver dysfunction. Methods: Two variants of curry tea were formulated; one was formulated entirely from leaves of M. koenigii, the other was formulated with thaumatin‐rich aril obtained from seeds of Thaumatococcus danielii (Benn.) Benth. (Marantaceae). Group I animals served as control and were untreated. Groups II and V animals were administered curry tea (CT). Group III and VI animals received curry‐thaumatin tea (CTT). Concurrently, L‐NAME (40 mg/kg) was administered to groups IV‐VI respectively for 21 days. Blood and liver samples were collected at the end of the study for biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical analysis. Results: L‐NAME induced liver dysfunction evidenced by liver histology, increased activities of ALT, AST, hyperlipidemia, hepatic oxidative stress and increased hepatic NF‐kB expression. Administration of CT and CTT ameliorated the L‐NAME induced liver dysfunction evidenced by liver histology, increased NO hepatic bioavailability, reduced activity of ALT and AST, increased hepatic antioxidant system and decreased hepatic NF‐kB expression. Thaumatin taste/flavor enhancer did not significantly reduce or potentiate the hepatoprotective, antioxidant and anti‐lipidemic property of aqueous curry tea extracts in rats. Conclusion: L‐NAME impaired liver function in rats. CT and CTT interfered with the ability of L‐NAME to inhibit NO synthesis which was associated with ameliorated hepatic dysfunction. Practical applications The study reports that non‐selective inhibition of nitric oxide by L‐NAME in rats impairs liver function and formulated curry tea types interfered with the ability of L‐NAME to inhibit NO synthesis which was associated with ameliorated hepatic dysfunction in rats. The study reports that non‐selective inhibition of nitric oxide by L‐NAME in rats impairs liver function and formulated curry tea types interfered with the ability of L‐NAME to inhibit NO synthesis which was associated with ameliorated hepatic dysfunction in rats.