Evaluation of Antioxidant, Cytotoxic and Hepato-protective Effect of <i>Bridelia tomentosa</i> Fruit Extract

http://www.doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v7i12.14

Abstract

Over the past decade, plant derived herbal medicines have become a worldwide concern. This study explored the anti-oxidant, cytotoxic and hepatoprotective potential of the fruit of Bridelia tomentosa. The ethanolic extract of Bridelia tomentosa fruits was evaluated for in-vitro antioxidant, cytotoxic and hepato-protective properties in Sprague-Dawley male rats. Total phenol, flavonoid and antioxidant capacity of the plant extract were extimated as 99.04145 ± 1.195mg/g GAE, 126.5046 ± 3.095mg/g QE and 372.094 ± 3.148 mg/g AAE. The extract showed good inhibitory potential of DPPH free radical (IC50 = 30.579 ± 1.895 µg/ml) and exhibited poor cytotoxic potential (LC50 = 537.693 ± 70.099 µg/ml). The fruit extract of Bridelia tomentosa was found safe at 6000mg/kg BW dose in rats. Bridelia tomentosa fruit extract was administered at two different doses (250mg/kg-body weight and 500mg/kg-body weight) in Sprague-Dawley male rats and improved all the hepatic parameters in paracetamol induced hepatic injury and highest effect was observed at 500mg/kg BW dose. At 500mg/kg BW dose, the fruit extract, reduced the ALT, AST and ALP level to 38.250 ± 1.652, 25.500 ± 2.754 and 139.250 ± 10.515 µ/L (p< 0.05) respectively. The fruit extract also moderately decreased total bilirubin level. The fruit extract was able to reverse the effect of hepatic damage caused by paracetamol significantly as evidenced from histopathological examination. Fruits of Bridelia tomentosa could be a good source of newer antioxidant and hepato-protective agents and isolation of potent bioactive compounds are highly suggested.