Effects of Methanol Root Extract of Homalium letestui on Oxidative Stress Markers and Histology of Livers and Kidneys of Wistar Rats

Abstract

The effects of methanol extract derived from the root of Homalium
letestui on oxidative stress markers and the histology of the liver and
kidney were evaluated in Wistar rats. Phytochemical screening of the
extract indicated the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids,
saponins, and cardiac glycosides. Subsequently, the crude methanol
extract was partitioned into four parts: butanol, dichloromethane,
ethyl acetate, and aqueous. Sixty-six healthy albino mice weighing
between 20 and 25 grammes were grouped into 11 groups of six mice
each. The extract was orally administered to the experimental
animals at doses of 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg body weight over a 14-
day period. The study discovered a significant increase in catalase
(CAT) enzyme activity (p < 0.01-0.001) across all doses (250-750
mg/kg) and fractions. Moreover, the extract and its fractions caused
increases in the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) that were not
statistically significant at the administered doses. While there was a
decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in all treated
groups, the decrease was not statistically significant except for the
dichloromethane fraction (p < 0.001). Histological examination of
liver and kidney tissues revealed no obvious lesions. Overall, the
findings indicate that the methanol extract and its fractions did not
have detrimental effects on oxidative stress markers. Instead, they
exhibited a tendency to increase the first line antioxidant enzymes.
These results suggest that the extract may possess antioxidant
properties and anti-histopathologic characteristics.