Hepatoprotective and Nephroprotective Effects of Haronga (Harungana madagascariensis) in Combination with Antioxidant Compounds in Albino Spraque Dawley Rats

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Harungana madagascariensis stem bark ethyl acetate extract with antioxidants on the liver and kidney in rats.

Study Design: Experimental.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ibadan (from January-February, 2020).

Methodology: This was done using Albino rats (Wistar) grouped into 12 of 5 animals per group for protective studies,ethyl acetate extract (EHM) of the plant at 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 500mg/kg in combination with each of Ascorbic acid (200mg/kg), Selenium (1mg/kg) and/or Allopurinol (50mg/kg). Group I-III are control groups, IV-VI EHM/Ascorbic acid, groups VII-IX EHM/Se, and groups X-XII EHM/AL. The combination were administered for 8 days prior acetaminophen (800mg/kg) on day 9. Animals were sacrificed on day 10 and samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological evaluations.

Results: The study showed that acetaminophen induced-stress on the liver and kidney causing increase in liver biomarkers such as the aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphate (ALP), creatinine, blood urea, total protein and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). The combination of H. madagasacariensis Ethyl acetate extract with Ascorbic acid, Allopurinol and/or Selenium at different doses causes protective effects by reducing the release of biomarkers and stabilized the elevated enzymes level shown in acetaminophen group. The histopathology of the liver in the acetaminophen group showed moderate portal congestion with mild periportal cellular infiltration and a moderate to severe portal fibrosis, while the kidney showed severe diffuse tubular degeneration and necrosis.

Conclusion: The EHM (500 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) in combination with Ascorbic acid, Allopurinol or Selenium protected the liver and kidney from injury induced by Acetaminophen. The Ethyl acetate extract (EHM) of the plant showed synergy with Ascorbic acid, Selenium and Allopurinol to prevent injury on both organs.