Free radical scavenging and hepatoprotective potential of Ficus microcarpa L. fil. bark extracts

J Nat Med. 2011 Jul;65(3-4):633-40. doi: 10.1007/s11418-011-0532-z. Epub 2011 Apr 6.

Abstract

Successive extracts of Ficus microcarpa L. fil. bark (FMB) were tested for antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride- and paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicities in rats. The ethyl acetate extract of FMB exhibited significant antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity by reducing carbon tetrachloride- and paracetamol-induced changes in biochemical parameters as evidenced by enzymatic and histological examination. Pretreatment with ethyl acetate extract of FMB significantly shortened the duration of pentobarbitone-induced necrosis in mice, indicating its hepatoprotective potential. Phytochemical studies confirmed the presence of the phenolic compound, catechin, in FMB, which may interfere with free-radical formation and may account for its significant hepatoprotective effects. The present study thus provides a scientific rationale for the traditional use of this plant in the management of liver disorders.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biphenyl Compounds / chemistry
  • Carbon Tetrachloride / toxicity
  • Ficus / chemistry*
  • Free Radical Scavengers / chemistry
  • Free Radical Scavengers / metabolism*
  • Free Radical Scavengers / therapeutic use
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Necrosis / chemically induced
  • Necrosis / drug therapy
  • Pentobarbital / toxicity
  • Picrates / chemistry
  • Plant Bark / chemistry*
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry*
  • Plant Extracts / metabolism*
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar

Substances

  • Biphenyl Compounds
  • Free Radical Scavengers
  • Picrates
  • Plant Extracts
  • Carbon Tetrachloride
  • 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl
  • Pentobarbital