Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Activities of Acacia jacquemontii Stem Extract against High-fat and CCl4-induced Liver Injury in Rat's Model

Abstract

Background: Chronic liver injury leads to liver inflammation and fibrosis, activating myofibroblasts in the liver and secreting extracellular matrix proteins that make the fibrous scar.

Objectives: The purpose of our study was to characterize the polyphenolic content present in Acacia jacquemontii stem and evaluate its antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity.

Methods: The phenolic contents in Acacia jacquemontii polyphenolic extract (AJPPE) were characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of AJPPE were determined through biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, and ALP), lipid profile (TC, TG, HDL, and LDL), antioxidant biomarkers (SOD, LPO, GSH, and CAT), anti-fibrotic activity (collagen deposition), and histopathological analysis.

Results: HPLC analysis of AJPPE showed the presence of polyphenols, including chlorogenic acid, P-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, and kaempferol, in a remarkable therapeutic range. Results of the in vivo analysis showed a significant decrease in the level of lipid profile, including LDL (low-density lipoprotein), TC (total cholesterol), triglycerides, liver function markers (AST, ALT, and ALP), collagen deposition and significantly increased the level of anti-oxidative biomarkers (CAT, SOD, LPO, and GSH) by using AJPPE.

Conclusion: The above-mentioned results have shown that AJPPE possesses significant antioxidative and hepatoprotective effects. Furthermore, histopathological results also supported the antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of AJPPE.

Keywords: AJPPE; HPLC; Liver fibrosis; antioxidant; hepatoprotective activity; polyphenolic extract.