Synergistic hepatoprotective effect of Combretum dolichopetalum root and sylimarin in rats

Liver diseases are constantly posing global challenge as the liver is a vital organ responsible for the detoxification of drugs and xenobiotics in the body. Herbal drugs are useful for the treatment of hepatotoxicity [1]. Combretum dolichopetalum root extract (ME) has been demonstrated to exhibit hepatoprotective effect [2]. Also sylimarin (SLN), a standardized extract of Silybum marianum, is used as a standard drug for hepatic diseases [3]. Despite the availability of several herbal remedies for liver toxicity, the therapy for liver disease remains unsatisfactory. Combination of herbal interventions is one effective means for the treatment of liver diseases [4]. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of C. dolichopetalum combined with SLN on CCl₄ – induced hepatotoxic rats. Six groups of rats (n = 5) received different treatments for 2 weeks thus: group 1 received CCl₄ only (2 ml/kg, i.p) (control group), group 2 received vehicle only (0.5 ml/kg, p.o), group 3 received CCl₄ (2 ml/kg, i.p) + ME (100 mg/kg, p.o), group 4 received CCl₄ (2 ml/kg, i.p) + SLN (25 mg/kg, p.o), group 5 received CCl₄ (2 ml/kg, i.p) + ME (50 mg/kg, p.o) + SLN (12.5 mg/kg, p.o) and group 6 received CCl₄ (2 ml/kg, i.p) + ME (200 mg/kg, p.o)+ SLN (50 mg/kg, p.o). At the end of 2 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malonyldialdehyde (MDA) and heamoglobin. Liver section was taken for histopathological examination. Results showed that the combined ME and SLN (groups 5 and 6) improved (p < 0.001) the biochemical parameters better than any of the agents used alone. Histopathological results corroborated the biochemical results. It was concluded that C. dolichopetalum root acts in synergy with sylimarin to protect the liver cells from CCl₄ - induced liver damage.

Keywords: Combretum dolichopetalum, hepatoprotective, synergy, sylimarin.

References:

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