Cytotoxicity and hepatoprotective attributes of methanolic extract of Rumex vesicarius L

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the hepatoprotective potential and invitro cytotoxicity studies of whole plant methanol extract of Rumex vesicarius L. Methanol extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg bw and 200 mg/kg bw were assessed for its hepatoprotective potential against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity by monitoring activity levels of SGOT (Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase), SGPT (Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase), ALP (Alkaline phosphatase), TP (Total protein), TB (Total bilirubin) and SOD (Superoxide dismutase), CAT (Catalase), MDA (Malondialdehyde). The cytotoxicity of the same extract on HepG2 cell lines were also assessed using MTT assay method at the concentration of 62.5, 125, 250, 500 μg/ml.

Results: Pretreatment of animals with whole plant methanol extracts of Rumex vesicarius L. significantly reduced the liver damage and the symptoms of liver injury by restoration of architecture of liver. The biochemical parameters in serum also improved in treated groups compared to the control and standard (silymarin) groups. Histopathological investigation further corroborated these biochemical observations. The cytotoxicity results indicated that the plant extract which were inhibitory to the proliferation of HepG2 cell line with IC50 value of 563.33 ± 0.8 μg/ml were not cytotoxic and appears to be safe.

Conclusions: Rumex vesicarius L. whole plant methanol extract exhibit hepatoprotective activity. However the cytotoxicity in HepG2 is inexplicable and warrants further study.

Figure 1

Effect of methanol extract of Rumex vesicarius L on water consumption in CCl4 toxicity induced rats. Group I: (control), Group II: (CCl4 treated), Group III: (pretreatment with silymarin), Group IV: (pretreatment of extract at low dose of 100 mg/kgbw), Group V: (pretreatment of extract at low dose of 200 mg/kgbw).

Figure 2

Effect of methanol extract of Rumex vesicarius L on food consumption in CCl ₄ toxicity induced rats. Group I: (control), Group II: (CCl4 treated), Group III: (pretreatment with silymarin), Group IV: (pretreatment of extract at low dose of 100 mg/kgbw), Group V: (pretreatment of extract at low dose of 200 mg/kgbw).

Figure 3

Effect of methanolic extract of Rumex vesicarius L on acute liver injury induced by CCl ₄ . A: (control): liver section with normal structure and architecture. B: (CCl4 treated): showing extensive area of necrosis, profound inflammation and congestion. C: (pretreatment with silymarin): reduced inflammation and degenerative changes. D: (pretreatment of extract at low dose of 100 mg/kgbw): reduced inflammation, degenerative changes. E: (pretreatment of extract at low dose of 200mg/kgbw): reduced inflammation, degenerative changes. cv: central vein