Xylopia aethiopica Volatile Compounds Protect Against Panadol-Induced Hepatic and Renal Toxicity in Male Rats

Abstract

5 Abstract: The objectives of this study were to assess in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity of aqueous extract of Negro pepper (Xylopia aethiopica) fruits, determine its total phenolics content and estimate its volatile constituents by GC-MS as well as investigate its protective effect against panadol-induced hepatic and renal toxicity in male rats. Our results indicated that Xylopia aethiopica fruits infusion has high phenolics content and possesses high antioxidant activity in vitro. Thirty five volatile compounds were identified. The main volatile compounds are cis-linalool oxide (47.11%), Carveol (13.2%), buten-1-ol (9.05%), iso-borneol (4.91%) and Borneol (4.14%). Twenty eight adult rats were used for studying the effects of the plant infusion on panadol (paracetamol) and hepatic and renal toxicity. Biochemical results showed that Panadol induced significant increase (P<0.05) in plasma alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphates (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, urea and creatinine levels as well as significant decrease (P<0.05) in total proteins, albumin and some antioxidant biomarkers; total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT) and cellular glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Administration of aqueous Xylopia aethiopica extract decreased the toxic elevation in plasma bio-indicators of liver and kidney functions and increased previous antioxidant biomarkers. The hepatoprotective effect of Negro pepper was confirmed by histopathological and histochemical examinations of the liver tissue of control and treated animals. It could be concluded that the Infusion of X. aethiopica fruits possess nutritional and medicinal values. Aqueous extract of Xylopia aethiopica fruits rich in phenolics and volatile compounds, act as strong natural antioxidants. The aqueous extract protect against the toxic effect of panadol-induced hepatic and renal toxicity.