World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

CHEMICAL SCREENING AND EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF FRESH LEAVES OF MORINDA LUCIDA BENTH ON MARKERS OF OXIDATIVE STRESS AND LIVER FUNCTION IN LPS-TREATED BALB/C MICE

Mbon Obami R. D.,*, Miguel L. M., Kanga R. D., Kouediatouka B. F. E., Itoua Opimbat C., Mouankie J. B., Ngouollaly Tsiba, Mokondjimobe E. and Abena A. A.

ABSTRACT

Background: The use of M.L BENTH extracts in many countries of the sub-region illustrates its beneficial and multiple effects in the management of many pathologies. However, in the Republic of Congo despite its use in rural communities, no study has attempted to elucidate its chemical composition and its effects on liver function. This study examined the chemical composition and effects of the aqueous extract of fresh Morinda lucida BENTH leaves on markers of oxidative stress and liver function in Balb/c mice treated with LPS. Methods: Fresh Morinda lucida BENTH leaves were collected, carefully washed, dried at room temperature and powdered before maceration. The main phytochemical families of the aqueous extract of these leaves were sought. Balb/c mice (n = 5) weighing 16 to 28 g respectively, were treated per os orally with different concentrations of this extract (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) “group D and E” then intraperitoneally with LPS while distilled water “group A” was used as a negative control, distilled water associated with LPS “group B” and Donepezil 5 mg/kg “group C” as positive controls. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed that the aqueous extract of fresh leaves of Morinda lucida BENTH contains alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and glycosides "sugars". The values of the oxidative stress and liver function parameters studied showed that the aqueous extract of M.L BENTH leaves does not influence the functioning of these markers of oxidative stress: SOD and NO, as well as those of liver function: TG and GPT, for the study groups (B, C, D, E); CT for the study groups (C, D, E); and GOT for the study groups (B, C, D): (p>0.05) compared to the control group (A). In addition, those of CT for the study groups (B: *p<0.03; C: *p<0.04)) and GOT for the group (E: *p<0.03) show a significant difference compared to the control group (A). Conclusions: The present study showed that the aqueous extract of M.L BENTH leaves has bioactive chemical compounds; and that at the doses studied, the aqueous extract of M.L BENTH leaves does not influence the desired markers of oxidative stress. Similarly, the aqueous extract of M.L BENTH leaves at a dose of 200mg/kg does not influence the desired markers of liver function, unlike the dose of 400mg/kg of the aqueous extract of M.L BENTH leaves which influences GOT; which would require further and appropriate research since some bioactive compounds could be used for pharmacological purposes.

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