Exploring the phytochemicals, antioxidant properties, and hepatoprotective potential of Moricandia sinaica leaves against paracetamol-induced toxicity: Biological evaluations and in Silico insights

PLoS One. 2024 Oct 9;19(10):e0307901. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307901. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Thirteen components were identified in the methanol extract of Moricandia sinaica leaves (MSLE) through analysis utilizing HPLC-ESI-MS/MS., including flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and fatty acids. The methanol extract of M. sinaica leaves contained total phenolics and flavonoids (59.37 ± 2.19 mg GAE/g and 38.94 ± 2.72 mg QE/g), respectively. Furthermore, it revealed in vitro antioxidant properties as determined by the DPPH and FRAP assays, with respective IC50 values of 10.22 ± 0.64 and 20.89 ± 1.25 μg/mL. The extract exhibited a notable hepatoprotective effect in rats who experienced paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. When a dose of 250 mg/kg was given, there was a 52% reduction in alanine transaminase and a 30% reduction in aspartate transaminase compared to the group with the disease. Furthermore, it demonstrated a 3.4-fold, 2.2-fold, and 2.6-fold increase in superoxide dismutase, non-protein sulfhydryl, and glutathione peroxidase, respectively. In addition, it demonstrated a 68% decrease in lipid peroxide levels compared to the group with paracetamol-induced condition. The verification was conducted using a histological study, which identified improved liver histology with a small number of distended hepatocytes. Moreover, in silico studies focused on the enzymes NADPH oxidase, butyrylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase as the targets for the major compounds. In conclusion, MSLE showed promising hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities due to its richness in antioxidant metabolites.

MeSH terms

  • Acetaminophen* / toxicity
  • Animals
  • Antioxidants* / pharmacology
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury* / drug therapy
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury* / metabolism
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury* / pathology
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury* / prevention & control
  • Liver* / drug effects
  • Liver* / metabolism
  • Liver* / pathology
  • Male
  • Phytochemicals* / chemistry
  • Phytochemicals* / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts* / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts* / pharmacology
  • Plant Leaves* / chemistry
  • Protective Agents / chemistry
  • Protective Agents / pharmacology
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar

Substances

  • Acetaminophen
  • Antioxidants
  • Plant Extracts
  • Phytochemicals
  • Protective Agents

Grants and funding

The authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Research and Graduate Studies at King Khalid University for funding this work through Large Research Project under grant number (RGP2/285/45). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.