Hepatoprotective effects of leaf extract of Annona senegalensis against aflatoxin B1 toxicity in rats

Abstract

Global aflatoxin contamination of agricultural commodities is of the most concern in food safety and quality. This study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of 80% methanolic leaf extract of Annona senegalensis against aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁)-induced toxicity in rats. A. senegalensis has shown to inhibit genotoxicity of aflatoxin B₁ in vitro. The rats were divided into six groups including untreated control, aflatoxin B₁ only (negative control); curcumin (positive control; 10 mg/kg); and three groups receiving different doses (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg) of A. senegalensis extract. The rats received treatment (with the exception of untreated group) for 7 days prior to intoxication with aflatoxin B₁. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatinine were measured. Hepatic tissues were analysed for histological alterations. Administration of A. senegalensis extract demonstrated hepatoprotective effects against aflatoxin B₁-induced toxicity in vivo by significantly reducing the level of serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase and regenerating the hepatocytes. No significant changes were observed in the levels of alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatinine for the AFB₁ intoxicated group, curcumin+AFB₁ and Annona senegalensis leaf extract (ASLE)+AFB₁ (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg body weight [b.w.]) treated groups. Annona senegalensis is a good candidate for hepatoprotective agents and thus its use in traditional medicine may at least in part be justified.

Contribution: The plant extract investigated in this study can be used in animal health to protect the organism from toxicity caused by mycotoxins.