Dichrocephala integrifolia (L.f.) Kuntze Leaf Aqueous Extract Improves Liver Architecture in a Model of Aflatoxin-Containing Peanut-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Rats

TL;DR

This study shows that Dichrocephala integrifolia leaf extract can improve liver damage caused by aflatoxin-contaminated peanuts in rats.

Contribution

The study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of D. integrifolia extract in aflatoxin-induced hepatotoxicity.

Findings

Poorly stored peanuts contained 20 μg/kg aflatoxin B1, causing significant liver inflammation and oxidative stress in rats.

D. integrifolia extract reversed aflatoxin-induced liver damage, improving biochemical and histopathological markers.

The extract's beneficial effects may be attributed to β-amyrin formate identified in the phytochemical analysis.

Abstract

Consumption of aflatoxin-contaminated food is responsible for hepatotoxicity. Dichrocephala integrifolia (D. integrifolia) is used in traditional African medicine to treat various liver diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of aqueous leaf extract of D. integrifolia on aflatoxin-containing peanut-induced liver damage in Wistar rats. The animals were fed the standard diet (SD) or the SD supplemented with stored and poorly preserved peanuts (50:50) containing aflatoxins for 42 days. Then, animals received the diet concomitantly with D. integrifolia (100, 200 mg/kg), or Silybon 100 mg/kg for 14 days. At the end of the experimental period, biochemical markers, including the lipid profile, liver function markers, and proinflammatory markers, were evaluated. A histopathological analysis of the liver was performed. Semiquantitative evaluation of aflatoxin B1 in peanuts by thin-layer chromatography was carried out, and phytochemical characterization of the extract by high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was performed. As a result, poorly stored peanuts contain 20 μg/kg aflatoxin B1/kg of peanuts. Consumption of contaminated peanuts resulted in inflammation characterized by a significant increase (p < 0.001) in proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, INF-γ, and IL-13) and a significant increase (p < 0.001) in transaminase activities, GGT, ALP, and levels of total bilirubin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in HDL cholesterol and albumin levels. These various abnormalities were accompanied by a significant increase (p < 0.001) in oxidative stress. These disturbances were confirmed by hepatic cytolysis, leukocyte infiltration, and vascular congestion. Treatment with D. integrifolia extract at all doses tested reversed these abnormalities. These beneficial effects of the extract could be due to β-amyrin formate, identified in this extract, and could therefore justify the use of this plant extract in traditional medicine to manage liver diseases.

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