The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2025; 14(4):267-273 ;   DOI:10.31254/phyto.2025.14406

Research Article

Hepatoprotective effects of leaves aqueous extract of Rumex bequaertii De Wild against diclofenac-induced hepatotoxicity

Nchouwet Moïse Legentil^1,2 , Pena Gangwon Barmbaye¹ , Djamila Zouheira² , Douho Djimeli Cyril Rostand³ , Sylviane Laure Poualeu Kamani⁴ , Ngnokam Wansi Sylvie Léa³

Nchouwet Moïse Legentil,Pena Gangwon Barmbaye,Djamila Zouheira,Douho Djimeli Cyril Rostand,Sylviane Laure Poualeu Kamani,Ngnokam Wansi Sylvie Léa

1. Department of Animal Biology, Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
2. Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Centre for Research on Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine, Yaoundé, Cameroon
3. Department of Animal Biology, Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroun
4. Department of Animal Biology, Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroun

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 16th April, 2025 / Accepted: 13th July, 2025 / Published : 30th September, 2025

Abstract

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Background: Hepatotoxicity refers to a substance's ability to cause liver tissue damage. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Rumex bequaertii De Wild leaf aqueous extract on diclofenac-induced liver damage in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six male rats were divided into six groups of six rats each: a neutral control group received distilled water, a negative control group received diclofenac (25 mg/kg), a positive control group received diclofenac and silymarin (25 mg/kg), two groups received the extract at 50 and 100 mg/kg with diclofenac, and a last group received only the extract at 100 mg/kg. Treatments lasted five days during which silymarin and the extract were administered every day, while diclofenac was given only during the last three days. After treatment, animals were fasted for 12 hours and sacrificed. Blood was collected, and serum was used to measure biochemical parameters. The liver was also collected for oxidative stress evaluation and histological analysis. Results: Results showed that diclofenac treatment significantly increased (p<0.01; p<0.001) ALAT, ASAT, PAL, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while decreasing significantly (p<0.01; p<0.001) HDL cholesterol. Diclofenac increased also hepatic MDA and NO levels and reduced antioxidant enzymes activity (CAT, SOD, and GSH). Moreover, marked histopathological changes were observed in the negative control group. In contrast, pre-treatment with silymarin and Rumex bequaertii extract protected liver tissue from oxidative stress, pathological variations in liver function markers and disruption of its ultrastructure. Conclusion: These results suggest that Rumex bequaertii De Wild may be exploited as a promising solution to develop an affordable and effective treatment that could thus offer a valuable alternative in combating drug-induced liver damage.      

Keywords

Rumex bequaertii De Wild, Hepatotoxicity, Diclofenac, Antioxidant

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