The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2024; 13(3):197-207 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2024.13302

Research Article

Aqueous extract of Alstonia boonei De Wild (Apocynaceae) alleviates bone metabolism disorders induced by oxidised palm oil and sucrose supplementation in rats

Nadine Florence Ambomo¹ , Raceline Kamkumo Gounoue¹ , Jean Hubert Donfack² , Florence Tsofack Ngueguim³ , Angèle Carine Bidja¹ , Paul Désiré Djomeni Dzeufiet⁴ , Théophile Dimo³

Nadine Florence Ambomo,Raceline Kamkumo Gounoue,Jean Hubert Donfack,Florence Tsofack Ngueguim,Angèle Carine Bidja,Paul Désiré Djomeni Dzeufiet,Théophile Dimo

1. Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde 1, P.O. Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon
2. Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 96, Dschang, Cameroon
3. Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Laboratory of Animal Physiology, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 812 Yaoundé, Cameroon
4. Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Laboratory of Animal Physiology, University of Yaounde I, P.O. Box 812 Yaounde, Cameroon

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 4th February, 2024 / Accepted: 13th April, 2024 / Published : 1st June, 2024

Abstract

Background: Poor nutritional status disrupts bone metabolism leading to fractures. This study investigated the effect of the aqueous leaf extract of Alstonia boonei on fractured rats fed a diet supplemented with oxidised palm oil and sucrose. Methods: The iodine, peroxide and acidity indexes of the oxidised palm oil were determined. Bone damage was induced by feeding rats an oxidised palm oil/sucrose enriched diet for 16 weeks followed by fracture. Fractured animals received distilled water or plant extract (50, 100 or 200 mg/kg) simultaneously with their diet for two weeks. Biochemical parameters including lipid profile, bone markers, oxidative stress and hematological parameters were assessed. X-rays and histology of the femur were performed. Results: Oxidised palm oil showed a significant increase in the peroxide and acidity indexes, while the iodine index decreased. Fractured rats fed a diet enriched with oxidised palm oil and sucrose exhibited dyslipidemia, altered haematological parameters and oxidative stress bone ALP activity with poor natural bone formation. Fracture induced a decrease in bone calcium and an increase in bone ALP. A. boonei extract improved lipid profile, hematological and oxidative stress parameters. There was a significant increase in femoral calcium and a significant decrease in femoral ALP. In addition, a better organisation of the bone architecture was observed, with a marked effect at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Conclusion: These results suggest that A. boonei leaf improves bone repair in poor nutritional conditions, thanks to its hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties mediated by the minerals and secondary metabolites contained in the extract.