Lupeol Isolation and Hepatoprotective Activity of the Methanol Aerial Parts Extract of Indigofera Stenophylla (Fabaceae)

Abstract

Introduction: Indigofera stenophylla Guil. and Perr. (Fabaceae) is a medicinal plant used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diseases. This study aimed to isolate phytoconstituent(s) and establish the hepatoprotective activity of the methanol aerial parts extract of Indigofera stenophylla (MAEIS). Methods: The plant material of 1500 g was extracted with 70% methanol using a maceration method, and the extract was partitioned respectively into hexane and chloroform fractions (HF and CF). The HF was subjected to column chromatographic techniques to afford 5 mg of compound AR1 characterized using 1H and 13C-NMR. A single dose of 7,12 Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene was administered orally at 30 mg/kg body weight, followed by 28 days treatment with graded doses of MAEIS and Silymarin. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for Aspartate Amino Transaminase (ASP), Alanine Amino Transaminase (ALT) and Total Protein (TP) assays. The livers were harvested for histopathological examination. Results: The isolated compound AR1 was elucidated as lup-20(29)-en-3-ol (lupeol). The MAEIS group at dose of 600 mg/kg and silymarin 200 mg/kg body weight respectively lowered the levels of AST and ALT significantly (p<0.05) indicating a reduction in liver damage. The MAEIS increased the total protein levels and normal histopathological profile of the liver tissue. Conclusion: This is the first isolation of lupeol from MAEIS. MAEIS provides a scientific basis for its ethnomedicinal uses and demonstrated significant hepatoprotective activity.