Protective Effects of <i>Combretum paniculatum</i> Fraction on CCl ₄ -Induced Acute Liver Injury

Abstract

The rising prevalence of liver diseases poses a significant global health challenge. This study evaluates the hepatoprotective and antioxidant potential of the ethyl acetate fraction of Combretum paniculatum (EFCP) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 )-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Phytochemical analysis of EFCP was conducted using spectrophotometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), while its in vitro antioxidant activity was assessed via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing-antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Rats were divided into five groups: Group 1 (normal control) received no treatment, while Groups 2-5 were administered CCl 4 (100 mg/kg body weight). Group 2 remained untreated, whereas Groups 3-5 received silymarin (100 mg/kg b.w.) or EFCP (100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) for 14 days. Biochemical and histological analyses were conducted to assess liver and kidney function, lipid profile, oxidative stress markers, and haematological parameters. EFCP was rich in bioactive phytochemicals and exhibited strong antioxidant activity (IC 50 values: 3.47 μg/mL for DPPH, 207.70 μg/mL for FRAP). CCl 4 intoxication significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA), liver enzymes, bilirubin, and lipid profile markers while depleting antioxidant defenses and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Additionally, haematological and kidney function abnormalities were observed. EFCP treatment improved antioxidant status, HDL-C levels, and haematological parameters while reducing MDA, lipid profile, liver, and kidney dysfunction markers. Histopathological analysis revealed restored hepatic architecture with reduced hepatocyte necrosis, tubular degeneration, and inflammation in EFCP-treated groups. These findings suggest that EFCP possesses potent hepatoprotective properties and may serve as a promising therapeutic agent against hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress-related liver damage.