Safety and Hepatoprotective Assessments of Polyherbal Formulation in Lead and Acetaminophen-induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Liver disease is a major health problem as it continues to lead to so many deaths worldwide. The cost of treatment for liver diseases is very costly, thus treatment options become available to only a select few. Therefore, it has become necessary to protect the liver against injury. This study aimed at assessing the safety and hepatoprotective activity of a polyherbal formulation of ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, moringa and black pepper extracts against lead and acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Materials and Methods: Extracts were characterized by phytochemical screening, heavy metals analyses, Invitro antioxidant assays such as DPPH, assessment of total phenolics in comparison to gallic acid, assessment of total flavonoids in comparison to quercetin. Hepatoprotective activities were assessed using the Lead model (50mg/kg) and para model (500mg/kg). Extracts were tested at 100 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg btw and Silymarin as standard drug (100 mg/kg). Serum liver function was assessed based on liver biochemical parameters such as ALT, GGT, TBIL. Histological examinations were made on the liver sections. Results: Saponins and terpenoids were present in the aqueous extract while alkaloids, phenols, saponins, tannins and terpenoids were present in the 50% hydroethanolic extract. Heavy metals such as Cr and Pb were below detection limits in both extracts while Cu, Fe and Ni were within acceptable limits accepted by FAO/WHO. Both extracts exhibited good free radical scavenging activity. The extracts did not have significant effect on relative organ weight. Treatment with lead and acetaminophen (para) induced hepatocellular injury with significant (p < 0.05) increase in the levels of ALT, AST, ALP, GGT and total bilirubin (TBIL), and inflammatory indices (NLR and PLR). However, co-treatment with the aqueous and 50% hydroethanolic extracts resulted in significant (p < 0.05) decrease in these parameters. The biochemical data were confirmed by histological observations. Conclusion: This study suggests that the polyherbal formulation of ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, moringa and black pepper extracts is safe and possesses significant hepatoprotective activity.