Evaluation of the phytochemical content, in vitro antioxidant capacity, biochemical and histological effects of Dennettia tripetala fruits in healthy rats

In this study, we found that Dennettia tripetala fruits contain phenols, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and alkaloids, which are potent phytochemicals that may be partially responsible for the medicinal properties of this plant. We also found that when D. tripetala fruits are consumed for a prolonged period of time, it triggers very minor side effects, mainly patchy congestion in the liver. In this image, (a) shows the liver from control rats. (b) and (c) are the liver from rats treated with the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Dennettia tripetala respectively. The plant tends to alter lipid metabolism in a way that prevents hyperlipidemia and consequent atherosclerosis, and the plant also boosts the antioxidant defense system of the kidney.

Abstract

We estimated the content of specific phytochemicals and in vitro antioxidant properties of the powder, aqueous, and ethanolic extracts of ripe Dennettia tripetala fruits. We also tested the biochemical and histological effects of these fruit extracts on healthy rats. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts were prepared from the powder of ripe D. tripetala fruits, and standard phytochemical methods were used to evaluate its phytochemical content and antioxidant properties. Eighteen rats were randomized into three groups, one of which served as control, while the second and third groups received the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of D. tripetala fruits, respectively, at a dose of 1,000 mg/kg bw daily for 28 days. Our results show that the powder as well as the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of ripe D. tripetala fruits contains phenols, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and alkaloids. The plant powder as well as both extracts scavenged DPPH and hydrogen peroxide as well as reduced ferric ions. The extracts of D. tripetala fruits did not alter liver marker enzymes or serum protein profile of the rats. The extracts also did not alter the serum concentration of urea and creatinine and the antioxidant enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation levels in the liver but altered that of the kidney. The extracts altered the serum and liver lipid profile but not to any significant extents. Also, the extracts caused minimal congestion to the centrioles of the liver but were not in any other way toxic to the liver, kidney, or heart of the rats. Our results point to the fact that the fruits of D. tripetala possess phytochemicals with medicinal properties and are well tolerated by rats.

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