Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Potential of Chamaecrista mimosoides Leaf Methanol Extract on Paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in Albino Rats

Abstract

Liver diseases comprise a spectrum of conditions that impair hepatic function and may be life-threatening. Medicinal plants represent an important source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential and comparatively fewer adverse effects than synthetic drugs. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of the methanolic leaf extract of Chamaecrista mimosoides in paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses were performed using standard laboratory methods. Hepatic injury was induced by paracetamol administration, followed by treatment with graded doses of the plant extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) and a standard hepatoprotective drug. Serum liver function biomarkers and antioxidant parameters were assessed using established protocols. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, cardiac glycosides, phenols, and terpenoids, with tannins showing the highest concentration (91.98 ± 0.81). Paracetamol administration resulted in significant elevations (P<0.05) of serum AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin in the induced control group compared with the normal control. Treatment with the extract, particularly at 400 mg/kg, significantly ameliorated these alterations, with AST and ALT levels comparable (P>0.05) to the normal control. Similarly, antioxidant enzyme activities, including glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase, were significantly restored in extract-treated groups relative to the induced control. These findings demonstrate that C. mimosoides leaf methanol extract exhibits significant hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities, supporting its traditional use in the management of liver disorders.