Evaluation of the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of the hydroethanolic extract of The root bark of sarcocephalus latifolius

Background: In Togo, Sarcocephalus latifolius is used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases including liver disease. Objective: To evaluate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of the hydroethanolic extract of the bark of the root of Sarcocephalus latifolius (EHESL). Methods: After studying the phytochemical composition of the extract, the antioxidant power was evaluated by diphenyl-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and iron reducing power (FRAP) tests. Hepatoprotective activity was assessed using a model of acute paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Sub-chronic toxicity and cytotoxicity (with the sea shrimp model) were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by multiple Tukey comparison tests to assess significant differences between groups. The results were considered significant at P<0.05. Results: The sub-chronic toxicity study did not show signs of toxicity at doses of 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg. The cytotoxicity assessment gave an LC50 = 1.88 mg/mL indicating that the extract is not cytotoxic. The extract showed antioxidant properties with an IC50 of 142.91 ± 1.96 μg/ml in the DPPH assay and a FRAP of 57.53 ± 0.54 μM Fe(II)/g of extract. Evaluation of the phytochemical composition revealed the presence of anthocyanins, tannins, flavonoids, saponins and terpenoids. Administration of the extract at doses 100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg significantly prevented paracetamol hepatotoxicity compared to the distilled water group. Its results were similar to those obtained with Silymarin. Conclusion: The results show that the hydroethanolic extract of the root bark of Sarcocephalus latifolius contains bioactive substances with antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity.