Abstract
Background: This study was aimed at investigating the in-silico and in-vivo hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and antimicrobial potential of Senecio biafrae (Olive and Hierne) C. Jeffrey (Asteraceae).
Methods: The chemoinformatic assay was conducted using ligands against hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor binding protein (PPARα). Lipid examination, liver function tests, antioxidant, hematological, and histopathological examinations were studied to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential.
Results: The Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and Flavonoid Content (FC) values were 2,214 µg/mg GAE and 29.76 µg/mg QE. The hit compounds have good binding affinity and interact with the key residue of the binding site. The in vivo biochemical results showed a significant decrease (p< 0.05) in the ALT and ALP. In the lipid examination, there was a significant increase (p< 0.05) in serum levels of HDL (0.89±0.11), which ensures a good performance of the liver. There was significant increase (p< 0.05) in GSH level (3.15 ± 0.18), which shows potency in protecting the cells from toxins. The extract caused an increase in serum levels of SOD (3.15 ± 0.18) which mitigated the effect of reactive oxygen species. Increased concentration level of CAT (18.15 ±7.59) was due to the administration of the extract at 200 mg, thus regulating the cellular level of hydrogen peroxide. 400 mg of the extract led to an increase in serum levels of MDA (4.17 ± 0.71), which ensures a good performance of the liver. DPPH antioxidant IC50 values of the extract were 50.0 µg/mL. The highest inhibitory effect was observed against Micrococcus varians (17 mm).
Conclusion: This study showed that S. biafrae (SB) has good prospects of being a hepatoprotective drug candidate.
Keywords: Senecio biafrae; PPARα agonist; pharmacokinetics; antioxidant; antimicrobial.
This content is restricted to site members. If you are an existing user, please log in. New users may register below.