Cocos nucifera L. inflorescence extract: An effective hepatoprotective agent

Abstract

The flowering inflorescence of <em>Cocos nucifera</em>, a main constituent of several traditional drug formulations was investigated with a view to study the effect of the acetone extract of <em>C. nucifera </em>inflorescence (CnAE) on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. The total phenol and flavonoid contents of the extract are found to be 222.6 &micro;g gallic acid equivalent/g and 120.8 &micro;g quercetin equivalent/g, respectively. The LD₅₀ value was &gt;5000 mg/kg b.w. The antioxidant activity was assessed using three methods, namely, 2,2&rsquo;- diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl assay,</span> 2,2&rsquo;-azinobis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay and the IC₅₀ values were found to be 65.72, 66.94 and 89.84 &mu;g/mL, respectively. Effect of CnAE (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w.) and silymarin (100 mg/kg b.w.) against acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity was evaluated in Wistar rats. The study showed that CnAE pre-treated groups remarkably prevented the increase in serum alanine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase level and decrease in the level of liver superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, glutathione-<em>S</em>-transferase and glutathione peroxidise. The extract also suppressed the elevated level of malondialdehyde. The biochemical determinations supported the histopathological examination and blood parameter findings. The findings of our study indicated that the phenolic-rich CnAE could be an interesting alternative candidate against acetaminophen-induced hepato-toxicity and associated oxidative stress.