Abstract

HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF CANNA INDICA L. RHIZOME AGAINST ACETAMINOPHEN (PARACETAMOL)

F. Longo*, A. Teuwa1, S. Kouam Fogue, M. Spiteller and L.S. Etoundi Ngoa

ABSTRACT

Self-medication often leads to poisoning the body, especially the liver. Canna indica is a Cannaceae empirically used to treat various types of hepatitis in Cameroon. Liver toxicity was observed four hours after oral administration of a single dose of Acetaminophen (APAP) 400mg.kg-1. Effects of the aqueous extract of the rhizomes at doses 8, 16, 32, 64 and 128mg.kg-1 bw, and that of the antidote N-acetylcystein [Mucomyst] were evaluated in male rats, pre-treated with APAP. Results showed that Canna indica failed to increase rats’ body weight (P>0.05), normalised rats’ behaviour (aggression and sensitivity to touch and noise), and provoked a decrease (P<0.001) of the relative liver weight. Canna indica also modelized, at all doses, the liver’ damages caused by inflammation, through a stimulation of hepatocyte regeneration and a healing of inflamed areas. Its antioxidant effect was revealed by a lower plasma activity of alanine aminotransferase transaminase. The dose 8mg.kg-1 and 16mg.kg-1 showed the most effective activity. The presence of flavonoids and fatty acids, revealed by phytochemical analysis and two bioactive molecules: Carotol and 9-Cedranone (Cedran-9-one) using high performance liquid chromatography, known to posses anti-inflammatory activities, confirms the anti-inflammatory properties of Canna indica. Canna indica at doses comprises between 8 and 16mg.kg-1 bw could be strongly recommended.

Keywords: Canna indica L., Liver toxicity, Acetaminophen, N-Acetylcystein, ALT, Rat.