Phytochemical study, biological and homeopathic activity of extract of vomit nut Strychnos nux-vomica L against toxicity induced by N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone in rats.

Abstract

This work aimed to study the effect of aqueous extract of Strychnos nux-vomica in the treatment of paracetamol-induced toxicity, in rats. Thirty male white Wistar rats, weighing between 165-247 g, were divided into 5 groups of 6 animals each (n = 6) and treated for 12 days as follows: Group 1: Controls receiving mineral water, Group 2: Animals treated with a toxic dose of Paracetamol 1/4 of the LD50 (DL50= 1943 mg/Kg) by gavage (orally). Group 3: Animals received a toxic dose of Paracetamol 1/4 of the LD50 by gavage (oral route) and treated with the aqueous extract of Strychnos nux-vomica (0.5 mg / Kg). Group 4: Animals received a toxic dose of Paracetamol 1/4 of the LD50 by gavage (oral route) and treated with the homeopathic trituration (CH 14) of Strychnos nux-vomica (0.5 mg / Kg). And Group 5: Animals received a toxic dose of Paracetamol 1/4 of the LD50 by gavage (oral route) and treated with the homeopathic trituration (CH 30) of Strychnos nux-vomica (0.5 mg / Kg).Various parameters: hematological, biochemical, and antioxidant markers were estimated. Histopathology of liver and kidney tissues was observed. The results of the qualitative analysis showed the richness of aqueous extract in alkaloids and flavonoids, terpenoids, and reduced compounds. The total phenol and flavonoid content showed the highest concentration in the aqueous extract of S.nux-vomica (23.67 mg GA EQ/g , 3.086 mg QEQ/g). The IC50 values for the plant were 6.86 μg/ml. In this study. The change in hematological and some biochemical parameters was observed in poisoned rats and showed significant recovery in aqueous extract and S. nux-vomica plant homeopathic trituration groups. The level of MDA was decreased and GSH was increased both with significantly (P < 0.05) in rats treated with aqueous extract and trituration plant. Histopathology of liver and kidney tissues confirmed their protection by the aqueous extract and homeopathic trituration of S.nux-vomica. The study revealed the presence of antioxidant and anti-hemolytic properties in the aqueous extract of S.nux-vomica, with a beneficial effect of the plant homeopathic trituration in reducing oxidative stress, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity occurring in rats.