Hepatoprotective Effects of Ipomoea Batatas Aqueous Tuber Extract Against Areca Catechu-Induced Liver Impairment in Albino Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Areca catechu, one of the world's most consumed psychoactive substances, has been reported to possess genotoxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic properties. Ipomoea batatas, while also commonly consumed, has several nutritional and functional properties. Aim: This study aimed to investigate Ipomoea batatas' tuber extract's hepatoprotective I've properties against Areca catechu-induced liver impairment in albino Wistar rats through analysis of enzymatic antioxidants, liver enzymes, and histoarchitecture of the liver. Methods: Thirty adult Wistar rats weighing between 180g-260g, bred in the Animal House of the Department of Anatomy, University of Benin were randomly assigned into groups. Group A, B, C, D, E, and F received 1 ml of distilled water, 500 mg/kg of Ipomoea batatas aqueous extract, 1500 mg/kg of Areca catechu aqueous extract only, 1500 mg/kg of Areca catechu aqueous extract and left without further intervention, 250 mg/kg of Ipomoea batatas aqueous tuber extract with 1500 mg/kg of Areca catechu aqueous extract and 500 mg/kg of Ipomoea batatas aqueous tuber extract with 1500 mg/kg of Areca catechu aqueous extract, respectively. The study lasted for a period of eight weeks. Results: In addition to portal hepatitis and vascular distortion, significant increases (P<0.05) in the mean concentrations of liver enzymes (ALP, AST, ALT) and MDA were recorded after the administration of A. catechu (in groups C and D) while I. batatas helped prevent such phenomena (in groups E and F). Conclusion: Results from this study re-affirms that Areca catechu has liver-impairing properties which could be attributed to its arecoline content while Ipomoea batatas are rich in antioxidants as depicted by the histology and biochemical assays.