The influence of the combination of methanolic extract Scurrula atropurpurea (Blume) and Dendrophthoe pentandra on rat liver function and structure

Background. Tea mistletoe (Scurrula atropurpurea (Blume)) and mango mistletoe (Dendrophthoe pentandra) have been known as a potential medicine for several diseases. Objective: to investigate the effect of the combination of methanolic extract Scurrula atropurpurea (Blume) and Dendrophthoe pentandra (MESA-DP) on rat liver function and structure using serological and histopathological analysis. Material and methods. This study was experimental during 28 days using 20 rats divided into four groups (Group 1 as a control, while Groups 2, 3, and 4 were given MESA-DP at doses 250, 500, and 1,000 mg/kg of body weight, respectively). The liver histopathological structure was observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining. The liver function assessment included total bilirubin, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), total protein, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. Data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA analysis (ANalysis Of VAriance) and performed via SPSS Statistics 17.0 (IBM, USA). Results. The administration of MESA-DP did not show significant differences at all doses for the liver rat function in total bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT, albumin, cholesterol and triglycerides (p>0.05), while globulin, total protein, HDL and LDL showed significant results (p<0.05). The liver histopathological structure showed the number of pyknotic, karyorrhectic and karyolytic cells in rats after MESA-DP administration compared to controls, which grew with increasing dose. Conclusion. The liver function in rats after being exposed to MESA-DP was not affected in terms of total bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT, albumin, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. However, using MESA-DP increased the necrotic liver cells. It may be beneficial for the liver health of experimental animals taking into account the correct dosage.