<i>Dichrocephala integrifolia</i> (L.f.) Kuntze Leaf Aqueous Extract Improves Liver Architecture in a Model of Aflatoxin‐Containing Peanut‐Induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Rats

Consumption of aflatoxin-contaminated food is responsible for hepatotoxicity. <i>Dichrocephala integrifolia</i> (<i>D. integrifolia</i>) is used in traditional African medicine to treat various liver diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of aqueous leaf extract of <i>D. integrifolia</i> on aflatoxin-containing peanut-induced liver damage in Wistar rats. The animals were fed the standard diet (SD) or the SD supplemented with stored and poorly preserved peanuts (50:50) containing aflatoxins for 42 days. Then, animals received the diet concomitantly with <i>D. integrifolia</i> (100, 200 mg/kg), or Silybon 100 mg/kg for 14 days. At the end of the experimental period, biochemical markers, including the lipid profile, liver function markers, and proinflammatory markers, were evaluated. A histopathological analysis of the liver was performed. Semiquantitative evaluation of aflatoxin B1 in peanuts by thin-layer chromatography was carried out, and phytochemical characterization of the extract by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was performed. As a result, poorly stored peanuts contain 20 μg/kg aflatoxin B1/kg of peanuts. Consumption of contaminated peanuts resulted in inflammation characterized by a significant increase (<i>p</i> < 0.001) in proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, INF-γ, and IL-13) and a significant increase (<i>p</i> < 0.001) in transaminase activities, GGT, ALP, and levels of total bilirubin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and a significant decrease (<i>p</i> < 0.001) in HDL cholesterol and albumin levels. These various abnormalities were accompanied by a significant increase (<i>p</i> < 0.001) in oxidative stress. These disturbances were confirmed by hepatic cytolysis, leukocyte infiltration, and vascular congestion. Treatment with <i>D. integrifolia</i> extract at all doses tested reversed these abnormalities. These beneficial effects of the extract could be due to <i>β</i>-amyrin formate, identified in this extract, and could therefore justify the use of this plant extract in traditional medicine to manage liver diseases.