Hepatoprotective potentials of Bryophyllum pinnatum against doxorubicin induced liver damage in Wistar rats

Doxorubicin (Dox), an antibiotic used in tumors treatment, has several substantial adverse effects that limit its clinical utilization. Dox administration impairs liver function, noting the vital role of liver in the body, it is pertinent to finding effective protective agents to combat Dox-induced liver damage. This study was therefore set to ascertain the hepatoprotective role of Bryophyllum pinnatum (Crassulacaea) against Dox-induced liver damage in rats. Five groups of 7 rats each were used for the study. The control received normal rat feed and drinking water. Group 2 (Dox only) received 50 mg/kg of Doxorubicin i.p. once daily. Group 3 (Extract group) took 600mg/kg of the ethanolic extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum orally once daily. Group 4 (Dox + extract) had Doxorubicin + extract and group 5 (Dox + Bis) received Doxorubicin + 5mg/kg of Bisoprolol orally once daily. The feeding regimens lasted 28 days. Blood samples and liver tissues were collected under ketamine (60 mg/kg body weight). Our results revealed that administration of induced liver damage in rats with a significant increase in Caspases-3 concentration and decrease in BCL-2 levels. Dox-only group also had significant (p<0.05) elevation of serum hepatic injury biomarkers (ALT, AST, ALP, total and direct bilirubin) as well as significant (p<0.05) reduction in albumin concentration. Furthermore, all the hepatic photomicrographs featured injuries to the hepatocytes. All these anomalies were ameliorated following treatment with ethanolic extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum or Bisoprolol. These findings reveal the hepatoprotective potentials of Bryophyllum pinnatum extract against doxorubicin-induced liver damage in rats.