Planta Med 2006; 72 - P_325
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-950125

Evaluation of the hepatoprotective effect of Ocimum lamiifolium methanolic extract on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats – precision cut liver slices

MJ Mukazayire 1, V Allaeys 2, P Buc Calderone 2, P Duez 1
  • 1Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Bromatology and Human Nutrition, Institute of Pharmacy, CP 205/9, Bd du Triomphe, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
  • 2Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL), Unité de Pharmacocinétique, Métabolisme, Nutrition et Toxicologie, Ecole de Pharmacie, Woluwe, Brussels, Belgium

Numerous plant species are used to treat hepatitis in the indigenous health care system of Rwanda. Notable among these is Ocimum lamiifolium Hoechst. ex Benth. in DC. The present study aims to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of the methanolic extract of leaves of O. lamiifolium against hepatotoxicity induced by acetaminophen in rats – precision cut liver slices (PCLS).

The fresh rats-PCLS were incubated in Williams medium E for 24h with acetaminophen (hepatotoxicant) concomitantly with the plant extract or N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) (reference antihepatotoxicant). The measurement of ATP level and CYP2E1 activity were used as endpoints to assess liver toxicity and activity.

The O. lamiifolium methanolic extract was found to be free of hepatotoxic effects in concentrations up to 10mg/mL. The severe depletion of intracellular ATP by acetaminophen (10mM) was prevented by treatment with the extract at a dosage of 1mg/mL, to the same extent as with NAC treatment (20mM).

Reference: 1. Evdokimova, E. et al. (2001), Toxicology in Vitro 15: 683–690.