In vivo antioxidant, organ protective, ameliorative and cholesterol Lowering potential of ethanolic and methanolic extracts of “Ata-Ofa” polyherbal tea (A-Polyherbal)

Abstract

Methanol and ethanol extracts of a new polyherbal formulation, “Ata-Ofa” polyherbal tea (A-Polyherbal) which is composed of Twenty one (21) plant products, including Tamarindus indica, Ginger officinalle, Khaya senegalensis, Nauclea latifolia, Moringa oleifera, Phyllantus amarus, Camellia sinensis, Anacardium occidentale, Mangifera indica, Aframomum melegueta and Morinda lucida were evaluated for antioxidant, hepatoprotective and ameliorative activity against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in rats at 5mg/kg. The prophylactic effect was evaluated following 48 h pre-treatment with the extracts prior to administration of CCl₄, while the ameliorative effect was assessed in rats, first pretreated with CCl₄, and then treated with CCl₄ every 72 hrs followed with daily administration of the extracts for 10 days. In vivo antioxidant effect was evaluated as levels of thiobarbituric reactive substances in tissue homogenates, while the functional integrity of the liver was monitored using biochemical, including alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and bilirubin. In addition to lowering cholesterol levels, both extracts showed significant in vivo antioxidant, hepatoprotective and curative effect on pre-existing liver conditions, with methanol extract showing better effects. These results strongly suggest that A-Polyherbal is effective for both prophylactic and therapeutic management of liver-related and oxidative stress associated disorders.