In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of <i>Litsea martabanica</i> Root Extract and Its Hepatoprotective Effect on Chlorpyrifos-Induced Toxicity in Rats

• Main Authors: Phraepakaporn Kunnaja, Sunee Chansakaow, Absorn Wittayapraparat, Pedcharada Yusuk, Seewaboon Sireeratawong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-03-01
• Series: Molecules
• Subjects: <i>L. martabanica</i>; antioxidant; anti-pesticide; medicinal plant; acetylcholinesterase activity; hepatoprotective
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/7/1906

In Thailand, people in the highland communities whose occupational exposure to pesticides used the root of <i>Litsea martabanica</i> as a detoxifying agent. However, the scientific data to support the traditional use of this plant are insufficient. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and anti-pesticide potential of <i>L. martabanica</i> root extract. Antioxidant properties were investigated by 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, superoxide radicals scavenging assay, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assay, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and total phenolic content determination. In all assays, <i>L. martabanica</i> extracts and their fractions exhibited high antioxidant activities differently. The water extract is traditionally used as a detoxifying agent. Therefore, it was chosen for in vivo experiments. The rats received the extract in a way that mimics the traditional methods of tribal communities followed by chlorpyrifos for 16 days. The results showed that acetylcholinesterase activity decreases in pesticide-exposed rats. Treatment with the extract caused increasing acetylcholinesterase activity in the rats. Therefore, <i>L. martabanica</i> extract may potentially be used as a detoxifying agent, especially for the chlorpyrifos pesticide. The antioxidant properties of <i>L. martabanica</i> may provide a beneficial effect by protecting liver cells from damage caused by free radicals. Histopathology results revealed no liver cell necrosis and showed the regeneration of liver cells in the treatment group. <i>L. martabanica</i> extract did not cause changes in behavior, liver weight, hematological and biochemical profiles of the rats.