Time-Dependent Influence of Sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre on Neuro-Hepatic Mitochondrial Metabolizing Enzymes in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: The use of herbal concoctions as a means of medication with no regard for quality assurance and toxicological study increases daily. Meanwhile, cases of accidental poisoning due to consumption of herbal concoctions had been previously reported. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of Sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre methanolic leaf extract on mitochondrial metabolizing enzymes in the brain and liver Methods: Fresh leaf of Sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre was collected at Igbajo, South West, Nigeria. The methanolic extract of the leave was administered at varying doses of 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg for 14, 28, and 42 days respectively. The liver and brain were excised from the rat after the last administration, and mitochondrial metabolizing enzymes were assessed in the brain and liver samples of the rat Results: The Hepatic Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity was up-regulated at 200mg/kg-600mg/kg (28days) and 200-600mg/kg (42days), while other doses had no significant SDH activity. Malate dehydrogenase (MDH) activity increased at all doses, with its peak activity observed at 600mg/kg (42days). Increased hepatic Complex I+III activity was observed at all doses, with its peak at 200mg/kg(42days). Furthermore, the activity of hepatic Complex II+III was upregulated at all doses of administration. Liver Complex IV activity significantly increased at 400mg/kg (28days) instead of the declined activity recorded at other doses. Neural SDH activity increased at all doses. MDH activity significantly decreased at all doses except at 200mg/kg (28days) and 600mg/kg (42days). There was an observed up-regulation of neural Complex I+III activity at all doses; Complex II+III activity increased at all doses. Neural Complex IV activity increased significantly at 400-600mg/kg (42days). All data are relative to control. Conclusion: Data from this study indicate perturbations (increase and decrease) in the neuro-hepatic mitochondrial metabolizing enzymes