Myricitrin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, and rutin from Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne ssp. raddiana alleviate liver injury in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-intoxicated rats

Abstract

Acacia tortilis ssp. raddiana has traditionally been employed to treat liver disorders. However, its hepatoprotective properties remain unexplored. This study investigated the phenolic composition, antioxidant potential, and hepatoprotective effects of the plant's ethanolic leaf extract. LC-MS analysis identified 11 phenolic compounds in the extract, with the glycosylated flavonoids myricitrin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, and rutin being the most abundant. The extract exhibited potent antioxidant capacity, demonstrated by a DPPH radical scavenging capacity of 149.77 µg DW/mL and a ferric reducing antioxidant power value of 717.02 µmol TEAC/g DW. CCl₄-induced liver injury in rats significantly elevated serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase, alongside increased malondialdehyde and decreased catalase and glutathione-S-transferase activities in liver homogenates. Pretreatment with the plant extract at 150 and 250 mg/kg BW effectively ameliorated these biomarkers, restoring them near control levels. Histopathological analysis corroborated these findings, revealing a marked preservation of liver tissue integrity and a reduction in hepatocyte degeneration and inflammatory cell infiltration at both dosages. These hepatoprotective effects could be attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of myricitrin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, and rutin. Acute toxicity evaluation at a dose of 2000 mg/kg BW revealed no mortality or signs of toxicity. These findings show that A. tortilis ssp. raddiana possesses properties that may contribute to liver protection against toxic substances, warranting further investigation into its potential therapeutic applications.