A hepatoprotective experiment on taro vegetable (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) flower employing animal models by mitigating oxidative stress.

Abstract

Background: Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott, known as the taro vegetable, possesses various beneficial effects and is traditionally used in folk medicine. This study explores the ameliorative antioxidant and hepatoprotective effect of a methanolic extract of the C. esculenta flower (ME-CEF) against oxidative damage and hepatotoxicity in mice.

Methods: The antioxidant efficacy of ME-CEF was assessed using 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay. The hepatoprotective effect was investigated by an assessment of liver injury indicators (amino transferase [ALT], aspartate amino transferase [AST], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], bilirubin, creatinine) and normalizing lipid profiles (cholesterol [CHO], triglyceride [TG], high-density lipoprotein [HDL], and low-density lipoprotein [LDL]) along with histopathological study and antioxidant enzymes (CAT). A phytochemical analysis, both qualitative and quantitative, was conducted, including gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) analysis and an in silico molecular docking study.

Results: The Result Showed that ME-CEF Possesses Moderate ABTS and DPPH Scavenging Activity with IC₅₀ Values of 117.18 and 160.41 μg/mL. As Illustrated by Reducing Liver Enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, Bilirubin, Creatinine) and Lipid Profile (CHO, TG, LDL) and Raising HDL Levels (p < 0.01), ME-CEF Dose Dependently Mitigated CCl₄-Induced Acute Liver Injury. Furthermore, ME-CEF Blocked Hepatic Oxidative Stress by Boosting Antioxidant Enzymes (CAT) and Preventing Liver Tissue Damage and Apoptosis. In Silico Investigations Also Showed a Promising Binding Affinity with Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), PRAP-1, and Xanthin Oxidoreductase, which Displayed Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Candidacy while Notable Safety and Efficacy Profile Was Also Documented through ADME/T Studies. Histopathological Analysis Showed Reduced Hepatocellular Necrosis and Vascular Congestion in Silymarin and Extract Groups.

Conclusion: Based on these results, our findings strongly recommend the medicinal use of the plant, highlighting its antioxidant and hepatoprotective potentials.