Elucidating the Phytochemical, Antibacterial, and Hepatoprotective Effects of Elaeagnus umbellata Leaf Extract Against Liver Injury in an Animal Model.

Elaeagnus umbellata, commonly known as autumn olive, is considered a medicinal plant of high value and belongs to the Elaeagnaceae family. It exhibits anti-ulcer, antimutagenic, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective properties. The leaves of E. umbellata reportedly have pharmacological activities, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. However, no in vivo studies have evaluated this plant's hepatoprotective potential. In this study, the hepatoprotective potential of E. umbellata was determined using an in vivo model. Extraction from the leaves of E. umbellata was carried out using standard methods, which then were subjected to gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy for characterization. Fourteen compounds were identified in the crude methanolic extract (Met-Ext) of E. umbellata leaves. Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were assessed, and the extract was tested for hepatoprotective potential against carbon tetrachloride (CCL₄)-induced liver injury using rats as an experimental model. The samples exhibited antibacterial potential against bacterial strains such as Pseudomonas Aeruginosa 25619 (25 mm zone of inhibition) and Enterococcus faecalis 29212 (26 mm zone of inhibition). No inhibition was noted for Klebsiella pneumonia 43816 relative to the standard imipenem (34 mm zone of inhibition on average). A marked increase was observed in the levels of some serum liver biochemical parameters such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total cholesterol, serum creatinine, total serum bilirubin, total triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein. By contrast, a reduction was observed in other parameters, such as high-density lipoprotein, in a group of animals treated with CCl₄. The extract possessed substantial protective properties against CCl₄-induced liver toxicity, thereby mitigating liver damage and restoring liver function. The results of this in vivo study indicate that the crude Met-Ext of E. umbellata leaves exhibits considerable hepatoprotective effects in a dose-dependent manner.