The present study was designed to evaluate the ameliorating effect of 70%
methanol extract of Spondias pinnata (
SPME) on
iron overload induced liver injury.
Iron overload was induced by intraperitoneal administration of
iron-
dextran into mice and resulting liver damage was manifested by significant rise in serum
enzyme markers (ALT, AST, ALP and
bilirubin) and reduction in liver
antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GST and GSH). Hepatic
iron, serum
ferritin, lipid peroxidation,
protein carbonyl and
hydroxyproline contents were measured in response to the
oral administration of
SPME of different doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg
body weight). In order to determine the efficiency as
iron chelating
drug, the release of
iron from
ferritin by
SPME was further studied. Enhanced levels of
antioxidant enzymes were detected in
SPME treated mice.
SPME produced a dose dependent inhibition of lipid peroxidation,
protein oxidation,
liver fibrosis; and levels of serum
enzyme markers and
ferritin were also reduced dose dependently. The liver
iron content was also found to be less in
SPME treated group compared to control group. The reductive release of
ferritin iron was augmented significantly after dose dependent addition of
SPME. The ameliorating effect of
SPME on damaged liver was furthermore supported by the histopathological studies that showed improved histological appearances. In conclusion, the present results demonstrate the hepatoprotective efficiency of
SPME in
iron intoxicated mice, and hence possibly useful as
iron chelating
drug for
iron overload diseases.