Spathodea companulata (African tulip tree) stem and root barks extracts ameliorated N-nitroso diethylamine induced hepatic impairment in male rats

Spathodea campanulata Beauv. is an important plant widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of hepatic disease. In the present study, we evaluate the phytochemical composition and hepatoprotective potential effect of the stem and root bark extracts of Spathodea companulata on dimethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced hepatic impairment in albino rats. Phytochemical compositions were analyzed using standard protocols. Forty-five male rats were grouped into 9 (A-I) of 5 rats each. Groups A-F were treated with stem bark extract, root bark extract, quercetin, DEN + stem bark extract, DEN + root bark extract, DEN + quercetin respectively while groups G-1 serve as control groups and were treated with corn oil only (Vehicle control), DEN only (Toxicant control), and distilled water (normal control) respectively. DEN was given at 25 mg/kg b.w., i.p on a weekly basis while all treatments were administered at 100 mg/kg BW orally for 60 days. Serum transaminase activities, body weight, and liver body weight ratio were evaluated. Results revealed the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycoside, saponins, anthraquinone, steroids, and flavonoids in stem bark extract of Spathodea companulata, while the root bark contains cardiac glycoside, saponins, anthraquinonoid, steroids, and flavonoid. The DEN non-treated rat exhibited significant (p<0.05) weight loss and increase serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activities when compared with the normal control. Treatment with stem and root bark extracts of Spathodea companulata significantly ameliorated the toxicant induce alterations in the transaminase activity and body weight loss when compared with the DEN non-treated rats. In conclusion, this study provides scientific validation of the use of this plant in traditional medicine for the management of hepatic disorders.