Therapeutic Potential of Persea americana Stem Bark in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) Induced Hepatic Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Mice

Abstract

This study investigated the potential of Persea americana stem bark for the treatment of inflammation and oxidation in mice. Oxidative stress occurs in the body when there is serious imbalance between the generation of free radicals and the antioxidant defense system, inflammation is a natural defense mechanism against pathogens and it is associated with many pathogenic diseases such as microbial and viral infections, exposure to allergens, radiation and toxic chemicals, autoimmune and chronic diseases, obesity, consumption of alcohol, tobacco use, and a high-calorie diet. Plants offer significant potentials for development of new anti-inflammatory therapies and treatment of diseases associated with inflammation and Oxidation. Stem bark of Persea ameriacna was extracted using EtOH/H₂O (80:20 v/v), the extract obtained was subjected to maceration using 3 different solvents, hexane fraction (PAHF), Ethyl-acetate fraction (PAEF) and methanol fraction (PAMF). The methanol fraction came out with the highest yield and was used for the animal study, 30 male mice was divided into 3 different groups, LPS was introduced in one of the groups, PAMF was later administered to the same group, The experiment shows that the extract was able to demonstrate significant reduction in inflammation and also ameliorate oxidation in mice. In conclusion the methanolic fraction of Persea americana stem bark might contain beneficial phytochemicals that can be explored as potential anti-inflammatory and oxidative therapy.