Ameliorative Effect of Phyllanthus amarus (Gale of Wind) on Cardiac, Renal and Hepatic Functions of Paracetamol Intoxicated Wistar Rat

Background and Objective: Paracetamol overdose can cause severe liver, heart and kidney damage due to oxidative stress and glutathione depletion. Phyllanthus amarus, known for its hepatoprotective properties, may offer therapeutic benefits in mitigating such toxicity. This study evaluates the antioxidative effects of Phyllanthus amarus on biochemical markers in paracetamol-induced organ damage, exploring its potential as a natural remedy. Materials and Methods: The study comprised six groups of seven rats each. The first and second groups were composed of negative and positive controls, respectively. Excluding the first groups, all were given intraperitoneally 100-300 mg/kg/day of paracetamol for 30 days to induce acute hepatic, cardiac and renal injuries. Subsequently, 300 mg of Phyllanthus amarus extract was administered to all the groups excluding the controls for another 30 days. This was followed by the sample collection and laboratory analysis using WHO-approved methods. The evaluated biochemical analysis included lipid profile, renal and hepatic function parameters. The data analysis was performed on SPSS version 19-20 using One-way ANOVA (post hoc-LSD) as the choice statistical tool. Results: The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids in the leaves and seeds of Phyllanthus amarus. Similarly, the lipid profile and some of the renal and hepatic markers of the paracetamol-intoxicated rats treated with the extract decreased significantly compared to those not treated with the extract. Thus, the aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus has an ameliorative capacity for hepatic and renal toxicity, coupled with an anti-hyperlipidaemic capacity. Conclusion: The results suggest the aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus could be of use for the prevention of hepatic and renal compromise, coupled with disorders associated with lipid lipogenesis such as obesity.