Hepato-protective Effect of Aqueous Extract of Manila Tamarind (Pithecellobium dulce) Fruit Pulp against Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Hepatotoxicity in Adult Mice

Manila Tamarind (Pithecellobium dulce) fruit pulp powder is used as a therapeutic agent to treat a range of ailments due to its extraordinary capabilities. The bark and pulp are known for their hemostatic and astringent properties, making them effective remedies for toothaches, bleeding gums and gum problems. This study aims to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of Pithecellobium dulce fruit pulp in laboratory animals.

To induce liver injury, experimental animals were administered approximately 1 ml of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intraperitoneal (i.p) injection in olive oil. The animals were then given 50 mg, 300 mg and 2000 mg/kg body weight (bw) of aqueous extract of Manila tamarind fruit solution via oral gavage tube. Control animals received distilled water as a vehicle. The study measured serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), triglyceride and bilirubin levels to assess the hepatoprotective effect.

The aqueous extract of the fruit pulp of Manila tamarind significantly reduced serum SGOT, SGPT, ALP, triglyceride and bilirubin levels in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity. Mannose exhibited the strongest binding affinity (-6.2 kcal/mol), followed by Hexyl (-5.1 kcal/mol) and Pyran-4-one (-4.9 kcal/mol), highlighting their potential for therapeutic applications. These findings provide a foundation for further pharmacological research on Manila Tamarind phytochemicals. The results prove that the aqueous extract of the fruit pulp of Pithecellobium dulce possesses a hepatoprotective effect against liver injury.