Background: N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a potent hepatotoxin that induces fibrosis of the liver.
Cymbopogon citratus, a plant that is widely cultivated to be eaten either fresh with food or dried in tea or soft drink has been
reported to possess a number of medicinal and aromatic properties. Aim of the work: This work is aimed to study the protective
effect of Cymbopogon citratus ethanolic leaf extract against hepatic injury and fibrosis induced by repeated intermittent
administration of Dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) in rats. Materials and methods: A total of 30 rats divided into 3 groups were
used. Group 1 served as control, Group 2 was given intraperitoneal injection with DMA at a concentration of 10mg/kg body
weight on three consecutive days of each week over a period of three weeks. Group 3 was given DMA at a concentration of
10mg/kg body weight on three consecutive days of each week over a period of three weeks and 100 mg/kg body weight of
Cymbopogon citratus ethanolic aqueous leaf extract 5 hours after administration of DMN. Results: It was found that DMN
produces histopathological changes of the liver; including signs of severe hepatic injury. The cytoplasm of most hepatocytes
appeared vacuolated with pyknotic and karyolytic nuclei, congested blood vessels and focal necrotic areas with marked
increase of the collagen fibers deposition around the blood vessels. Ultrastructural changes showed Pyknotic nuclei, vacuolated
cytoplasm and reduction or complete loss of cristae in the mitochondria. These were reversed by simultaneous treatment with
Cymbopogon citratus. In conclusion: The results of this present study indicated that aqueous leaf extracts of Cymbopogon
citratus has an antihepatotoxic action against DMN induced hepatic oxidative damage in rats which might be ascribed to its
antioxidant and free radical scavenging property. |
