IJCRR

IJCRR - 13(13), July, 2021

Pages: 141-148

Date of Publication: 05-Jul-2021

Evaluation of Synergistic Antioxidant Efficacy of Phyllanthus niruri Leaves and Sapindus mukorossi Fruits

Author: Nazia Malik, Rakesh Kumar Jat, Darna Bhikshapathi

Category: Healthcare

Abstract:Introduction: Numerous physiological and biochemical processes in the human body may produce oxygen-centred free radicals and other reactive oxygen species as by-products. Overproduction of such free radicals can cause oxidative damage to biomolecules, eventually leading to many chronic diseases, such as atherosclerosis, cancer, diabetes, ageing, and other degenerative diseases in humans. A traditional medicine prescription habitually contains various herbs or different parts, and these have a synergistic impact in effecting a cure or reducing toxicity. Aims: The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of a combined extract of Phyllanthus niruri leaves and Sapindus mukorossi fruit on antioxidant activity by in vitro and in vivo methods. Methods: In vitro antioxidant activity was performed by employing 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Nitric oxide scavenging, reducing power, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, superoxide anion scavenging and \?- Carotene linoleate assays. In vivo antioxidant estimation has been performed using CCL4 and acetaminophen treated rats. Methanolic extract of Phyllanthus niruri leaves (MEPNL), aqueous extract of Sapindus mukorossi fruit (AESMF) and combined extract (MEPNL+AESMF) responses on antioxidant enzymes (Catalase, SOD and GSH) and lipid peroxidation were evaluated and compared. Results: Combined extract (MEPNL+AESMF) at 400 mg/kg has exhibited significant antioxidant activity in in vitro methods by enhancing the scavenging of DPPH, NO, superoxide anion, increasing the reducing power and inhibition of bleaching of \?-Carotene linoleic acid when compared to individual extracts (MEPNL & AESMF). Lipid peroxidation was significantly decreased with combined extract than individual extracts. Catalase, SOD and Glutathione levels were remarkably elevated with the combination of extracts than individual extracts in CCl4and Paracetamol treated rats. Conclusions: Present study showed that the combined extract of Phyllanthus niruri leaves and Sapindus mukorossi fruit possess significant synergistic antioxidant activity than the individual leaf and fruit extracts demonstrated in vitro and in vivo methods. The synergistic effect of flavonoids, saponins and other antioxidant components in Phyllanthus niruri leaves and Sapindus mukorossi fruits may be responsible for enhanced antioxidant activity.

Keywords: Phyllanthus niruri, Sapindus mukorossi, Antioxidant, Synergistic, Flavonoids, Saponins

Full Text:

INTRODUCTION

These days, consideration is being centred on the investigation of the efficacy of plant in the customary medication since they are modest and have minimal side effects.¹ Elective therapeutics dependent on nutraceutical treatment and phytotherapy have developed as new recuperating frameworks and rapidly and generally spread.²Today, oxidative pressure has pulled in the consideration of analysts. An imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants prompts oxidative harm of proteins, fat, nucleic acids, and starches.^3,4

Oxidation prevention agents have shielded the body from the unsafe impact of the free radicals.⁵ Endogenous antioxidant agents guard against the reactive oxygen species that are fortified by natural antioxidants that reinforce them and reestablish the ideal balance by neutralizing the ROS. ^6,7 Traditional medication has been utilized in various natural products and herbs to treat an assortment of sicknesses including dangerous tumours.⁸

Ongoing proof has exhibited that combination therapy could give more noteworthy helpful advantages to sicknesses, for example, AIDS, malignant growth, atherosclerosis and diabetes, all of which have complex aetiology and pathophysiology and therefore are hard to treat utilizing a single medication target approach.⁹Various components in a herbal prescription exert a synergistic impact in such manners as following up on various targets or improving the solubility of active compounds, which constitute the pharmaceutical basis of traditional medicines.¹⁰

The leaves of the Phyllanthus niruri plant is reported to have multiple therapeutic properties such as anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic, antifungal, antimicrobial, antibacterial and antiparasitic, anti-cancer and Hepatoprotective activity.¹¹ The fruit of the Sapindus mukorossi plant is reported to have expectorant, emetic, hepatoprotective and abortifacient effects. ¹²

The active constituents present in both plants are flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, Glycosides, phenolics and steroids. Since flavonoids and saponins have potent antioxidant properties. The present study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant efficacy of combined extract of Phyllanthus niruri leaves and Sapindus mukorossi fruits by in vitro and in vivo methods and to compare the antioxidant potency of the combined extract with individual leaf and fruit extract and finally to establish the synergistic effect of combined extract over individual extracts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

   Collection and Authentication of Plant Material

For the present study, the Phyllanthus niruri leaves and Sapindus mukorossi fruits were collected from the vicinity of the Meerpet, Saroornagar, Hyderabad. Sample specimens of Phyllanthus niruri leaves and Sapindus mukorossi fruits were deposited in a polythene bag. The sample specimens were kept in fresh condition by adding 2% formalin. The scientific name of the plant has been verified with http://www.theplantlist.org on 7th, March 2020. Plant materials were identified and authenticated by Dr. K. Venkata Ratnam, Rayalaseema University, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

Extraction

The Phyllanthus niruri leaves and Sapindus mukorossi fruits were shade dried separately and mechanically reduced to a coarse powder. The weight of the coarse powders of Phyllanthus leaves and Sapindus fruits were found to be 1450 g and 1368 g. The powders were subjected to hot continuous successive extraction in a Soxhlet apparatus with solvents in the increasing order of polarity using petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol and water under controlled temperature (50-60 °C). The extracts thus obtained were concentrated in a vacuum rotary evaporator and extracts were kept in desiccators for further use.

Phytochemical screening

Phytochemical qualitative analysis was performed by subjecting the crude extracts for identification tests to detect the presence of flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, carbohydrates, fixed oils, tannins, phytosterols, proteins, amino acids, lignins, phenolic compounds, saponins, gums & mucilages.¹³

Methanolic extract of Phyllanthus niruri leaves (MEPNL) and aqueous extract of Sapindus mukorossi fruits (AESMF) were found to possess a significant number of active constituents and are selected for antioxidant activity. The combined extract was prepared by mixing the extracts of Phyllanthus niruri leaves and Sapindus mukorossi fruits in an equal ratio (1:1).

Animals

Wistar rats (180-200 g) were procured from Sainath agencies, Musheerabad, Hyderabad (282/99/CPCSEA) and housed in the animal facility of the institution. After randomly dividing the animals into different groups, the rats were accustomed for one month before the initiation of the experiment. Animals were caged in polypropylene cages and preserved under standard environmental conditions such as temperature (26 ± 2ºC), relative humidity (45-55%) and 12 hr dark/light cycle. The animals were fed with a rat pellet diet (Golden Mohur Lipton India Ltd.) and water ad libitum.

CPCSEA / IAEC Approval for Animal Studies

The study protocol was approved by the institutional ethical committee with reference no: 1447/PO/Re/S/11/12/A.

Experimental methods

In vitro antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of Phyllanthus niruri leaves (MEPNL), aqueous extract of Sapindus mukorossi fruits (AESMF) and combined extract (MEPNL+AESMF)

1. DPPH assay: To 1 ml of DPPH (0.1 mM solution) in methanol add 3 ml of different concentrations of MEPNL, AESMF & combined extract (MEPNL+AESMF) (20, 40, 60, 80 & 100 µg/ml). The reference standard used is ascorbic acid (100µg/ml). All the experiments were reproduced threefold. The percentage suppression (inhibition) was evaluated by using a formula

2. Nitric oxide scavenging assay ¹⁴: Sodium nitroprusside (2 ml) in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer is combined with 0.5 ml of different strengths of MEPNL, AESMF & combined extract (MEPNL+AESMF) ranging from 5-100 µg /ml dissolved in methanol. The mixtures are kept for incubator at 250C at room temperature for 150 minutes. Control consists of the same reaction mixture excluding MEPNL and AESMF. Griess reagent (0.5 ml) was added after incubation of individual sample (up to 0.5 ml) and further incubated for 30 minutes. The absorbance of chromophore was recorded at wavelength 546 nm. This experiment was executed threefold and the % inhibition was evaluated with the formula

3. Reducing Power assay: The reducing power potency of the MEPNL, AESMF and combined extract (MEPNL+AESMF) was assessed by Oyaizu method¹⁵. Distilled water (1 ml) possessing different strengths of MEPNL, AESMF and combined extract (MEPNL+AESMF) (20-100 μg/ml) were combined with phosphate buffer (pH 6.6, 2.5 ml, 0.2 M), 1% K3[Fe(CN)6] (2.5 ml) and incubated at 500C for 20 minutes. After incubation, a part of TCA (2.5 ml) 10% was combined and solutions were centrifuged for 10 minutes (3000 rpm). Supernatant solutions i.e the above layers were combined with distilled water (2.5 ml) and FeCl3 (0.5 ml) (0.1%) and the absorbance has been interpreted at 700 nm. Sodium metabisulphite was considered as the reference standard. The test was conducted in triplicate. Absorbance is directly proportional to the reducing power. A rise in the reaction mixture absorbance suggests enhancement in reducing power. Percentage rise in absorbance was determined by the formula

4. Hydrogen peroxide Scavenging Assay: ^16,17 Different concentrations of MEPNL, AESMF & combined extract (MEPNL+AESMF) (50-250 μg/ml) was combined with hydrogen peroxide (2 ml of 20 mM) in PBS (pH7.5) and incubated for 10 minutes. The absorbance was recorded at 230 nm against PBS blank. The experiment was carried out in a triplet. Data were represented as % inhibition. For reference standard ascorbic acid was used.

5. Superoxide Anion scavenging assay: 100µl riboflavin (2µm), 200µl methionine (13 mM), 200µl EDTA (100 µm), 100 µl of 75 µm NBT and MEPNL, AESMF & combined extract (MEPNL+AESMF) (100, 200, 300,400 and 500 µg/ml) were combined and further dissolved

with sodium phosphate buffer (up to 3 ml). Generation of formazon was accompanied by reading the absorbance under 560 nm after illumination for 10 minutes by using a lamp of fluorescent light. The solution was kept at dark in similar tubes act as blanks. Percentage suppression has been determined by utilizing the formula.

6. β-Carotene Linoleate assay: ¹⁸ 2 mg of B-Carotene is liquefied in 10 ml CHCl₃and the former solution (2 ml) was passed into 100 ml R.B flask. CHCl₃was eliminated using vacuum and a further 40 mg of linoleic acid, 400 mg tween 40, followed by 100 ml distilled H2O were added. The above intermixture (4.8 ml) is supplemented to the tubes possessing MEPNL, AESMF and combined extract (MEPNL+AESMF) (100, 200, 300, 400 & 500 µg/ml) in 2 ml, the absorbance of the zero period was calculated using 470 nm. The tubes were incubated at 500C for a period of 2 hr and further recorded the absorbance. A β-carotene blank was prepared & recorded its absorbance. The similar technique has been reciprocated using BHT.

Antioxidant potency = (β-carotene amount after 2 hr of assay/ initial β-Carotene content) x100

Single-dose oral acute toxicity for one week with gross behavioural study ^{19, 20}

The Acute toxicity evaluation of MEPNL and AESMF were performed based on OECD guidelines 423 by using mice and fixed-dose studies were selected where the limit dose is 2000 mg/kg ( Figure 1).

In vivo antioxidant studies of MEPNL, AESMF and combined extract (MEPNL+AESMF)

1). Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) intoxicated rats: ²¹ Rats were separated into 8 groups consisting of 6 rats in each group

I: Untreated control (1% liquid paraffin 1ml/kg s.c as vehicle) (-ve control)

II: Hepatotoxin control (+ve control) (vehicle for only 7 days (s.c) subsequently 1ml/kg b.w CCl₄:liq.paraffin (1:1) s.c on day 7)

III: Standard group (Silymarin 100 mg/kg) one time daily for 7 days and then CCl₄: Liq. paraffin (1:1) 1 ml/kg s.c on 7th day.

IV: MEPNL (200 mg/kg) every day for one week orally and then CCl₄:liq.paraffin (1:1) s.c on day 7.

V: MEPNL (400 mg/kg) every day for one week orally and then 1 ml/kg CCl₄:liq.paraffin (1:1) s.c on 7th day.

VI: AESMF (200 mg/kg) every day for one week orally and then CCl4:liq.paraffin (1:1) s.c on day 7

VII: AESMF (400 mg/kg) every day for one week orally and then 1 ml/kg CCl4:liq.paraffin (1:1)  s.c on 7th day.

VIII: Combined extract (MEPNL+ AESMF) (400 mg/kg) every day for one week orally and then 1 ml/kg CCl₄:liq.paraffin (1:1) s.c on 7^th day.

2) Paracetamol intoxicated rats: ²² Rats were bifurcated in to 8 groups comprising of 6 rats in each group.

I: Untreated control (-ve control) (acacia suspension 2% w/v in distilled water)

II: Treated toxic control (+ve control) (1 week vehicle + paracetamol 2g/kg orally on 5th day) III: Standard (Silymarin 100 mg/kg every day for 1 week orally + 2g/kg acetaminophen orally on 5thday).

IV: MEPNL (200 mg/kg dose every day for 1 week + 2g/kg acetaminophen on 5th day).

V: MEPNL (400 mg/kg dose every day for 7 days orally + 2g/kg acetaminophen orally on 5th day).

VI: AESMF (200 mg/kg dose every day for 1 week + 2g/kg acetaminophen on 5th day).

VII: AESMF (400 mg/kg dose every day for 1 week + 2g/kg acetaminophen on 5th day).

VIII: Combined extract (MEPNL+ AESMF) [(400 mg/kg) dose every day for 1 week + 2g/kg acetaminophen on 5th day].

Liver Isolation

The rats were killed using mild ether anaesthesia on day 8th for liver isolation. The isolated liver was completely cleansed with an ice cold solution of saline. The liver weight was recorded after blotting it in pads of filter paper. A liver homogenate was made which was utilized for further in vivo antioxidant analysis.

Statistical analysis: The findings were exhibited as Mean ± S.E.M by using one way ANOVA subsequently using Tukey-kramer comparison analysis. The results were regarded to be statistically significant when p<0.05.

RESULTS

Phytochemical investigations

Preliminary phytochemical investigation of MEPNL and AESMF indicates the presence of flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, carbohydrates, glycosides, fixed oils, phenolics, fats and lignins. Methanolic extract of Phyllanthus niruri leaves and aqueous extract of Sapindus mukorossi fruit were selected for in vitro and in vivo Pharmacological activities. Flavonoids are detected more in methanolic extract of Phyllanthus niruri leaves and flavonoids are reported to have antioxidant and organ protective properties. Saponins are detected with greater clarity in the aqueous extract of Sapindus mukorossi fruit and saponins are reported to be responsible for the antioxidant and antistress activity.

Preparation of combined extract of Phyllanthus niruri leaves and Sapindus mukorossi fruit

Both the leaf and fruit extracts were combined in equal ratios (1:1) i.e 5 gms of Phyllanthus niruri leaf extract with 5 gms of Sapindus mukorossi fruit extract.

In vitro antioxidant studies of MEPNL, AESMF and combined extract (MEPNL+AESMF)

1. DPPH assay: In this investigation, MEPNL, AESMF and combined extract (MEPNL+ AESMF) have exhibited a dose-related rise in DPPH radical scavenging action. L-Ascorbic acid (in a dose of 100µg) has exhibited 78.52% scavenging action. However MEPNL and AESMF at

100 µg /ml have shown scavenging activity i.e 19.31 % & 45.80 %. Combined extract (MEPNL+AESMF) has shown highly significant DPPH scavenging activity to an extent of 90.23% which is greater than the individual plant extracts and also significant than standard ascorbic acid. The results are graphically represented in figure 2.

2. NO radical scavenging activity: MEPNL, AESMF and combined extract have shown a considerable dose-related rise in the NO anion scavenging action. Ascorbic acid (100µg) has exhibited 74.382% potency. MEPNL and AESMF (100 µg) has shown significant scavenging

activity i.e 24.934% & 48.588%. Combined extract (MEPNL+AESMF) has exhibited greater NO anion scavenging action to an extent of 57.228% which is higher than the NO scavenging activity of individual extracts. The results are graphically shown in figure 3.

3. Reducing Power assay: From the above assay, it is evident that MEPNL, AESMF and Combined extract (MEPNL+AESMF) have exhibited a dose-dependent increase in the reducing activity. Standard sodium metabisulphite (100µg) has shown 92.48 % activity. MEPNL and AESMF at 20, 40, 60 & 80µg have exhibited a steady increase in reducing activity, but a significant increase in the activity was observed with MEPNL & AESMF at a concentration of 100µg (69.29 & 74.53%). Combined extract (MEPNL+AESMF) has exhibited a greater increase in reducing power action to an extent of 84.57 % which is higher than the reducing power activity of individual extracts. The results are tabulated in Table No. 3 and graphically illustrated in figure 4.

Hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity: MEPNL, AESMF and Combined extract (MEPNL+AESMF) exhibited dose-dependent H2O2 scavenging activity. Standard ascorbic acid (250µg) has shown 71.774% activity. MEPNL and AESMF exhibited maximum activity at 250µg (29.201% and 41.007%) with IC50 values of 405.67µg & 345.47µg. Combined extract (MEPNL+AESMF) at dose 250 µg/ml exhibited a synergistic H₂O₂ scavenging activity action to an extent of 51.613 % which is higher than the H₂O₂ scavenging activity of individual extracts.

5. Superoxide anion scavenging activity: MEPNL and AESMF have shown moderate scavenging activity i.e 45.332% & 51.304% at 500 µg/ml. Combined extract (MEPNL+AESMF) at dose 500mg. ( Figure 5)

µg/ml exhibited a synergistic superoxide anion scavenging activity to an extent of 61.929 % which is greater than the superoxide anion scavenging activity of individual extracts. The results are illustrated in figure 6.

6. Antioxidant activity in β-Carotene linoleate system: BHT (500µg) has exhibited 74.653% activity. MEPNL and AESMF (500 µg) have shown mild scavenging activity i.e 11.607% & 17.956% compared to standard BHT. Combined extract (MEPNL+AESMF) at dose 500 µg/ml exhibited a significant increase in scavenging activity to an extent of 60.317% which is much greater than the scavenging activity of individual extracts ( Figure 7)

The methanolic extract of Phyllanthus niruri leaves (MEPNL) and aqueous extract Sapindus mukorossi fruit (AESMF) were administered to mice at doses 5, 50, 300 & 2000 mg/kg with an oral syringe did not display any symptoms of toxicity. The rats were examined for two weeks, twice a day has not exhibited toxic signs. Hence oral LD50 of MEPNL & AESMF was finalized to surpass 2000 mg/kg. Therefore 2000 mg/kg was regarded as the safest higher dose for methanolic extract Phyllanthus niruri leaves and aqueous extract Sapindus mukorossi fruit and 1/10th i.e 200 mg/kg (lower dose) and 1/5th of 2000 mg/kg i.e 400 mg/kg (higher dose) of MEPNL and  AESMF were preferred for the further pharmacologicalstudies.

In vivo antioxidant activity of MEPNL, AESMF and Combined extract (MEPNL+AESMF) in CCl₄and Paracetamol intoxicated rats

LPO was considerably reduced by MEPNL and AESMF at 200 & 400 mg/kg in CCl₄and Paracetamol intoxicated rats. However maximum reduction of LPO was seen with combined extract at 400 mg/kg in CCl₄and Paracetamol intoxicated rats. Proportions of catalase are considerably enhanced with MEPNL and AESMF at 400 mg/kg in CCl₄and Paracetamol intoxicated rats, whereas the degree of catalase was not significantly increased with 200mg/kg. Combined extract at 400 mg/kg exhibited a significant enhancement of catalase activity than individual extracts. SOD and glutathione levels were remarkably increased with MEPNL and AESMF at 400 mg/kg. Combined extract (MEPNL + AESMF) at 400 mg/kg exhibited a significant increase in SOD and glutathione levels than MEPNL and AESMF in CCl₄and Paracetamol intoxicated rats. Silymarin exhibited a considerable effect on all the parameters at 100 mg/kg shown in Figure 8,9,10 and 11.

DISCUSSION

The above results indicate that the combined extract of Phyllanthus niruri leaves and Sapindus mukorossi fruit (MEPNL + AESMF) have exhibited remarkable antioxidant effect by scavenging the DPPH, NO, Hydrogen peroxide and Superoxide anion radicals. The extract mixture also increased reducing power activity and inhibition of bleaching of β-Carotene linoleic acid. The in vitro antioxidant potential of the combined extract is more than the antioxidant effects of individual extracts. In vivo, antioxidant results indicate that the extract mixture at 400 mg/kg inhibited lipid peroxidation more than the individual extracts and enhanced significantly the antioxidant enzymes such as Catalase, SOD and Glutathione greater than the individual extracts in albino rats. This signifies that the combined extract of Phyllanthus niruri leaves and Sapindus mukorossi fruit (MEPNL + AESMF) have synergistic antioxidant potentials. Various antioxidants follow various components or pathways under different stress conditions to show their antioxidative response. The principle systems include: hindering free radical oxidation responses (preventive oxidants), interference of propagation of the autoxidation chain response (chain-breaking antioxidants); inhibiting the formation of free lipid radicals, quenching single oxygen species; diminishing hydroperoxides changing over them into stable compounds; inhibiting prooxidative enzymes; chelating metals and changing over metalpro-oxidants into stable products and through synergism with other antioxidants ^23,24.

CONCLUSIONS

From the above studies, we can conclude that the combined extract of Phyllanthus niruri leaves and Sapindus mukorossi fruit (MEPNL + AESMF) have potent and synergistic antioxidant activity. The antioxidant efficacy of the combined extract was found to be higher than the individual extracts. The exact mechanism behind this synergistic effect is not clearly understood but it can be hypothesized that the synergistic effect of flavonoids, saponins and other antioxidant components in Phyllanthus niruri leaves and Sapindus mukorossi fruits when used in combination can effectively neutralize free radicals that are responsible for the oxidative stress.

Acknowledgements

The authors are also thankful to Dr. N. Sivaraj, Senior Scientist (Eco Botany), National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad for kind co-operation in the authentication of plants. We would like to thanks to Institutional Animal Ethics Committee of Pharmacy College for providing ethical clearance of in vivo study for the present research.

SOURCE OF FUNDING

No source of funding

CONFLICT OF INTERESTS

This is to inform you that the authors declare that they have no conflict of interest regarding this article.

AUTHOR CONTRIBUTION

Mrs. Nazia Malik has selected the plants and performed the activities under the supervision of Rakesh Kumar Jat and Darna Bhikshapathi.

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