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Hepatoprotective properties of Psidium guajava fruit and Musa parasidiaca roots as a di-herbal remedy in Wistar rats
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a key factor in the initiation and progression of chronic liver diseases, prompting the exploration of antioxidants for prevention and treatment. Guava and plantain roots are known for their potent antioxidant properties and their hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigates the hepatoprotective function of guava fruit and plantain roots', and their antioxidant effects as a di-herbal remedy against CCl4-induced toxicity in rats.liver damage was induced in the experimental animals using CCl4 administration (1 ml/kg) for a month. Subsequently, a methanolic extract of guava fruit and plantain roots was administered individually at 500 mg/kg and in combination at 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg for an additional month. The anti-hepatotoxicity of the extracts was assessed by measuring serum activities of AST, ALT, ALP, and total bilirubin using standard protocols. Additionally, serum levels of SOD, CAT, GSH, GPx, NO, and MDA were evaluated, along with other biochemical parameters, including TGF-β as an inflammation biomarker using ELISA. In vitro analyses were conducted to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the plant extracts using DPPH, nitric oxide, ABTS, and FRAP assays. The administered dose of carbon tetrachloride significantly increased liver enzyme activity, indicating liver damage. However, treatment with plantain roots and guava extracts, both individually and in combination, resulted in substantial improvements in total protein levels, albumin concentration, total and direct bilirubin levels, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) concentrations. Analysis of oxidative stress markers revealed elevated malondialdehyde levels and decreased SOD, CAT, GST, and GSH levels in untreated rats. Notably, treatment with plantain roots and guava extracts demonstrated significant antioxidant effects, effectively mitigating oxidative stress-induced damage. The analysis on antioxidant potential, demonstrated strong antioxidant activity in both plantain roots and guava extracts, as indicated by their radical scavenging activity and nitric oxide inhibition. These findings offer valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of these natural remedies as a di-herb and pave the way for developing novel antioxidant-based treatments for liver diseases.
Received 24 September 2025
Accepted 11 January 2026
Published 31 March 2026
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DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21622/AMPDR.2026.06.1.1693
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Advances in Medical, Pharmaceutical and Dental Research
E-ISSN: 2812-4898
P-ISSN: 2812-488X
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