Antioxidant effect of Peperomia pellucida (L.) HBK decoction on the liver histopathology of trichloroethylene-exposed rats.

Abstract

Oxidative stress has harmful effects in different body organs which could lead to the occurrence of severe diseases such as hypertension and cancer. In search of an alternative medicine that is accessible and inexpensive, this study was conducted to determine the effect of Peperomia pellucida decoction in the liver histopathology of rats under trichloroethylene (TCE)-induced stress. Twenty five rats were distributed among five groups: negative and positive control groups, and three groups orally given with P. pellucida decoction at concentrations 5, 10, and 15 ml/kg. TCE was also orally administered to the latter four groups to induce stress. Liver histopathological analysis of the rats has shown that P. pellucida decoction possesses hepatoprotective effect against hepatocyte apoptosis, cytolytic necrosis, and fibrosis caused by oxidative stress. This is due to the plant’s ability to elevate antioxidant enzymes, caused by its bioactive compounds such as flavonoids. The 5 ml/kg concentration was the effective dose, with the 10 and 15 ml/kg concentrations showing increasing damage due to the counteracting effects of H2O2 also formed by antioxidants, and the presence of antagonistic compounds such as apiols at higher concentrations. The most effective dose of the decoction lies within the 5 to 10 ml/kg range.