PJB-2025-1534
Exploring the hepatoprotective potential of Ricinus communis fractions: insights from biochemical, histopathological and molecular docking analysis
Khaista Nawab, Anwar Ali Shad and Jehan Bakht
Abstract
Liver cancer is a prevalent and serious global malignancy due to its rapid growth and poor prognosis, often stemming from liver damage progressing to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately cancer. In this context, a hepatoprotective study was conducted on crude methanol extracts of root, stem, leaves, flowers and seeds of Ricinus communis. This treatment regimen was consistently implemented over 64 consecutive days at various doses. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was used as the inducing agent while silymarin was the standard control. This study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of various fractions of R. communis using biochemical, histopathological, and In silico molecular docking analysis. Hepatic injury was induced in rats via CCl4 administration, followed by treatment with different fractions. Biochemical analysis revealed significant changes in liver function markers upon CCl4 exposure, including elevated levels of serum ALT, AST, and ALP, distinctly attenuated by treatment with Ricinus communis fractions. Notably, leaf fractions demonstrated superior hepatoprotective effects than root and flower fractions. The histopathological examination further supported these findings, showing remarkable recovery in liver structure with minimal inflammation and fatty changes/lipid alterations, particularly with leaf fractions. Additionally, in silico molecular docking analysis elucidated potential interactions between R. communis fractions and specific enzymes implicated in liver injury, further supporting the observed hepatoprotective effects. Ligands L1, L2, and L7 showed the strongest potential for enzyme inhibition. Overall, this study underscores the promising hepatoprotective properties of R. communis fractions, especially those derived from the leaves. These findings suggest the potential therapeutic utility of R. communis in the management of hepatic disorders
To Cite this article:
Nawab, K., A.A. Shad and J. Bakht. 2025. Exploring the hepatoprotective potential of Ricinus communis fractions: insights from biochemical, histopathological and molecular docking analysis. Pak. J. Bot., 57(4): DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30848/PJB2025-4(30)
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