Lead (Pb) is non-biodegradable heavy metal. It can pollute the environment and endanger organisms, especially humans. Most of the leads accumulate in the liver, which is about 33% because they are related to the function of the liver, such as storage, biotransformation, and detoxification of toxic compounds. Exposure to high concentrations of lead in inducing oxidative stress because of the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals. If the ROS production is excessive and the endogenous antioxidants cannot overcome, it will trigger the occurrence of lipid peroxidation, which impacts changes in cell membrane integrity and eventually results in cell damage.
To mitigate the impact caused by lead exposure, exogenous antioxidants can be given because of their function to stop or break the chain reaction of free radicals in the human body. The administration of exogenous antioxidants is expected to reduce cell or tissue damage caused by free radicals. Gynura is one of the plants that contain secondary metabolites which has potential antioxidants. G procumbens is rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which are also known to contribute to antioxidant properties and the root extract of G. procumbens had higher antioxidant potential than leaves and stems extract.
The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of G. procumbens adventitious root extract against lead acetate toxicity in mice. Red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (HGB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, histological analysis of hepatic cells, and activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase/SOD and catalase/CAT) were also determined. There are limited reports regarding the application of G. procumbens adventitious root extract produced from tissue culture for treatment in animals as well as to be used for traditional medicinal plants. The research used twenty-five male mice (Mus musculus, strains Balb/C), aged 8-10 weeks. G. procumbens treatment was given every morning (08:00 to 10:00 hours) and Pb acetate treatment was given 2 hours after G. procumbens treatment. Treatment was administered orally for 30 days.
The results of our study indicated that the decrease of RBC, HGB, percentage of normal hepatic cells, and activity of SOD and CAT could prevent by the administration of G. procumbens adventitious root extract. G. procumbens also significantly prevent increasing in AST and ALT levels, and the percentage of swollen and necrotic hepatic cells in mice exposed to lead. The effective dose of G. procumbens extract in this study was 300 mg/L, because there was an increase in the activity of SOD and CAT enzymes as well as a decrease in the number of necrotic hepatic cells and AST levels. This study provides that G. procumbens adventitious root exerts protective effects against lead acetate toxicity in mice and is the potential to be used for traditional medicinal plants.
Author: Sugiharto, S.Si., M.Si.
Note:
This scientific article is reviewed from an article published in the Q4 International Journal:
Sugiharto*, Dwi Winarni, Ufairanisa Islamatasya, Abdul Hakim Muhsyi, Ahimsa Buena Merpati, Yosephine Sri Wulan Manuhara, (2022). The Protective Effect of Gynura procumbens Adventitious Root against Lead Acetate Toxicity in Mice, Journal of Tropical Biodiversity and Biotechnology, Volume 07, Issue 02 (2022): jtbb69453. https://doi.org/10.22146/jtbb.69453
