Protective effect of irradiated-Ficus carica dried leaf against hepatic-damage induced by ethanol in male rats

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of gamma rays and electron beams (5kGy) on the chemical content of dried fig leaves. In addition, the hepatoprotective effect of irradiated-dried fig leaves powder (GFLP) against ethanol (EtOH)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats was investigated.

The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, sugar, total phenolic, total flavonoid content, phytate, and tannin contents of either raw or irradiated dried fig leaves were detected in this study. For the experimental study, 28 male rats were divided into four groups; Group C, control; Group 2: received an oral dose of ethanol (0.5 ml/100 gm b.wt. /day /5 weeks) and Groups 3-4: rats fed daily (60 min after EtOH injection) on either raw or irradiated fig leaves powder (4% of the weight of the diet).

It was observed from the results that gamma-irradiation (5 kGy) resulted in a higher increase in DPPH radical scavenging activity, sugar, total phenolic and total flavonoid content, and a higher reduction in phytate and tannin contents than e-beam irradiation. The results of the experimental study revealed that treatment of EtOH-rats with GFLP resulted in a significant reduction in the serum blood alcohol level, the activity of some liver enzymes, level of tumor necrotic factor-alpha, interleukin-6, malondialdehyde, and lipid profile contents associated with significant elevation in the level of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, hepatic total antioxidant capacity and glutathione content relative to EtOH-group.

The enhanced antioxidant activities of Ficus carica leaves through irradiation could be applied as a natural antioxidant source in foodstuff.