Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Jatropha tanjorensis Tannin-rich Leaf Extract and Its Hepatoprotective Effect on Methotrexate-induced Liver Injury in Rats.

Abstract

Drug-induced toxicity frequently involves the liver due to the its crucial function in drug metabolism. This study investigates the bioactive components and hepatoprotective effects of tannin-rich extract of Jatropha tanjorensis leaves on methotrexate (MTX)-induced liver injury in Wistar rats. Thirty rats were divided into six groups: A positive control group, a negative control group treated with MTX (5 mg/kg bodyweight), a standard drug group receiving silymarin (100 mg/kg), and three experimental groups administered 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of the extract daily for 14 days. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis identified key bioactive compounds, including chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, resveratrol, rutin, ursolic acid, and rosmarinic acid. Biochemical assays showed significant elevations in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the MTX-only group, which were significantly reduced by extract treatment (p < 0.05). The MTX group exhibited decreased albumin and hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities [catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)], which were restored by the extract. The albumin/globulin ratio of the extract-treated group improved significantly compared to the negative control. Histopathological analysis revealed that MTX-induced severe liver damage, including necrosis, which was ameliorated by the extract, restoring hepatic architecture. These findings suggest that J. tanjorensis tannin rich extract, rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, offers significant hepatoprotective potential against MTX-induced liver injury.