The Department of Biology Discusses a Master’s Thesis on Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Aqueous Extract of Andrographis Leaves on some Physiological and Histological Parameters in Local Male Rabbits Treated with BHT

Discussion of a Master’s Thesis

The Department of Biology at the College of Education for Pure Sciences discussed the master’s thesis for the student (Zahra Abdul-Hussein Rahi) entitled (Evaluation of the effectiveness of aqueous extract of Andrographis paniculata leaves on some physiological and histological parameters in local male rabbits treated with Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)), under the supervision of (Professor Heba Alwan Abdel Salam) and (Professor Dr. Zainab Nizar Jawad). The current study aims to achieve the following:
1. Study of the protective role of Andrographis aqueous extract against oxidative stress
2. Studying the effect of BHT on some enzymatic parameters (ALP, AST, ALT, SOD, and some biochemical parameters).
3. Measurement of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, TNFα, IL-6, and Cytochrome P450.
4. Study of tissue damage caused by BHT in liver, kidney, and spleen tissue.
5. Study of the protective role of aqueous extract of Andrographis leaves on liver, kidney, and spleen tissues.
6. Molecular study of one of the genes responsible for liver disorders.
As for the main conclusions of the study:
1. After preparing the aqueous extract of Andrographis, it was found that the effective dose of the extract was 100 mg/kg in male rabbits.
2. Oral administration of 1 mg/kg BHT resulted in:
a- Liver dysfunction was caused by a significant (P<0.01) increase in AST, ALP, ALT, T-BIL, TC, and LDL concentrations.
b- The occurrence of a kidney defect function through the significant increase (P<0.01) of Urea, Uric acid.
c- Significant increase (P<0.01) in the concentration of IL-6 and TNF-α.
d- Occurrence of oxidative stress and an increase in the level of free radicals as a result of the significant (P<0.01) increase in the average concentration of MDA.
3- Treatment with ED50 of Andrographis aqueous extract led to a significant increase (P<0.01) in the concentration of Albumin, HDL, GSH, and Cytochrome P450 and a significant decrease (P<0.01) in the concentration of TAG, LDL, VLDL, MDA, and T-BIL.
4- There is an increase in the expression of the CD44 gene when compared with the control group, the extract group, and the protective group.
5- Treatment with an effective dose of Andrographis aqueous extract significantly reduced the damage to the liver, kidney, and spleen tissue.
After extensive scientific discussion and listening to the student’s defense of her thesis, her research method, and her use of sources and references, the thesis was approved with honors. Congratulations to the student, her supervisor, the College of Education for Pure Sciences, and the University of Karbala for this achievement, and God Almighty grants success and payment.