Translational Medicine
Open Access

Abstract

Histopathological Effects of the Annona muricata Aqueous Leaves Extract on the Liver and Kidneys of Albino Mice

Rana Bitar, Rajaa Fakhoury, Ragaee Fahmi and Jamilah Borjac*

Annona muricata (AM) is a plant that is traditionally used for its various medicinal benefits. The present investigation aims at estimating the anti-inflammatory activity of AM leaf extract against peritonitis induced by Bacillus furmis. Albino mice (25-30 grams) were intra-peritoneally injected with 1.5 × 109 CFU Bacillus furmis and treated with either AM water extract (100 mg/kg) or combination of AM and aspirin. Control groups received only water. Mice were pre-treated with AM extract either two hours or 7 days prior to bacterial infection. Animals were sacrificed three days after bacterial infection. Livers and kidneys were removed and preserved in 10% formalin solution for histopathological studies or in Carnoys solution to assess level of glycogen in liver. The histopathological studies of animals treated with 100 mg/kg AME and 100 mg/kg aspirin showed a synergistic anti-inflammatory effect. However, the leaf extract alone exhibited different effect depending on the dose used. At high doses, AM leaf extract caused a toxic effect on both the liver and the kidney of mice, whereas at low dose it exhibited a protective effect. Therefore, we conclude that Annona muricata extract should be taken with precaution if to be used for extended period of time.