Protective Effects of Mango Ginger (Curcuma amada Roxb.) Ethanol Extract against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Toxicity: In Vivo and In Silico Evidence.

BACKGROUND

Mango ginger [Curcuma amada Roxb. (CA)] is a rhizomatous plant used in preparing pickles and culinary dishes. It also has medicinal values, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities.

OBJECTIVES

The present study aims to investigate the protective effects of CA ethanol extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced damage.

METHODS

The CA ethanol extract was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Mice were divided into 5 groups: control, CCl4 only [1 mL/kg body weight (BW)], CCl4 with CA (200 and 400 mg/kg BW), and CCl4 with silymarin (50 mg/kg BW). The hepatoprotective potential of CA in mice was evaluated by measuring the serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bilirubin levels. Moreover, the lipid profile and kidney biomarkers were also evaluated. Histopathological changes in the liver and kidney were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. The molecular docking of the CA-derived compounds and the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) profile of the selected compounds were also evaluated.

RESULTS

GC-MS identified 62 probable compounds in the extract. CA significantly (P < 0.05) reduced elevated liver biomarkers (ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin), kidney biomarkers (urea and creatinine), and lipid levels. These findings aligned with histopathological observations, in which CA reversed the toxic effects of CCl4 on liver and kidney cells. Molecular docking showed potent binding affinities for inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and oxidative targets. The bioactive compounds showed moderate ADMET properties.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that CA has potential protective effects that can be further studied to develop novel hepatoprotective and nephroprotective agents.