Pharmacological Investigation of Aqueous Methanolic Extract of Ficus carica against Thyroxine-induced Hyperthyroidism

Article Information

Title: Pharmacological Investigation of Aqueous Methanolic Extract of Ficus carica against Thyroxine-induced Hyperthyroidism

Authors: Qaiser Jabeen, Muhammad Umair, Mariya Anwaar, Maria Qadeer

Journal: Phytopharmacological Communications (PPC)

HEC Recognition History

Category	From	To
Y	2024-10-01	2025-12-31
Y	2023-07-01	2024-09-30

Publisher: COSMOS Learning Center

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2023

Volume: 3

Issue: 1

Language: English

DOI: 10.55627/ppc.003.01.0298

Keywords: HyperthyroidismT3T4TSHFicus caricaThyroxine

Abstract

Plants have been considered the best alternatives to chemical entities. Therefore, Ficus carica L. (Fig) was selected to investigate its protective role against experimentally-induced hyperthyroidism. A 70% aqueous methanolic extract of F. carica (Fc.Cr) was prepared, and a phytochemical analysis was performed. A thyroxine-induced hyperthyroidism model was used for the pharmacological evaluation of Fc.Cr. Rats were divided into different groups; the normal control group was given distilled water (5ml/kg; p.o.), and other groups were administered thyroxine (600µg/kg; p.o.) for 14 days. After induction of hyperthyroidism, the intoxicated group was administered distilled water (5ml/kg; p.o.), whereas treatment groups were administered Fc.Cr (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg; p.o.) and carbimazole, the standard drug (20mg/kg; p.o.) individually for the next 21 days. After induction and treatment, blood was drawn through the retro-orbital puncture, sera were separated, and the levels of thyroid hormones were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of secondary metabolites, i.e., alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, saponins, terpenes etc. The results showed dose-dependent effects of Fc.Cr, as evident from the increase in serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and decrease in T3 and T4 levels, indicating its potential for managing hyperthyroidism. Acute toxicity assay of Fc.Cr was also performed and found to be safe up to 10 g/kg. Hence, the study's results rationalize the traditional use of Ficus carica to manage hyperthyroidism.

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Research Objective

To investigate the protective role of a 70% aqueous methanolic extract of Ficus carica (Fc.Cr) against experimentally-induced hyperthyroidism in rats.

Methodology

A thyroxine-induced hyperthyroidism model was used in male Wistar albino rats. Rats were divided into groups: normal control, intoxicated (thyroxine-induced), standard drug (carbimazole), and treatment groups receiving Fc.Cr at doses of 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg. Serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), T3, and T4 were determined using ELISA. Phytochemical analysis of Fc.Cr was performed. An acute toxicity assay was conducted on Swiss albino mice.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Preparation of Ficus carica Extract Fc.Cr"] --> B["Phytochemical Analysis of Fc.Cr"];
    B --> C["Animal Model: Thyroxine-induced Hyperthyroidism in Rats"];
    C --> D["Divide Rats into Groups: Control, Intoxicated, Carbimazole, Fc.Cr 3 doses"];
    D --> E["Administer Treatments for 21 Days"];
    E --> F["Blood Collection"];
    F --> G["Serum Separation"];
    G --> H["ELISA for TSH, T3, T4 Levels"];
    H --> I["Acute Toxicity Assay in Mice"];
    I --> J["Data Analysis and Interpretation"];
    J --> K["Conclusion and Discussion"];

Discussion

The results suggest that Ficus carica extract possesses antithyroid potential, likely due to its rich phytochemical composition, including flavonoids and phenols, which may exert antioxidant effects and interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism. The findings support the traditional use of Ficus carica for managing hyperthyroidism.

Key Findings

Phytochemical analysis of Fc.Cr revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, saponins, and terpenes. The extract demonstrated dose-dependent effects, significantly increasing serum TSH levels and decreasing T3 and T4 levels in hyperthyroid rats. Fc.Cr was found to be safe up to a dose of 10 g/kg.

Conclusion

The aqueous methanolic extract of Ficus carica exhibits antithyroid properties, as evidenced by its ability to normalize thyroid hormone levels in a rat model of hyperthyroidism. This supports its folkloric use and warrants further investigation into its exact mechanisms of action.

Fact Check

1. Thyroxine was administered at a dose of 600 µg/kg/day for 14 days to induce hyperthyroidism.
2. The standard drug, Carbimazole, was administered at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day.
3. The Ficus carica extract (Fc.Cr) was found to be safe up to a dose of 10 g/kg body weight in the acute toxicity assay.

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