title: Unsweetened Natural Cocoa Powder Has the Potential to Attenuate High Dose Artemether-Lumefantrine-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Non-Malarious Guinea Pigs.
abstract: Objective. This study investigated the elemental composition of unsweetened natural cocoa powder (UNCP), its effect on nitric oxide, and its hepatoprotective potential during simultaneous administration with high-dose artemether/lumefantrine (A/L). Method. Macro- and microelements in UNCP were analyzed with EDXRF spectroscopy. Thirty (30) male guinea-pigs were then divided into five groups. For groups 3 (low-dose), 4 (medium-dose), and 5 (high-dose), the animals received oral UNCP prophylactically for 14 days. Group 1 received distilled water (14 days) and group 2 A/L for the last 3 days (days 12 to 14). After euthanisation, biochemical and histopathological examinations were carried out in all groups. Results. Phytochemical analysis of UNCP showed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and cardiac glycosides. Thirty-eight (38) macro- and microelements were found. UNCP produced significant decreases in ALT, ALP, GGT, and AST levels. A significant increase in total protein levels was observed during A/L+UNCP administration in comparison to 75 mg/kg A/L group. Histopathological examinations buttressed the protective effects of cocoa administration. UNCP administration increased nitric oxide levels 149.71% (P < 0.05) compared to controls. Conclusion. UNCP increases nitric oxide levels and has hepatoprotective potential during A/L administration. A high level of copper was observed which may be detrimental during high daily consumptions of UNCP.
authors: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ghana School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana.
authors: Isaac Julius
authors: 0000-0003-3902-5689
authors: IJ
authors: Asiedu-Gyekye
authors: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ghana School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana.
authors: Kennedy Kwami
authors: KK
authors: Edem Kukuia
authors: Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Korle-Bu, Ghana.
authors: Abdulai Mahmood
authors: AM
authors: Seidu
authors: Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Korle-Bu, Ghana.
authors: Charles
authors: C
authors: Antwi-Boasiako
authors: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ghana School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana.
authors: Benoit Banga
authors: BB
authors: N'guessan
authors: Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Ghana School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana.
authors: Samuel
authors: S
authors: Frimpong-Manso
authors: Department of Animal Experimentation, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, Accra, Ghana.
authors: Samuel
authors: S
authors: Adjei
authors: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ghana School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana.
authors: Jonathan
authors: J
authors: Zobi
authors: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ghana School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana.
authors: Abraham Terkpertey
authors: AT
authors: Tettey
authors: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ghana School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana.
authors: Alexander Kwadwo
authors: AK
authors: Nyarko