GC-MS Analysis and Attenuation of Bleomycin-Induced Lung Fibrosis by Fractionated Methanolic Extract of Cissampelos Owariensis in Wistar Rats

Crude methanolic leaf extract of Cissampelos owariensis was fractionated using vacuum liquid chromatography and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Male Wistar rats were induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF) by a single intraperitoneal administration of 0.75 U 100 g−1 bleomycin (BLM), divided equally into four groups and given orally fresh water (control), 10 mg kg−1 quercetin, 200, or 400 mg kg−1 crude methanol leaf extract (crudemet) of C. owariensis daily for 28 d. Plasmatic enzymes, antioxidants, and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were determined spectrophotometrically, and the histology of lung section was done microscopically. GC-MS revealed the presence of hexadecanoic, phytol, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (z,z)-methyl ester. Lung fibrosis increased the plasmatic total protein and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities. The BLM-administered rats showed decreased sodium dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) activity, and alveolar hyperplasia. Oral administration of crudemet of C. owariensis ameliorated total protein, ALP activity, and LPO levels. The bioactive agents present in the C. owariensis extract may have the potential of reducing pathophysiology through increased antioxidants, thereby reducing BLM-induced lung hyperplasia.