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

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.