Squalene, a bioactive compound in Ficus exasperata (VAHL) leaf, binds gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) to ameliorate alcohol-induced tissue damage

Alcohol damages most bodily tissues, causing non-communicable disorders. Measurement of GGT activity serves as one of the markers of cellular dysfunction ensuing from excessive alcohol consumption. Ficus exasperata aqueous leaf extract is tested in alcohol-induced tissue-damaged male rats. Specific activities of tissue damage biomarker enzymes, levels of percentage DNA fragmentations, and histopathology of some tissues as well as in silico squalene binding affinity to GGT were used as indices. Twelve groups included 72 male rats. Group A served as control and received 0% alcohol, while groups B and C received 40% alcohol (3.20 g kg⁻¹ body weight) for respective 28 and 42 days. Groups D, E, and F were administered 125, 250, and 500 mg kg⁻¹ body weight of the extract for 14 days. Following administration of 40% alcohol for 28 days; groups G, H, and I received respective 125, 250, and 500 mg kg⁻¹ body weight of the extract, while groups J, K, and L concurrently received 125, 250, and 500 mg kg⁻¹ body weight of the extract respectively with alcohol for another 14 days. Oral administration of different concentrations of the extracts to alcohol-induced tissue-marred rats restored the levels of the biomarker’s enzymes, tissue DNA fragmentations, and pathological lesions observed. The binding affinity of squalene (− 6.2 kcal/mol) was higher than that of the co-crystalized ligands. This work suggested squalene to be responsible for the therapeutic potentials of F. exasperata aqueous leaves extract in alcohol-induced tissue-marred Wistar male rats.