Hepatoprotective Potential of Cnidoscolusaconitifolius Leaf Extract on CCl4 Treated Wistar Rats

International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VI, Issue XII, December 2019 | ISSN 2321–2705

Hepatoprotective Potential of Cnidoscolusaconitifolius Leaf Extract on CCl₄ Treated Wistar Rats

Okpara, Francisca Njideka¹, C. C. Ikewuchi², O. E. Ezim³, Ohanador Robinson⁴

^1,2,3,4Department of Biochemistry University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria

Abstract: Hepatoprotective potential of Cnidoscolusaconitifolius leaf extract on carbon tetrachloride treated wistar rats was investigated. Forty two adult male wistar rats (91-185g) were housed in plastic cages of seven groups with six animals in each. Group one fed with normal rat chow (control). Group two to six were administered CCl₄ subcutaneously on day twenty-one. Group three was administered vitamin C orally on daily basis for twenty-one days, group four, five, six took 50mg/kgbw, 75mg/kgbw and 100mg/kgbw extract dose orally for twenty-one day before administration of CCl_4. Group seven was given subcutaneous dose of olive oil. All the analysis were done using standard methods. In comparison to the disease control and normal control animals, administration of the extract dose (50mg/kgbw, 75mg/kgbw and 100mg/kgbw) dependently lowered creatinine, albumin, calcium, potassium, ALT, AST and total bilirubin. There was no significant difference (p<0.05) in the magnesium concentrations of rats treated with the leaf extract of C.aconitifolius. The 50mg/kgbw and 75mg/kgbw extract doses provided better protection. Histopathological examination of the liver showed histological normal liver in normal control rats and distortion of the liver sections in disease control rats which was corrected by the extracts at 50mg/kgbw and 75mg/kgbw doses. The result of this study clearly demonstrated the hepatoprotective effect of Cnidoscolusaconitifolius leaf extract against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Keywords: Cnidoscolusaconitifolius, Hepatoprotective, wistar rats, leaf extracts, Carbon TetraChloride (CCl₄).

I. INTRODUCTION

The use of traditional medicines and medicinal plants has been widely observed in most developing countries, where they are seen as therapeutic agents for the maintenance of good health [1]. For several decades, various fields of research have centered on medicinal plants and their components. There is an increasing interest and demand in research concerning liver diseases in recent years around the World. Liver disease is a global burden and it is among the leading cause of deaths and illness globally [2-3]. The high rate of ingestion of chemicals and substances in form of drugs and herbs poses danger to the body especially the liver. The quest for alternative approach to prevention of hapatotoxic diseases from natural plant sources is on the increase. This has given rise to the need to investigate the claims on use of Cnidoscolusaconitifolius leaf extract scientifically for its pharmacological importance.

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