The effect of the aqueous extract of Kohautia grandiflora on paracetamol-induced liver damage in albino rats

Niger J Physiol Sci. 2009 Jun;24(1):17-23. doi: 10.4314/njps.v24i1.46376.

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of the aqueous extract of Kohautia grandiflora on paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats. A total of 20 albino rats of the Wister strain weighing 120-180 g were used for the study. The animals were divided into 4 groups of 5-rats each [I-IV]. Groups I, II and III served as the normal, paracetamol and plant extract controls and were administered with normal saline, 500 mg/kg of paracetamol and 300 mg/kg of the plant extract respectively for 7 days while rats in group IV served as the treatment group and were pre-treated with 300 mg/kg of the plant extract respectively for 7 days before 500 mg/kg of paracetamol was administered on the 8th day. At the end of the experimental period, blood was obtained from each rat for the determination of serum levels of aspartate transaminase [AST], alanine transaminase [ALT], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], albumin and bilirubin. Biochemical analysis of the serum obtained showed a significant increase [P<0.05] in the levels of AST, ALT, ALP and albumin in rats administered with 500 mg/kg of paracetamol and 300 mg/kg of the extract respectively. Pre-treatment of the animals with the extract caused a decrease in the levels of these enzymes. Histopathological assessments of the liver sections of rats administered with 500 mg/kg of paracetamol and 300 mg/kg of the extract showed congestion of the venous sinusoids, necrosis, edema, mononuclear infiltration and cloudy swellings with the severity higher in the paracetamol treated group. Pre-treatment with 300 mg/kg of the extract revealed a slight hepatoprotection compared with the rats that were administered with paracetamol alone. This study has shown that the aqueous extract of Kohautia grandiflora possesses slight hepatoprotective property.

MeSH terms

  • Acetaminophen*
  • Alanine Transaminase / blood
  • Alkaline Phosphatase / blood
  • Animals
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases / blood
  • Bilirubin / blood
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / blood
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / etiology
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / pathology
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / prevention & control*
  • Cytoprotection
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Liver / drug effects*
  • Liver / enzymology
  • Liver / pathology
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Rubiaceae*
  • Serum Albumin / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Plant Extracts
  • Serum Albumin
  • Acetaminophen
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases
  • Alanine Transaminase
  • Alkaline Phosphatase
  • Bilirubin