Assessment of the Effects of Methanol Leaf Extract of Clerodendrum violaceum on the Liver of Mice

Abstract

Effects of methanol leaf extract of Clerodendrum violaceum on liver function indices of Swiss mice was evaluated. Six groups (A-F) of ten mice each were used. Groups B-F were administered 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, 500 mg/kg body weight of methanol leaf extract of Clerodendrum violaceum, respectively. Group A received 5% DMSO (control). Five animals in each group were sacrificed after 14 days of administration; the remaining were sacrificed after 28 days of administration. Blood was collected for analyses, livers were collected and weighed. Some of the liver samples were homogenized and some preserved in 10% formalin for histopathological examination. After 14 days, there was significant increase (p < 0.05) in total and conjugated bilirubin and significant reduction (p < 0.05) of albumin and total protein at higher doses. Activities of ALP and γ-GT in serum were significantly elevated (p < 0.05) at all doses while liver and serum ALT activity only at lower doses. Liver and serum AST activity were also significantly elevated (p < 0.05) at higher doses. Activities of ALP and γ-GT in the liver were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) at all doses while ALT activity only reduced at the highest dose in liver and serum. AST activity was reduced at higher doses in liver but only at highest dose in serum. Liver tissue was inflamed with progressive degeneration on day 28. Results showed that methanol leaf extract of C. violaceum adversely affected the normal architecture, synthetic and secretory functions of the liver at high doses.