Effects of <i>Azadirachta indica</i> leaf aqeous extract on the antioxidant enzymes in paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats

Abstract

Azadirachta indica, reported to be antioxidative, is hepatoprotective. This study evaluates the effect of A. indica leaf aqueous extract on antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) in paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in Wister rats. Twenty four rats, in four groups, each containing six rats were used. Group A was given normal saline, group B paracetamol (800 mg/kg body weight) and groups C and D paracetamol and graded doses of the extract (400 mg and 800 mg/kg body weight respectively). The animals were weighed before and after experiment. Plasma liver enzymes (alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatases (ALP), plasma and liver homogenate malondialdehyde (MDA), GPx and SOD were estimated. Results showed significant weight increase (P<0.05) in A and D and weight loss in B. ALT, AST and ALP were significantly increased in B compared with A while C and D were decreased compared wth B. Plasma and homogenate MDA were increased while GPx and SOD were decreased in B compared wth A. Groups C and D MDA were decreased with increased GPx and SOD compared wth B. The extract could be a potent antidote to paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity as indicated by the increased GPx and SOD in C and D.Keywords: Azadirachta indica, hepatoxicity, paracetamol, malondialdehyde, antioxidant enzymes