Evaluation of the Effects of Extracts of Laurus nobilis on some Biochemical Parameters of Wistar Rats

Abstract

Laurus nobilis is one of the most popular species belonging to the lauraceae family and it has been reported to possess many physiological properties such as antimicrobial, antifungal and wound healing effects. In this study, effects of ethanolic leaf extract of Laurus nobilis on some oxidative stress markers and liver function parameters of female Wistar rats were investigated. Five rats were randomly assigned into each of groups 1-4, of which group one (1) served as control and received distilled water. Groups 2-4 were treated with 100mg/kg bw, 200mg/kg bw and 400mg/kg bw of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Laurus nobilis respectively, for a period of 14 days. The results obtained indicated that the superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme activities as well as, gluthathione reductase and peroxidase activities were not significantly affected. The malondialdehyde level did not change significantly after two weeks of extract administration. The extract caused no significant (P<0.05) alteration in the enzyme activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as well as serum concentrations of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB) and total bilirubin. This study have shown that extract of Laurus nobilis neither altered hepatic function parameters nor promoted toxic stress in the female Wistar rats.