Evaluation of the hepatotoxic potential of methanol seed kernel extract of Mangifera indica (Mango) using rat mode

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepato-toxic potential of methanol seed kernel extract of Mangifera indica (mango). Dry mango seeds were broken to release the kernels which were subsequently dried at room temperature prior to grinding to fine powder. 500 g of powdered plant sample was developed into extract with the aid of a standard analytical procedure. Twenty (20) adult male albino rats divided into four (4) groups of five rats each. Group I (normal control) which was fed normal rat chow and water ad-libitum. Group II, III and IV were administered 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of extract respectively for 21 days after which rats were sacrificed and blood sample collected and analysed for the activity of serum hepatomarkers ; Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was evaluated using standard procedures. Result obtained from the study showed that administration of 100 and 200 mg/kg bw did not increase the activity of the serum hepatomarkers. However, a contrary observation was made on the activity of serum hepatomarkers in rats administered with 400 mg/kg of MSKE inferring that methanol seed kernel extract of Mangifera indica (mango) could contain a hepatotoxic agent which can only elicit damage in large doses.