Hepatocurative and Histopathological Evaluations in Albino Rats Exposed to Vitex Doniana Alkaloids

Abstract

The study investigated the effects of the alkaloid fraction of Vitex doniana on liver and kidney functions in albino rats. A solution of CCl4 in paraffin (1:1) was used to induce liver damage in albino rats. The liver and kidney function tests were carried out by oral administration of varying doses (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg) of the bulk alkaloid to different groups of albino rats for 14 days. The rats were subsequently sacrificed, and the hepatocurative and histopathological assessment of the liver and kidney were carried out to determine the serum albumin, total protein, cholesterol (CHOL), triglycerides (TAG), low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. The total protein, serum albumin, and HDLs were significantly (p < 0.05) increased by alkaloid fraction of V. doniana to values compared with the control. The results also showed that serum CHOL, TAG, LDLs, BUN, and creatinine were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in rats treated with alkaloid fraction compared with untreated. The normal cellular architecture of the liver destroyed by the standard hepatotoxin was restored by the alkaloids. The alkaloids of V. doniana reverse the CCl4-induced hepatocellular damage, supporting its use in managing liver-associated diseases.