Hepatoprotective effect of the solvent fractions of the stem of Hoslundia opposita Vahl (Lamiaceae) against carbon tetrachloride- and paracetamol-induced liver damage in rats.

Abstract

The hepatoprotective potentials of the stem solvent fractions of Hoslundia opposita Vahl were investigated. The fractions were prepared and tested for hepatoprotective effect against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and paracetamol-induced liver damage in rats. Changes in the levels of biochemical markers of hepatic injury viz; -aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin were determined in both treated and control groups of rats. The effects of the extracts were compared with that of sylimarin (100 mg/kg). Phytochemical analysis and acute toxicity studies of the extract were also performed. The results showed that CCl4 and paracetamol (2 g/kg) elevated the levels of AST, ALT, ALT and bilirubin. Treatment with the methanol extract and methanol and ethyl acetate fractions of Hoslundia opposita (100 mg/kg) ameliorated the effects of the hepatoxins and significantly (P>0.05) reduced the elevated levels of the biochemical marker enzymes, while the chloroform and hexane fractions showed no significant (P<0.05) hepatoprotective effect. The extracts showed good toxicity profile with an LD50 value above 5000 mg/kg for the methanol extract. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of resins, flavonoids, sterols/triterpenes, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, reducing sugars, cardiac glycosides and proteins in the solvent fractions. These results suggest that the stem of Hoslundia opposita contains bioactive principles with hepatoprotective effect. Key words: Carbon tetrachloride, hepatic marker enzymes, hepatoprotective activity, Hoslundia opposita, liver damage, paracetamol