Hepatoprotective properties of methanol leaf extract of Pterocarpus mildbraedii Harms on carbon tetrachloride- induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Abstract

Aim: This study evaluated the effects of methanol leaf extract of Pterocarpus mildbraedii Harms on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced sub-acute hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Methods: Fresh leaves of P. mildbraedii were collected in December 2016. Thirty male albino rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups (A – F) of 5 rats each. Sub-acute hepatotoxicity was induced in groups A, B, C, D and E by intraperitoneal injection of 1ml/kg CCl4 in equal volume of olive oil at 3-day intervals for 12 days. Group A was given 10 ml/kg distilled water placebo and served as untreated (negative) control, groups B, C, and D were treated with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg P. mildbraedii methanol leaf extract (PME) respectively, group E was treated with 100 mg/kg silymarin as positive control, while group F was given 10 ml/kg distilled water placebo and served as normal control. Treatment with PME and silymarin was done orally twice daily for 15 days. Blood samples were collected on the 15th day for evaluation of liver enzyme markers (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities) and liver function (total serum protein, albumin, globulin, total cholesterol and bilirubin), following standard procedures. Relative liver weight was calculated. Results: Treatment with PME and silymarin significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the elevated ALT and AST, and thus restored hepatocellular integrity, and also ameliorated inflammatory liver enlargement in the rats given CCl4. Conclusion: These findings imply that treatment with PME as used in this study led to significant hepatoprotection against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity.