Hepatoprotective Role of Green Tea, (Camellia senesis) Extract on Paracetamol Induced Hepatic Damage in Guinea-Pigs.

Abstract

Aim: Green tea (Camellia senesis) is consumed because of the belief that it protects against liver related ailments. This study aims at finding the possible scientific basis for this claim. Methodology: Twenty guinea pigs of mixed sexes were divided into 4 experimental groups of 5 animals each. Group I served as a negative control for the liver marker-enzymes, aspartate-amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Total bilirubin (TB) and its metabolite, conjugated bilirubin (CB), were also estimated. In group II, a high dose of paracetamol was used to induce hepatotoxicity. In groups III and IV, the hepatotoxcity was challenged with the extract of a green tea at 100 and 200 mg/kg. Results: The results showed that the 100 mg/kg attenuated the serum levels of AST, ALT and ALP by 9.20, 7.30. and 5.10 % respectively. The inhibition of ALT was significant (p<0.05). The 200 mg/kg reduced the levels of the enzymes for AST by 12.00, 9.70 and 5.30% respectively (p>0.05). The serum CB was also significantly reduced by the two doses of the extract (p<0.05). The actual mechanism by which these occurred was not known. Conclusion: The extract of the green tea may possess hepatoprotective effects. Key words: Hepatoprotection. Liver enzymes, Green tea. (Camellia senesis). Guinea- pig