Studies on Ethanol Extracts of Olax subscorpioidea Against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats.

Abstract

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Liver disease orchestrated by noxious chemicals are serious health problems the world over. Traditionally, there are claims that ethanol extracts of leaves and stem barks of <i>Olax subscorpioidea</i> are used in the treatment of hepatic disorders. Thus, it investigated the impacts of ethanol extract of leaves and stem bark of <i>Olax subscorpioidea</i> against carbon tetrachloride (CCl<sub>4</sub>)-induced liver damage in rats. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Liver toxicity was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 2.5 mg kg<sup>1</sup> b.wt., of CCl<sub>4</sub> in experimental rats. Rats were treated with 200, 400 and 800 mg kg<sup>1</sup> dose ethanol leaves and stem bark of <i>Olax subscorpioidea</i>, respectively after induction of liver damage. <b>Results:</b> Obtained results showed a significant rise in the serum levels of Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and bilirubin as well as decreased Albumin (ALB), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), reduced Glutathione (GSH) in CCl<sub>4</sub>-challenged rats. Treatment with the extracts attenuated serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, MDA and bilirubin in addition to increased activities of SOD, CAT and the levels of ALB and GSH when compared to the CCl<sub>4</sub> group. Histopathological studies demonstrated that the extracts ameliorated liver necrosis and inflammation due to CCl<sub>4</sub> insult. <b>Conclusion:</b> These results concluded that ethanol extract of leaves and stem bark of <i>Olax subscorpioidea </i>may reduce hepatic oxidative injury caused by CCl<sub>4</sub> by its antioxidant potentials.