Original Research Article

Hepatoprotective activity of ethanol extracts of Ficus exasperata leaves on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxic rats

Odutuga A. A., Dairo J. O., *Ukpanukpong R. U. and Eze F. N.

Department of Biochemistry, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, P.M.B. 5006 Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author E-mail: olugbenga005@yahoo.com; Tel: +2348074441942

Accepted November 26, 2014

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the hepatoprotective activity of ethanol extract of Ficus exasperata leaves in albino rats. Hepatotoxicity was induced by single intraperitoneal daily dose of 200mg/kg body weight of acetaminophen for 7 days. The normal control rats received food and water only; without any hepatotoxin. The hepatotoxic control received the hepatotoxin without any treatment while the treated groups were co administered with varying oral doses of 150mg, 250mg and 500mg/kg bodyweight daily for 7 days followed by a single intraperitoneal daily dose of 200mg/kg body weight of acetaminophen for another 7 days. Biochemical evaluation of control and treatment groups showed significant (P<0.05) decrease in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities and total bilirubin (TB) concentration in a non-dose dependent manner. However, serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was significantly elevated in acetaminophen-induced rats, changes which were strongly supported by histological tissues of the liver. But Ficus exasperata ethanolic leaves extract demonstrated protective measures against acetaminophen-induced liver injury in rats which suggests the antioxidant role of the plant extract.

Keywords: Antioxidants, aminotransferases, Ficus exasperata, oxidative damage, phytochemicals