March 2019 Vol. 7 No.3

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Original Research Article

Hepatoprotective effect of the methanol leaf extract of Lophira lanceolata (Ochnaceae): An experimental study

*Onyeto C. A., Ihim S. A. and Akah P. A.

Department of Pharmacology andToxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nsukka, 410001, Enugu State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding Author’s E-mail: collins.onyeto@unn.edu.ng.
Tel: +2348034004221

Accepted March 18, 2019

Abstract

The hepatoprotective effect of methanol leaf extract (ME) of Lophira lanceolata (Ochnaceae) was investigated against carbon tetrachloride (CCI₄) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Rats were randomly divided into 7 groups (n=6) and ME was administered at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day p.o to groups III-V, while groups I, VI and VII received 1 ml/kg Tween 80, Vitamin C and Silymarin at 25 mg/kg/day p.o respectively while group II received only CCI₄. CCI₄ was given every 72 hours to all the groups except group 1. Then serum level of blood samples was assayed for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), malondial-dehyde (MDA), total protein, total bilirubin, albumin and globulin. ME significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the serum levels of the liver enzymes when compared with the control group (CCI₄). The levels of ALT, AST and bilirubin at 100 and 400 mg/kg were reduced significantly (p< 0.05). Also, ALP levels was lowered at 100 mg/kg but with no significant difference (p>0.05). At 100 mg/kg, MDA levels was lowered more significantly (p<0.05) than controls (Silymarin and vitamin C). Serum globulin level at 200 mg/kg dose of extract was significantly increased when compared to CCI₄ control group. In conclusion, ME can protect against oxidative stress caused by liver toxicant like CCI₄.

Keywords: Hepato-protective effect, Lophira lanceolata, methanol extract, rats, carbon tetrachloride