Abstract

Substances that have a hepato-protective activity are those that can inhibit oxidation to protect the cells of the body from the damaging effects of oxidation. It can bind to free oxygen radicals preventing these radicals from damaging healthy cells. The present study was planned to investigate the effects of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Kigelia Africana fruits as hepato protective agent for the liver damage on male Wistar rats. Animals were grouped randomly to seven groups, Group 1 (normal control), Group 2 received CCl₄ on 3rd day. Silymarin were given to rats in group 3 for 5 days and CCl₄ induction on 3rd day. Groups 4, 5 and 6 received methanol extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day) respectively and group 7 received aqueous extract (400 mg/kg/day) for 5 days and CCl₄ induction on 3rd day. The control had the higher (p<0.05) body weight gain than all groups (CCl₄ control, methanol and aqueous extracts) except silymarin control showed no significant change. The study revealed that, administration of the two extracts (aqueous and methanol) of the plant seeds has a toxic effects which resulted in alterations in Hb, WBCs MCH, MCHC and granulocytes and other hematological parameters, also an alterations in Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Alanine Transaminase (ALT) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activities and other serological parameters. There were alterations in liver and kidney. No significant lesions were observed in the heart or spleen of the test rats. This study showed that fruits of the plant given to the experimental rats at doses 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day orally were toxic but not fatal; the toxicity was characterized by lower body weight gain, alteration in biochemical, hematological and pathological parameters.

Keywords:

Eclipta alba, iridoid, K. Africana, protocateuic acid, sciatica, vermin side,

References

Competing interests

The authors have no competing interests.

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