Effect of Aqueous-Methanol Leaves Extract of Cassia occidentalis on Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Hepatotoxic Rat

Abstract

The indiscriminate usage of different parts of Cassia occidentalis in the management and/or treatment of several diseases has lead to several researches about the plant’s safety, efficacy and probable mode of action. This research investigates the effects of aqueous-methanol leaves extract of Cassia occidentalis on liver function indices (ALT, AST, ALP, Total protein, Albumin, Bilirubin and Globulin) in carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity. A total of twenty five rats divided into five groups of five rats each were used. Group I served as normal control, Group II-V were induced with hepatotoxicity using CCl₄ (120mg/kg bodyweight). Group II served as test control, group III and IV were administered with the extract at a dose of 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg while group V were acdministered with standard drug (10mg/kg of livolin), per day for two weeks. The animals were euthanized after 24 hours of last extract administration and liver function indices (ALT, AST, ALP, total protein, Albumin, Bilirubin and Globulin) were assayed A significant increase (p<0.05) in ALT, AST, ALP, Total protein and Globulin was observed in test control group compared to normal control. Administration of the extract lead to a significant decrease (p<0.05) in ALT, AST, ALP, total protein and Globulin in a dose dependent manner compared to test control group. The observed hepatocurative effect of the plant may be due to the presence of phytochemicals.

Keywords: Cassia occidentalis;  leaves; carbon tetrachloride and hepatocurative.