Hepatoprotective Effect of Methanol Stem Bark Extract of Parkia biglobosa in Wister albino Rats

Abstract

The increase in prevalence rate of liver diseases in developing countries necessitate the search for alternative therapies to prevent such ailments. This research work evaluated the hepatoprotective effect of methanol stem bark extract of Parkia biglobosa in Wister rats. The toxicity of the extract was analyzed using oral LD₅₀ determination in two phases. In the first phase nine rats were divided into three groups of three rats each and administered with 10 ,100, and 1000mg/kg of extract while in the second phase, four rats were grouped into four groups of one rat each, and were orally administered with 2000mg/kg, 3000mg/kg, 4000mg/kg and 5000mg/kg, the rats were observed for sign of toxicity and death within 24 hours. For the hepatoprotective study, 25 rats were grouped into five groups (GI – GV) of five rats each. GI served as normal control, GII served as CCl₄ control, GIII, IV and V were administered with the extract at a dose of 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 150mg/kg body weight respectively for two weeks. At the end of the second week, the rats from groups II, III, IV and V were attempted to be induced with liver damage using 120 mg of CCl₄ administered subcutaneously. The animals were euthanized after 24 hours of CCl₄ administration and liver function indices were assayed. The result showed oral LD₅₀ of the extract to be greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight. A significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in the mean serum ALT, AST and ALP of extract administered group in dose dependent pattern compared to GII. This shows that the extract may protect hepatocytes against CCl₄ hepatotoxicity.

Keywords: CCl₄; hepatoprotective; liver function indices; Methanol and Parkia biglobosa

DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/15-1-05

Publication date: January 31^st 2024