Aqueous Extract of the Fruits of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. Protects against Carbon Tetrachloride - Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Aim: This study was designed to examine the hepatoprotective effect of aqueous extract of the fruits of Xylopia aethiopica using the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) model.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemical Sciences, Biochemistry unit, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria between November, 2013 and April, 2014.

Methodology: Thirty six rats divided into 6 groups of 6 animals each were used for the investigation. Group 1 served as control, while groups 2, 3 and 4 were pre-treated with aqueous extract of the fruit of X. aethiopica at the respective dose of 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg body weight for 21 days prior to a single intraperitoneal administration of CCl4. Animals in group 5 received only the fruit extract at a dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight, while those in group 6 were given only CCl4. All animals were sacrificed 24 h after the administration of CCl4. Liver functions was assessed by measuring the plasma levels of AST, ALT, ALP, total protein and albumin. Plasma lipid profile and the degree of lipid peroxidation in the liver were determined in addition to histopathological evaluations.

Results: Whereas CCl4 administration resulted in significant elevations in plasma ALT, AST, and ALP, there was a significant reduction in both plasma total protein and albumin. In addition, histopathological changes were observed with CCl4. Analysis of the data obtained for MDA, SOD and catalase suggest that the plant extract exerts its protective effect probably by inhibiting CCl4-induced lipid peroxidation in liver tissue.

Conclusion: It can be suggested that X. aethiopica fruits has the ability to offer a significant degree of protection to liver cells against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats by antioxidant mechanism of action.