Hepatoprotective effect of the ethanol extract of Detarium senegalense stem bark in albino Wistar

Umoke Chukwunalu Igbudu 1, Akuodor Godwin Christian 2, *, Okam Princeston Chukwuemeka 2, Okposhi Festus Toochukwu 1, Anele Donatus Onyebuchi 3, Onwe Kenneth Tochukwu 1, Nwokike Matthew Onyemaechi 4 and Okoli Nnaemeka JC 5

1 Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
2 Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nigeria.
3 Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria.
4 Department of Pharmacology, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria.
5 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Science, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.
 
Research Article
International Journal of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences Archive, 2024, 07(01), 067–076.
Article DOI: 10.53771/ijbpsa.2024.7.1.0011
Publication history: 
Received on 28 December 2023; revised on 13 February 2024; accepted on 15 February 2024
 
Abstract: 
Aim: The hepatoprotective effect of Detarium senegalense ethanol stem bark extract was evaluated against paracetamol induced hepatic damage in albino rats.
Material and methods: The ethanol stem bark extract of D. senegalense at doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg were orally administered once daily for 3 days.The liver function tests and biochemical investigation such as asparte transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TB) and direct bilirubin were carried out against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Phytochemical investigation was performed to find active constituents of the plant extracts by the different phytochemical tests.
Results: Pre-treatment with the ethanol stem bark extract significantly prevented the biochemical, histological, and changes induced by paracetamol in the liver. The extract showed significant hepatoprotective effects as evidenced by decreased serum enzyme activities such as AST, ALT,, ALP, TB and DB which was supported by histopatological assessment of the liver.The ethanol stem bark extract exhibited significant hepatoprotective activity comparable with silymarin, the standard drug as well as hepatotoxin agent, paracetamol. The phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, cardiac glycosides, resins and balsam.
Conclusion: The results of this study strongly show that ethanol stem bark extract of Detarium senegalense possess a potent hepatotoxicity activity against paracetamol induced hepatic damage in rats.

 

Keywords: 
Detarium senegalense; Stem bark extract; Hepatotoxicity activity; Paracetamol; Rats
 
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