Research Article
Ohwokevwo OA, Ogunka- Nnoka CU
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of ethanol leaf extract of Spilanthes filicaulis on liver indices and selected biochemicals on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic damage in wistar rats. A total of thirty (30) rats comprising of five (5) rats per group (90-130 g), were used for the study. Groups 1-3, served as normal, negative (CCl4 induced 1 mL/kg, 1:1 i.p.) and positive (CCl4 induced and administered with silymarin 50 mg/kg) controls respectively. Groups 4-6 were the extract treated groups administered with 250 mg/Kg bw, 500 mg/Kg bw and 750 mg/Kg bw respectively for 14 days. The results of the liver marker enzymes showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Alkaline Phophatase (ALP) and γ-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) levels in the positive control and extract treated groups, while aspartate transaminase (AST) levels recorded a significant decrease (p<0.05) in groups administered with 250 mg/kg (10.10 ± 0.17 U/L) and 750 mg/Kg bw (11.35 ± 2.01 U/L) when compared with the negative control group. Liver indices, showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in all treated groups when compared to the negative control group. Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) levels were significantly increased (p<0.05), while Nitric Oxide (NO) and Lipid Peroxidation (LPO) levels significantly decreased (p<0.05) in all groups administered with the extract when compared with the negative control group. Gluthahione levels, lipid profile, renal indices, serum electrolyte and hematological indices showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in all treated groups when compared to the negative control. The study showed that the ethanol leaf extract of Spilanthes filicaulis has potential of restoring hepatic liver damage.