Histological and Aminotransferase Implications of Administration of Extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana Leaves in Normal Rabbits

Abstract

Background and Aim: Traditionally, Acalypha wilkesiana leaves are used in the management of hypertension, diarrhoea and dysentery. Thus, this study was carried out to evaluate the effects of oral administration of extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves on serum aminotransferases activities and tissues of normal experimental rabbits. Methods and Design: Eighteen adult rabbits of the New Zealand strain, were randomized into three groups (groups A, B and C) of six rabbits each and treated as follows; Group A (Treated with Aqueous Extract), Group B (Treated with Ethanol Extract), Group C (Non treated-Control), and used for the study. Statistical Analysis: Data are represented as Mean ± S.E.M (n = 6). Significance of difference was tested by ANOVA at P < 0.05. Results and Conclusion: Administration of the extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight to normal experimental rabbits resulted in significantly lower levels of serum ALT and AST activities. Histological studies revealed that administration of the aqueous extract of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves to normal rabbits resulted in moderate congestion of blood vessels in the heart, mild lymphocytosis of the glomerular of the kidney, and no effect on the liver. While administration of the ethanol extract resulted in moderate congestion in blood vessels of the heart, moderate congestion of the central portal vein of the liver, and marked lymphocytosis in the kidney.