Toxicological and Protective Effect of Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of Khaya senegalensis (ASBEKS) on Liver of Experimental Rat

Abstract

The use of medicinal plant to prevent and or cure liver problems is a practice not peculiar to developing countries. This research work evaluated oral LD50 and hepatoprotective properties of aqueous stem bark extract of Khaya senegalensis (ASBEKS) in rats. The rats were grouped into six groups (GI – GVI) of six rats each. GI served as normal control, GII served as CCl4 control, GIII was administered with only ASBEKS at a dose of 2.10 g/kg body weight per day for two weeks, while GIV, GV and GVI were administered with the extract at a dose of 1.05 g/kg, 2.10 g/kg and 3.15 g/kg respectively for two weeks. At the end of the first week, three rats from each group were selected and rats in groups II, IV, V and VI 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 (ALT, AST, ALP, total protein, Albumin and Bilirubin) were assayed. The treatment was continued for the remaining three animals from each group, and at the end of second week of extract administration, liver damage was induced to groups II, IV, V and VI using 120 mg of CCl4 as above. The oral LD50 of ASBEKS was found to be 4200 mg/kg body weight, which is slightly toxic according to standard scale of toxicity. A significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in the mean serum ALT, AST and ALP of GROUP IV animals treated for one week when compared to GII. This shows that ASBEKS at a dose of 1.05 g/kg daily for one week may protect hepatocytes against CCl4 hepatotoxicity. Contrary observation was recorded at higher doses of the extract for one week and two weeks of administration. A significant increase in liver function indices was recorded in GV and GVI as compared to GII in one and two weeks of extract administration, it may therefore speculate the aggravating effects of the extract to CCl4 hepatotoxicity. The finding of the study reaffirmed the LD50 established and conclusion. The hepatoprotective and hepatotoxicity effects of the plant could be due to its secondary metabolites contents and it should be used with caution in the management/ treatment of aliments.