Telfairia occidentalis and Jatropha tanjorensis Extracts Protect Liver and Blood Function in Rats

Abstract

Aims: This study investigates the hepatic and hematological changes following the oral administration of combined ethanolic extracts of T. occidentalis and J. tanjorensis in albino rats. Place and Duration of Study: Histology Unit, Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria between October 2024 and May, 2025. Study Design: Twenty-four albino rats were randomly divided into four groups: a control group and three treatment groups receiving 250 mg/kg [Group A (GA)], 500 mg/kg [(Group B (GB)], and 750 mg/kg(Group C (GC)] respectively of combined extracts for 6 weeks. Liver function tests [Alanineaminotransferase (ALT), Aspertate aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Bilirubin], hematological profiling [White Blood Cell(WBC), Haemoglobin (HB), Packed Cell Volume(PCV)], and histological evaluations (H&E and Perl’s Prussian Blue stains) were conducted to assess treatment effects and (P = .05) was considered significant. Results: At 2 weeks, body weight decreased significantly in all treated groups (GA: 179 ± 0.72 g, GB: 137 ± 2.08 g, GC: 135 ± 1.81 g) compared to control (203 ± 0.96 g; p = 0.05), while liver weight was significantly reduced in GB (4.53 ± 0.56 g) and GC (5.15 ± 0.04 g) relative to control (5.72 ± 0.63 g; p = 0.04). Hepatic enzymes ALT and ALP showed initial reductions at 2 weeks across treated groups. At 4 and 6 weeks, body weight increased across treated groups (e.g, 6-week GC: 183 ± 1.86 g vs. control: 160 ± 1.41 g; p = 0.04), but liver weights remained statistically unchanged (p = 0.06). ALT and ALP reductions continued at 4 weeks, with significant decreases in AST (p = 0.01) and ALP (p = 0.02) persisting at 6 weeks, while ALT changes remained non-significant (p = 0.19). Hematologically, 2-week WBC counts (p = 0.04) were significantly altered, with GC showing elevated WBC (5900 ± 0.14). By 4 and 6 weeks, PCV and HB increased significantly across treated groups (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03 respectively), while WBC remained statistically unchanged (p = 0.71). Histological examination showed preserved hepatic architecture across groups, with Perl's staining revealing mild to no physiological iron deposition. Discussion: Combined T. occidentalis and J. tanjorensis extracts demonstrated a biphasic response pattern over six weeks. Initial transient weight reductions (2 weeks) were followed by recovery with enhanced body weight gains, improved hematological parameters (PCV, HB), and reduced hepatic enzymes (AST, ALP) at 6 weeks. Preserved liver architecture and normal iron deposition indicate hepatoprotective effects rather than toxicity, supporting therapeutic potential of these synergistic extracts. Conclusion: Combined T. occidentalis and J. tanjorensis extracts were non-toxic and may synergistically enhance liver and blood health, supporting their traditional use. Dose-dependent improvements in metabolic and hematopoietic markers highlight their therapeutic potential.