Therapeutic Effects of Cucurbita pepo (Pumpkin) Fruit Pulp and Seeds Methanol Extracts Against CCl₄ Induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Rats

Abstract

This study was aimed at assessing the therapeutic potential of Cucurbita pepo (Pumpkin) Pulp and Seeds Methanol extract against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in wistar rats. The phytochemical screening, analyses of liver function and haematological parameters were carried out following standard procedures. The study adopted experimental design. Forty two rats distributed into seven groups of six rats each. Group 1= normal control, group 2= positive control, group 7= standard control, groups 3-6= experimental groups administered different doses of the extracts. Results showed the presence of phenols, tannins, steroids and flavonoids in in both. Terpenoids in leaves, absent in pulp. Alkaloids in the leaves, absent in the pulp. phenols and saponins values of 17.99±1.47 and 13.07±0.30 (mg/100g). Similarly, the leaves showed the highest concentration in alkaloids, steroids, cardiac glycosides, and terpenoids (37.15±0.10, 28.42±1.17, 6.10±0.62, and 24.00±0.38 (mg/100g)) respectively. The fruit had the highest concentration of flavonoids and tannins (28.48±0.76 and 11.71±0.75 (mg/100g)). ALT, AST, increased significantly while protein and albumin decreased significantly in the untreated group but were significantly reversed in the treated groups. SOD and GPx also increased significantly in the treated groups with significant decrease in MDA and Platelets.The Red Blood Cell (RBC), PCV significantly (p<0.05) increased in the treatment groups. There was also an increased in levels of MCH in group 2. Significant (p<0.05) elevation of lymphocyte count (L) in group 2 when compared to the rest groups same observation with the monocyte differential count (M) and Eosinophils count. Group 2 shows an especially high level of lymphocytes. In conclusion, the administration of CCL4 expectedly lead to serious alterations of biochemical and haematological parameters in the rats which were however reversed and restored upon administration of the leaves and pulp extracts ofCucurbita pepo.