The Hepatoprotective Effect of Senna occidentalis Methanol Leaf Extract Against Acetaminophen-induced Hepatic Damage in Rats

Research Article

**The Hepatoprotective Effect of Senna occidentalis Methanol Leaf Extract Against Acetaminophen-induced Hepatic Damage in Rats**

Nwaehujor Chinaka O., Ode Okwoche J. and Okoye Dozie N.

The present study evaluated the hepatoprotective effects and anti-oxidant activities of methanol leaf extract of Senna occidentalis against acetaminophen-induced hepatic injury in rats. The plant was extracted by cold maceration in 80% methanol for 48 hours. Acute toxicity test was done in rats orally. Hepatoprotective activity of the extract was investigated in rats challenged with acetaminophen (2000 mg kg^-1). Twelve hours post challenge, extract at 75, 150 and 300 mg kg^-1 (per os) were administered to rats for 4 days. Silymarin was used as positive control. Serum (alanine aminotransaminase) ALT, (aspartate aminotransferase) AST, (alkaline phosphatase) ALP, total bilirubin and total protein levels were assayed. Pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time was carried out on day 4. The effect of the extract on erythrocyte membrane stability was determined. Concentrations ranging from 10-400 μg mL^-1 were assayed (in vitro) for antioxidant activities using the DPPH and FRAP spectrophotometric methods. The extract at 150 and 300 mg kg^-1 doses significantly (p<0.05) reduced acetaminophen-mediated increase in serum transaminases (AST, ALT and ALP) and bilirubin with increase in total serum protein values. The extract exerted maximal effect at 300 mg kg^-1. Acetaminophen-induced prolonged pentobarbitone sleeping time was significantly (p<0.05) reduced in the groups treated with 150 and 300 mg kg^-1 of the extract. Using the DPPH assay, the extract showed 60% antioxidant activity when compared with ascorbic acid (79%) at 400 μg mL^-1. FRAP assay gave 1.7 FRAP value compared to 2.0 from ascorbic acid at 400 μg mL^-1. The extract markedly stabilized rat erythrocyte cell membranes. The findings suggest that the methanol leaf extract of S. occidentalis may be useful in the protection of the hepatocytes from toxins.

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Nwaehujor Chinaka O., Ode Okwoche J. and Okoye Dozie N., 2011. The Hepatoprotective Effect of Senna occidentalis Methanol Leaf Extract Against Acetaminophen-induced Hepatic Damage in Rats. Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 6: 637-646.

DOI: 10.3923/jpt.2011.637.646

URL: https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=jpt.2011.637.646

Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology

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Authors

Nwaehujor Chinaka O.

Ode Okwoche J.

Okoye Dozie N.

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Research Article

**The Hepatoprotective Effect of Senna occidentalis Methanol Leaf Extract Against Acetaminophen-induced Hepatic Damage in Rats**

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