Histopathological Effect of Crude Extract of Piper Guineense (Uziza) Leaves on the Liver of Wistar Rats and on Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (After Shave Rash) in Human

Agimon Solomon Osamede³

¹Health Services Department, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria

²Health Services Department, Shell Nigeria Plc

³Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria

^*Corresponding Author

Terry Nosa Omorodion

University of Benin

Benin City

Nigeria

Department of Medical Laboratory Science

University of Nigeria

Enugu Campus

Enugu

Nigeria

Cell no. 08136742270

Email: terry.omorodion@uniben.edu

Abstract

The use of plant medicine dates back to ancient times, the nearly all year round availability and the relatively cheaper cost of medicinal plants in sub Saharan Africa makes them more attractive as therapeutic agents when compared to the orthodox medicine. The use of herbal medicine is on the increase globally, hence the increased interest on research on herbal formulations and preparations. Some of these plants are used as condiments and ingredients in food thus referred to as local spices. One of such plants used as a local spice in Nigeria is Piper guineense traditionally called 'Uziza' amongst the Igbo tribe, 'Iyere' amongst the Yoruba tribe, 'Etinkene' amongst the Efik and Ibibio tribe and 'Ebe-ahinhi akpoke' amongst the Edo tribe. The leaves and seeds of Piper guineense were initially consumed in the Southern part of Nigeria. The aim of this research is to detect and demonstrate any histological effect of Piper guineense leaves on the liver of Wistar rats and on after shave rash in human. During the acclimatization period which lasted for two (2) weeks, three rats died due loss of appetite, emaciation, weakness, dislocation of neck with head leaning to the right, consistent rolling over and vigorous twirling in circular motion during carriage. After two weeks of acclimatization, the rats weighed; The Piper guineense leaves was able to effect total removal of the rash when used on the consented individual within day 3 and day 4 of usage. Piper guineense leaves when taken into reasonably consideration causes no histological changes of the liver tissues, hence its use should be encouraged both for consumption and in treatment of pseudofolliculitis Barbae (after shave rash).

Keywords: Liver, Piper guineense, wistar rat, Pseudofolliculitis Barbae

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