Hepatoprotective Effect of Raphiostylis Beninensis Ethanol Root Extract on Carbon-tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced Liver Attack and Damage in Rats

¹ Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Edo University Iyamho, Edo State, Nigeria

² Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria

^*Corresponding Author

Usunobun Usunomena

Department of Biochemistry,

Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences,College of Medical Sciences

Edo University Iyamho,Edo State

Nigeria

Email: usunobun.usunomena@edouniversity.edu.ng  

Phone: +2348034174871

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate hepatoprotective effect of ethanol root extract of Raphiostylis beninensis, a plant with several potential therapeutic benefit on Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver damage in rats. Thirty (30) adult male rats weighing 190-200g divided into five (5) groups of six (6) rats each were used. First group received distilled water and served as normal control. Second group received 1ml/kg CCl₄ for 4days. Third and fourth group received 1ml/kg CCl₄ for 4 days prior to treatment with 150mg/kg and 300mg/kg extract for 8 days respectively. The last group received 1ml/kg CCl₄ for 4 days prior to treatment with 100mg/kg Silymarin. Twenty-four hours after last administration, the rats were sacrificed, blood samples and liver tissues obtained for biochemical assays and histology. Biochemical assays showed liver function enzymes/molecules: asparatate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), alkaline phosphatase(ALP), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) and total bilirubin to be significantly increased while liver synthetic molecules (total protein and albumin) where decreased significantly in CCl₄ treated group when compared to control group whereas treatment with Raphiostylis beninensis caused a significant decrease in liver function enzymes/molecules (AST, ALT, ALP, LDH and total bilirubin) and an increase in liver synthetic molecules (total protein and albumin) when compared to rats which received CCl₄ alone. Oxidative stress assessment using superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) showed significantly decreased SOD, CAT and GPX and a significantly increase MDA in CCl₄-alone group, when compared to control group whereas treatment with Raphiostylis beninensis caused significantly increased SOD, CAT and GPX and a decreased MDA when administered with CCl₄ compared to rats which received CCl₄ alone. Histopathologically, Raphiostylis beninensis showed reduction in hepatocyte damage, recovery, protection against CCl₄ caused degeneration and necrosis, inflammation and nucleus vacuolation.This study showed that Raphiostylis beninensis reduced oxidative stress by decreasing free radical generation due to its enhancement of antioxidant activity.

Keywords: Carbon tetrachloride, Free radical, Oxidative stress, Raphiostylis beninensis, Silymarin

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