Assessment of the hepatic effects, heamatological effect and some phytochemical constituents of Ximenia americana (Leaves, stem and root) extracts

Abstract

The aqueous extracts of the leaf, stem bark and root of Ximenia americana was evaluated for its phytochemical constituents. A study was also conducted with 20 albino rats (Wistar strain) weighing
between 100-130 g to access for hepatic effect and haematological effect. The extracts were administered every day for a period of 21 days. Group 1 was the control animals and those of groups 2
and 3 and 4 were administered 0.5 mg/rat/day of each of the different extracts. The results showed that the stem extract significantly (P<0.05) elevated the serum activities of alanine transaminase (ALAT),
aspartate transaminase (ASAT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALK-P), the root extracts significantly (p<0.05) elevated both the ALT and ALK-P. Except for root extract which significantly (p<0.05) reduced
albumin, there was a non-significant (P>0.05) reduction in the serum concentration of total protein and albumin for all the extracts. Haematological parameters revealed no significant (P>0.05) change, while the root extract significantly (p<0.05) increase the weight of the animals compared to the animals administered leaf and stem extracts for the period of 3 weeks of administration. There was significant
(p<0.05) increase in liver and kidney weight for the animals administered the extracts compared to control. The root extracts have significantly (p<0.05) higher content of all phytochemical constituents
determined.