The effect of aqueous stem bark extract of Erythrinamildbraedii on carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage in rats

Abstract

This study evaluated the curative effects of aqueous stem bark extact of Erythrina mildbraedii in CCL4 induced liver damage. With the exception of group 1 (positive control), CCL4 was administered at a dose of 150 mg/kg to groups II, III, IV and V.Administration of CCL4 caused profound hepatic damage as indicated by elevation in serum levels of liver transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, total and direct bilirubin. There was depletion of serum proteins and albumin. Administration of aquoeus stem bark extract of Erythrina mildbraedii at daily oral doses of 50,100, 150mg/kg reversed these biochemical aberrations to a significant level. The curative effects of stem bark extracts of Erythrina mildbraedii were further substantiated by histopathological examination of the liver hepatocytes . The result of the study suggested that aqueous stem bark extract of Erythrina mildbraedii posses hepatocurative effects.

Keywords: Carbontetrachloride, Erythrina mildbraedii, liver enzymes, hepatotoxicity.