Potency of aqueous stem bark extract of Khaya senegalensis against liver diseases in rats

Abstract

In order to assess the potency of aqueous stem bark extract of Khaya senegalensis (KS) against liver diseases, serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were assayed in rats treated with two (2) different doses of the extract after the induction of liver damage in the rats using carbon tetrachloride, CCl4. The rats treated with a daily dose of 80mg/kg for six (6) days had serum liver enzymes activities not significantly different from those in control rats; whereas those treated with a daily dose of 200mg/kg for nine (9) days had serum liver enzymes activities significantly higher (P<0.05) than those in control rats. Thus, a dose of 80mg/kg aqueous bark extract of KS for 6 days could be potent against liver disease, but a higher dose of 200mg/kg for 9 days could induce liver toxicity.

Key words: Khaya senegalensis, potency, liver diseases, carbon tetrachloride.