Xeromphis nilotica Stem-Bark Extract Attenuates CCl4-Induced Hepatic Damage and Oxidative Stress in Albino Rats

Abstract

Xeromphis nilotica is used by traditional practitioners in North East Nigeria to treat ormanage various ailment such as inflammations, pains and stomach disorders. This studyaimed to evaluate the probable protective effect of Xeromphis nilotica stem-barkextract
against CCl₄ induced hepatic injury in albino rats. Thirty-six rats were randomly dividedintosix groups. Group 1 served as the control and  normal feed and 3ml/kgbwt olive oil intraperitoneally. Groups 2, 3, 4,5&6 were injected with 3ml/kgbwt of carbon tetra chloride(CCl₄) in  olive oil intraperitoneally to induce oxidative stress and thereafter group4,5&6were treated with 100, 200, 400 mg/kgbwt of the extracts  respectively. Group 2 servesastoxic control, while group 3 was treated with 25mg/kgbwt silymarin as standardcontrol. Liver marker  enzymes ALT, AST, total protein and albumin were assessed and results obtained was extrapolated by performing histological analysis of  the liver tissues. The studyrevealed that treatment of rats with CCl₄ caused marked weight loss, induced liver damage through elevated  marker enzymes as well as significant decrease in catalase activity. However, administration of graded doses of X. nilotica extract  effectively amelio rated the deviation caused by oxidative stress induced liver damage. Pathological examinationof theliver tissues also  supported the biochemical findings. It was concluded that supplementationof X. nilotica extract was beneficial in modulating the  alteration induced in liver andserumvariables of rats under the effect of CCl₄ induced oxidative stress.