Hepatic Potentials of Xylopia Aethiopica Leaves in Adult Wistar Rats

Abstract

This study investigates the possible toxic effect of Xylopia aethiopica on liver function via the evaluation of some
serum biochemical parameters. The study involved 24 adult rats with weight ranging from 150 to 300g and divided
into four groups of 6 rats each (A, B, C and D). For 21 days, varying doses of 1.2g/kg, 3.0g/kg and 6.0g/kg per body weight of Xylopia aethiopica  leaves powder were administered daily to test groups B, C and D respectively. Group A however served as control that received normal feed and water only. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed under light anesthesia to obtain blood samples for the estimation of liver enzyme activities. The results showed that there was a significant increase (P<0.05) in the activities of Aspartate amino transferase (AST) and Alkaline Phosphates (ALP) but a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the levels of total protein, albumin and globulin levels in the test groups as compared to the control. On the other hand, the activities of Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and Alanine amino transferase (ALT) of the test groups were not significantly different (P>0.05) from that of the control.  Therefore,  the observed changes in the parameters accessed, signifies the hepatotoxic impact of Xylopia aethiopica leaves.

Keywords: Xylopia aethiopica, hepatoxicity, Herbs, Nigeria.