International Journal of Herbs and Pharmacological Research

Hepatoprotective activity of n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions of Sida acuta on thioacetamide induced liver injury in rats

C.O. Mgbemena — 2016-08-17

This study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of n-hexane and ethylacetate fractions of Sida acuta against thioacetamide (TAA) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Thirty-five adult male albino wistar rats, grouped into seven groups (n=5 each) were used. Groups A-D served as the tests, while E-G served as control. The rats were fed as discussed in the methodology. Phyto-chemical analysis of Sida acuta was done using standard methods. Acute toxicity test revealed an oral LD50 of >3000 mg/kg. Test administration was oral for 7 days prior to TAA intoxication. On the 8^th day, after an 18-hour fast, TAA (200mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously to all the groups except group G (normal control). Blood samples were collected 24hrs after TAA administration to assess the liver function of the rats (ALT, AST, ALP and Albumin levels). Results revealed a significant increase in the serum levels of ALP, AST and ALT, as well as a significant decrease in the serum Albumin levels due to TAA induced liver damage. Pre-treatment with both n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions of Sida acuta reduced the toxic effect of TAA as indicated by a decrease in the levels of previously elevated liver parameters and an increase in the level of Albumin.

Keyswords: Hepatoprotective, n-Hexane, Ethyl acetate, Sida acuta, Thioacetamide, liver function

The effect of Carica papaya seed extracts on urea, creatinine and uric acid levels in Wistar rats

E.N.S. Igbinovia — 2016-08-17

This study investigated the effect of Carica papaya seeds on renal function parameters. Male Wistar rats aged 7± 1weeks, and weighing 70.0-105.0g, were used for the study and the animals were divided into four groups -A, B, C and D. Group A served as control, while B, C and D, served as test groups. The test groups were further subdivided into three -B1 – B3, C1 – C3 and D1 – D3 (n=4 each) and they received a combination of both ripe and unripe Carica papaya seeds; ripe Carica papaya seeds only; and unripe Carica papaya seeds only, respectively. At the end of the experimental period of six (6) weeks, blood samples were obtained from the groups and analyzed for urea, creatinine and uric acid levels using standard methods. The statistical analysis of the data obtained was performed using the SPSS package (version 20) and results showed a dosage dependent and statistically significant increase in urea, creatinine and uric acid levels irrespective of the type; suggesting that Carica papaya’s has capacity to induce alterations in renal function. Thus, there is an urgent need to regulate the inclusion of Carica papaya seeds in herbal preparations; particularly in those used for the management of kidney diseases.

Keywords: Carica papaya, Urea. Creatinine, Uric acid, Renal function

The effect of steroidal contraceptives on liver enzymes and serum proteins in white albino rats

P Iyomon — 2016-08-17

This study assessed the influence of steroidal contraceptives on liver enzymes and serum total protein using 48 adult female rats in four groups -A as control and B, C and D as tests. The animals were further divided into two subgroups - treatment (A1 - D1; n=6 each) and reversal (A2 - D2; n=6 each). Groups A1&A2 received normal feed and water only, while B1&B2, C1&C2 and D1&D2, respectively received 0.03mg/kg of Norethisterone enantate intramuscularly once in 6 days for 3 estrous cycles; 0.03mg/kg of Lynesternol daily for 6 days and repeatedly for 3 estrous cycles; and a combination of 0.03mg/kg of Ethinylestradiol and 0.03mg of Levonorgestrel daily for 6 days and repeatedly for 3 estrous cycles. At the end of the treatment phase, blood samples were collected from groups A1 - D1 for laboratory analysis, while the treatments for groups B2 - D2, were suspended and monitored for same period (reversal phase) prior to blood sample collection and analysis. The results affirmed that steroidal contraceptives had capacity to induce significant elevation and reduction in levels of liver enzymes and serum total protein respectively; hence the call for caution to avoid unwarranted complications.

Keywords: Liver enzymes, Serum, Steroidal Contraceptives, Total protein