Ameliorative Effects of Aqueous Extract of Brassica nigra on Phenylhydrazine-Induced Liver Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Brassica nigra has been reported to possess antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity, anti-epileptic activity, antidiabetic activity, anthelminthic activity, nephroprotective activity and hepatoprotective activity. In experimental models, phenylhydrazine been used to cause reproductive toxicity, nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, hyperbilirubinemia and haemolytic anaemia. This study therefore aimed to investigate the effects of B. nigra on phenylhydrazine-induced liver toxicity through analysis of liver enzymes and histoarchitecture of the liver. Thirty (30) adult Wistar rats weighing between 180 and 200 grams were utilized in this investigation. They were bred in the Animal House of the Department of Anatomy, University of Benin, and were randomly assigned into six (6) groups of five (5) animals. Group A received 1 ml distilled water, Group B received phenylhydrazine only, Group C received phenylhydrazine and 0.1 ml of oxaliplatin, Group D received phenylhydrazine and 150 mg/kg body weight of B. nigra, Group E received phenylhydrazine and 300 mg/kg body weight of B. nigra while Group received phenylhydrazine and 600 mg/kg body weight of B. nigra. The study lasted for a period of eight (8) weeks. Significant elevations (P<0.05) in the mean concentrations of liver enzymes (ALP, AST, ALT) and total protein were recorded after the administration of phenylhydrazine while the treatment with different concentrations of B. nigra induced a reversal in those parameters to levels comparable with the control. In conclusion, B. nigra administration lowers a number of the harmful effects of in vivo phenylhydrazine administration in the liver of Wistar rats, according to the findings in this study.