Hepatoprotective effect of aqueous leaf extract of soursop on some biochemical parameters of paracetamol-induced liver damage of Wistar rats

Abstract

The hepatocurative effect of aqueous leaf extract of Annona muricata on paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats was studied. Three different dosages were orally administered (0.7g/kg, 1.2g/kg and 1.5g/kg) once daily for 3 weeks. The levels of liver enzymes; aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), total cholesterol (CHOL), and triglycerides (TGs) were studied using standard
protocols. Significant (p<0.05) increase of serum levels of ALT, AST, GGT, CHOL and TGs in paracetamol poisoned rats, with significantly (p<0.05), decreased serum levels of TP, and HDL were recorded. These findings confirmed induction of hepatotoxicity by the Annona muricata leaf extract was found to significant (p<0.05) reduce the serum levels of AST, ALT, CHOL, and TGs and significantly (p<0.05) increased the serum concentration of high density lipoprotein (HDL). These indicate the possible hepatocurative effects of aqueous leaf extract of Annona muricata on paracetamol induced liver toxicity in rats.

Keywords: aqueous leaf extract, hepatotoxicity, liver enzymes