The effects of Catharanthus roseus (l) g. don 1838 aqueous leaf extract on some liver enzymes, serum proteins and vital organs

Abstract

Plant and phytochemical products continue to play an important role in medicine. In this study, the toxicological potentials of the aqueous leaf extract of Catharanthus roseus G. Don 1838 in rabbits were determined. The rabbits were placed in three groups with four rabbits in each group. The control group, a second group administered with 100mg/Kg and third group administer with 360mg/Kg body weight, were tag as Group 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Increased levels of serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were found to follow the treatment of rabbits with ACR suggesting liver damage. This was confirmed by the histopathological studies that reveal centrieolobular hemorrhagic necrosis of the liver. Also, there was oxidative glomerulonephritis that set in. The effect of the extract in the activity of the hepatocellular enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP) was found to be concentration dependent. This suggest that the infusion of the leaves could cause hepatocellular damage and kidney impairment.

Keywords: Catharanthus roseus, Aqueous Leaf extract,
Toxicity, Alkaloids, Enzymes levels.