Abstract

The effects of aqueous extract of Landolphia owariensis leaves on the biochemical indices of liver function were investigated in Wister strain of albino rats. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of the plant leaves showed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins. Acute toxicity tests of the extract gave an LD₅₀of 3370 mg/kg. Liver function tests revealed that the serum activities of alanine aminotransferrase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as well as the concentrations of total protein and albumin were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by the oral administration of the extract. However, bilirubin and haemoglobin concentrations decreased significantly (p<0.05) on administration of the extract. The results suggest that L. owariensisleaf extract is not hepatotoxic in rats. The findings are of clinical importance given the various reported therapeutic potentials of the plant.

Key words: Landolphia owariensis, hepatotoxicity, LD₅₀, haemoglobin.