Abstract

This study evaluated the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities (AA) of Pterocarpus santalinoides methanol leaf extract (PSMLE) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Thirty male albino rats randomly assigned into 6 groups (A – F) of 5 rats each were used for the in vivo study. Hepatotoxicity was induced in groups A – E using CCl4. Group A served as negative control. Groups B, C and D were treated with 50, 250 and 500 mg/kg PSMLE, respectively. Group E was treated with 100 mg/kg Silymarin, while Group F served as normal control.  Treatment was given orally twice daily for 15 days, after which markers of hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress were evaluated. The in vitro AA of PSMLE was also evaluated using 1, 1-diphenyl 2-picryl hydrazyl. Results showed that treatment with PSMLE at 250 and 500 mg/kg led to significantly (p<0.05) lower serum alanine aminotransferase and malondialdehyde, significantly (p<0.05) higher superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels, while 250 mg/kg dose further led to significantly (p<0.05) lower serum aspartate aminotransferase and serum total bilirubin levels, and significantly (p<0.05) higher serum total protein and serum globulin levels. 500 mg/kg dose treatment additionally led to significantly (p<0.05) lower serum total cholesterol. Treatment at all doses led to significantly (p<0.05) lower liver weight and relative liver weights and significantly (p<0.05) higher catalase and total glutathione levels. The PSMLE exhibited significantly (p<0.05) higher AA at concentrations ≥50 µg/ml in vitro. It was concluded that PSMLE was hepatoprotective and possesses significant antioxidant activity in vivo and in vitro.

Key words: Hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress, antioxidants, Pterocarpus santalinoides leaf extract, carbon tetrachloride.