Abstract

Etuk E. U*, Francis U. U, Garba I

The hepatoprotective effect of aqueous root extract of Cochlospermum tinctorium on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) on induced hepatic damage in rats was reported. The present study examined the curative action of the plant extract on experimentally induced hepatic damage in rats. Wistar rats were divided into normal control, induction control, extract and prednisolone treated groups. Hepatotoxicity was induced in rats by intraperitoneal administration of CCl4 (30% in olive oil) for 5 days. Treatment group received 200 mg/kg of extract post hepatotoxicity induction orally for 7 days. The animals were sacrificed on the 8th day, blood and hepatic tissue collected for liver function test and histopathological analysis respectively. Administration of carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic damage in the rats was evidenced by a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the blood clotting time, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AP) and bilirubin as compared to the control. There was also a significant reduction in the serum total protein, serum albumin and reduced glutathione levels. Treatment with the extract reversed the values of all the biochemical parameters to near normal values in control. The histopathological reports collaborate with the biochemical analysis results. Oral administration of aqueous root extract of Cochlospermum tinctorium for 7 days has significantly reversed hepatic damage produced by CCl4 in wistar rats.