Ethanol Extract of Acalypha wilkesiana Muel Arg Leaves Ameliorates Paracetamol-induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Objective: The effect of ethanol leaf extract of A. wilkesiana on the liver of paracetamol- induced hepatotoxicity was investigated in wistar albino rats.

Study Design: Animal experimental study.

Place of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological science University of Port Harcourt P.M.B 5323 Port Harcourt Nigeria

Methods: Liver toxicity was induced with 2000 mg/kg body weight of paracetamol (PARA) orally. The extract was administered to paracetamol treated wistar albino rats at a dose of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg body weight. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of the leaves of A. wilkesiana (AW) showed that they are rich in flavonoids, phenols, tannins, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, protein, alkaloids and steroids. The effect of the ethanol leaf extract of A. wilkesiana on the liver was monitored by measuring the liver enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase), total bilirubin, albumin and total protein.

Results: The ethanol leaf extract of A. wilkesiana significantly (p<0.05) lowered the activities of alkaline phosphatase, alanine and aspartate transaminases.

Conclusion: Histopathological studies showed that ethanol leaf extract of A. wilkesiana had a therapeutic effect on the liver of wistar albino rats with paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity.