Some Biochemical Effects of Methanolic Extract of Afzelia africana Seed in Rats Following Single or Repeated Carbon Tetrachloride Intoxication

Aim: To establish the in vivo effects of the methanolic extract of Afzelia africana seed on CCl4- induced organ damage on some biochemical parameters.

Methods: The rats were divided into 7 groups of 5 rats each. In the single administration experiment, rats were intraperitoneally pre-treated with the extract (10mg/kg) for two days before CCl4 intoxication at 0.6ml/kg. In the repeated intoxication experiment, rats were administered the extract (5mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection for 10 consecutive days, and CCl4 (0.6ml/kg) 72 hourly intervals for 10 days. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and bilirubin (conjugated and total) were analyzed for hepatoprotective effect, while urea and creatinine were used to evaluate kidney function. Results: Data obtained showed significant reduction (P=.05) in the activities of ALT and AST, as well as in levels of bilirubin, urea and creatinine in the Afzelia africana extract-treated rats compared to the CCl4 control.

Conclusion: These results indicate that the seeds of A. africana contain constituents that could protect the kidney and liver and ameliorate them from both acute and chronic injuries.