Effects of Aqueous White Grubs Extract on Some Markers of Liver Injury in Guinea Pigs

Abstract

The effects of aqueous white grubs extract on some markers of liver injury was studied in guinea pigs with CCl₄-induced liver damage. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cholesterol and triglyceride were analysed in guinea pigs after subcutaneous administration of 100mg/kg CCl₄ followed by oral treatment with 0.834g/kg of white grub extract in order to asses the curative effect of the extract against liver damage. Guinea pigs treated with 0.834g/kg extract for 48 hours following subcutaneous injection of 100mg/kgCCl₄ had serum AST, ALT and ALP levels not statistically different compared to normal control (at p>0.05) but decreased significantly compared to toxicity control (p>0.05). The serum levels of cholesterol and triglyceride in the test showed no statistical difference (at P>0.05) compared to normal control. However, comparing the test values with toxicity control shows a significant increase in both cholesterol and triglyceride levels (at P<0.05). The serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, cholesterol and triglyceride when the treatment was extended to 96 hours also showed no statistical difference compared to normal control (at P>0.05). However, there was a significant decrease in serum AST, ALT and ALP while serum cholesterol and triglyceride were significantly increased compared to toxicity control (at P<0.05). This result clearly indicates aqueous that white grubs’ aqueous extract possess hepatoprotective property against CCl₄ induced liver damaged in guinea pigs.