Effects of ethanolic extract of Euphorbia hirta leaf on the biochemical parameters and histology of liver and kidney in rats

Abstract

Herbal medications are widely used in many parts of Nigeria and has become highly acceptable, accessible, cheap, readily available,  potent, and relatively safe. This study evaluated the effects of ethanolic leaf extract of Euphorbia hirta (ELEEH) on the biochemical  parameters and histology of the liver and kidney in rats. Twenty (20) adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups of 5  animals each; a control group and treated groups vis 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg or 500mg/kg ELEEH for 14 days. Body weight was determined  and the relative weights of the liver and kidney were evaluated and the tissues examined histologically. Serum biochemical analysis of the  liver and kidney function were performed. Data were analysed using SPSS (version 23) and p≤0.05 was considered significant.  Percentage body weight gain was non-significantly decreased while relative weight of the kidney was significantly decreased in the 50  and 100mg/kg treated groups compared with the control. There was no significant different in the relative weight of the liver, serum  alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase and kidney histological architecture was comparable with control. However, serum  aspartate aminotransferase, total protein, albumin, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were significantly increased; especially in the  500mg/kg in the treated group, with signs of liver damage compared with the control. These findings suggest that ELEEH has the  potentials of deleterious effects on the biochemical and physiological functions of the liver and kidney as well as liver histoarchitecture in  a rat model. Thus, caution should be exercised in the use of Euphorbia hirta as a medicinal plant.