The Effect of Aqueous Extract of <i>Cyperus esculentus</i> on Some Liver Functional Indices in Rabbit

Abstract

Twenty-five (25) adult female rabbits were employed to study the possible effects of aqueous extract of Cyperus esculentus on some liver functional indices. The rabbits were divided into five groups (A, B, C, D and E) of five animals each with group A serving as control. The experimental groups (B, C, D and E) received daily oral doses of 12.5mg, 25mg, 50mg and 100mg per kg of body weight of the extract respectively for a period of four weeks. Weekly estimate of serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were carried out. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA and the results were expressed as Mean ± SEM, with p-values of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. The results revealed significant increase in serum ALT, AST, and ALP concentrations in group E at the end of the experiment. It was concluded that the observed increase in serum levels of these enzymes indicate that Cyperus esculentus may have some clearly definable hepatotoxic properties, probably, if taken in large quantities and for a prolonged period.

Keywords: Cyperus esculentus, Liver, Rabbit, Aqueous extract, Enzymes