Hepatoprotective activity of the aerial parts of <i>Caralluma dalzielii </i>N. E. Brown against carbon tetrachloride -induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Abstract

Caralluma dalzielii is a plant whose aerial parts have been used by traditional healers in the North-west Nigeria for the treatment of several ailments including stomach disorders. This research aimed at evaluating the protective effects of the aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Caralluma dalzielii against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced  acute liver injury in Wistar rats. Phytochemical studies were conducted on the extract using standard methods. The extract was administered to the rats in doses of 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg via oral gavage with silymarin as the positive control and distilled water as the negative control for 7 days. After the last pre-treatment dose, oral dose of CCl₄  (1.5 ml/kg) was administered to the study rats. 24 h later, rats were sacrificed and blood samples collected. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total and conjugated bilirubin, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine and serum electrolytes levels were determined. Histopathological assessment of the liver and kidney tissues were carried out. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols, terpenes, glycosides and tannins. The result showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the AST, ALT, ALP and creatinine serum levels compared with CCl₄- negative control group. Histopathological assessment confirmed that the extract markedly reduced the  toxicity of CCl₄ and preserved the architecture of the liver tissues to near normal structure. These results suggest  that aqueous extract of aerial parts of Caralluma dalzielii may possess hepatoprotective ability.

Keywords: Caralluma dalzielii, hepatoprotective, carbon tetrachloride, Silymarin