Methanol Stem Bark Extract of <i>Ficus platyphylla</i> Protects Against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Damage in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Ficus platyphylla (Gutta percha tree) is used in Nigerian traditional medicine for treating pain and psychosis. This study evaluated the protective effect of methanol stem bark extract of Ficus platyhylla (MEFP) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury in Wistar rats. Rats were allotted into six groups namely normal control, negative control, standard drug (silymarin) and extract treated (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o. respectively) groups. Treatment was administered for 7 days. Animals in groups II-VI received a single dose  of CCl4 (1:1) p.o. in olive oil at 1.5 ml/kg body weight after last treatment. Experimental rats were sacrificed after 24 hours of CCl4 administration and blood samples collected for determination of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities. Supernatant of liver homogenate was used to determine activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Results indicate increased activities (p < 0.05) in CAT, SOD and GPx in samples of MEFP treated rats while levels of ALT and AST in serum samples of treated groups differ significantly (p<0.05) when compared with negative control group (Group III). Treatment with methanol stem bark extract of Ficus platyphylla may have offered protection against CCl4 induced liver damage in experimental rats.