Curative potential of aqueous extract of <i>Ziphus mauritiana</i> leaf against chronic alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats

Abstract

The curative potential of the aqueous extract of Ziziphus mauritiana leaf was evaluated in chronic alcohol-induced liver damage. Levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TB) and uric acid (UA) were significantly
(p<0.05) elevated in group administered alcohol only without treatment compared to normal group. Levels of antioxidant enzymes; glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) significantly (p<0.05) reduced in alcohol group compared to normal group. Also levels of total antioxidant status (TAS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were significantly reduced while level of hepatic lipid peroxidation (TBARS) was significantly (P<0.05) increased in untreated group compared to control. Treatment of chronic alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity for 2 weeks with aqueous extract of Ziziphus mauritiana significantly (p<0.05) lowered the levels of ALT, AST, TB, UA, and LP compared to untreated group. While significant (p<0.05) increased levels of antioxidant enzymes and non antioxidant enzymes were observed after post-treatment with Ziziphus mauritiana extract. Histopathological section of rat liver post-treated with Ziziphus mauritiana extract enhanced quick recovery from alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity compared to untreated group. Curative potential of the aqueous extract of Ziziphus mauritiana leaf could be due to its ability to stimulate increased
antioxidant activity and reduction in the level of hepatic lipid peroxidation.

Key words: Chronic alcohol, hepatotoxicity, post-treatment, Ziziphus mauritiana, antioxidants.