Effect of aqueous extract of <i>Hensia crinita</i> on carbon tetrachloride– induced toxicity damage in Wistar albino rats

Abstract

The effect of aqueous extract of H. crinita on carbon tetrachloride–induced liver damage in Wistar albino rats was investigated. Animals were injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of 0.3% CCl₄ (per body weight) in 1:1 olive oil and left for 24 hours to establish liver damage. Treatment of various groups of rats with 240, 480 and 720mg/kg of extract for 4 weeks on a daily basis after CCl₄ – induced liver damage was established significantly reduced (p<0.05) aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and white blood cell count with an increase in dosage. Alanine transaminase, liver malondialdehyde, serum albumin, total protein and haemoglobin concentration were restored to normal with an increase in dosage. The liver architecture was restored from a necrotic liver to a normal liver with focal areas of hepatocytes degeneration. The result of this study shows that the extract protected against after CCl₄ – induced liver damage in rats.

Keywords: Carbon tetrachloride, induced rat liver damage, Hensia crinita extract, protection