Effect of pre-treatment with methanol leaf extract of <i>Commelina diffusa</i> on paracetamol-induced liver damage

Abstract

The present study investigated the effect of pre-treatment with methanol extract of the leaves of Commelina diffusa on paracetamol-induced liver damage on experimental rats. Wistar rats were used and grouped; groups 1 and 2 as controls, groups 3 and 4 were administered 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of Commelina diffusa leaves extract, and group 5 received silymarin 100 mg/kg (standard drug). Hepatotoxicity was induced with 3 g/kg of paracetamol (PCM) on the 7th day in all the animal groups except the positive control group (Group 1). At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected from the anaesthetized rats for biochemical indices (liver enzymes and antioxidants). Both doses (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) of Commelina diffusa leaves extract significantly reduced the liver enzymes level, and also increased antioxidant enzymes level when compared with the PCM-treated (negative) control group. The methanol leaf extract of Commelina diffusa possesses preventive effect on liver damage evident via its antioxidative and hepatoprotective actions.

Keywords: Commelina diffusa, antioxidant, hepatotoxicity, paracetamol, silymarin