Methanol Extract of Spondias mombin Leaf Protects the Liver against Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Albino Rats

Abstract

This study investigated the protective effect of Spondias mombin against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Thirty female albino rats assigned to six groups of five rats per group were used to study the acute toxicity effect of the plant. Rats in groups 2-6 received 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 and 5000 mg/kg body weight of the extract while rats in group one received distilled water to serve as the normal control. The rats were observed for 48 h for signs of toxicity. Another thirty rats assigned to six groups (A-F) of five rats per group were used for biochemical studies. Rats in groups D-F were pre-treated with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of the extract while group C rats received 100mg/kg silymarin two times daily for five days before intoxication with 2000 mg/kg acetaminophen. Group A rats received distilled water alone while rats in group B were pre-treated with distilled water and intoxicated with acetaminophen to serve as normal and negative controls respectively. Sera for biochemical [Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein, albumin and total bilirubin] analyses were collected 18 h post acetaminophen intoxication. Results indicate that there were no signs of toxicity even at the highest dose of 5000mg/kg. The activities of ALT, AST and serum levels of total bilirubin of the extract and silymarin-pretreated rats were significantly (p<0.05) reduced when compared with that of the negative control group. Total protein and albumin values were not affected. It was concluded that the methanol extract of Spondias mombin leaf possesses hepatoprotective properties.