Assessment of the Hepatoprotective Activity of Ethanol Seed Extract of Garcinia kola on Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4)-Induced Liver Toxicity in Albino Rat Models

Aims: To assess the effect of G. kola ethanol seed extract on CCl4-induced liver toxicity in albino rats. The qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis of the extract was carried out.

Study Design: Randomized block design.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria between January and August, 2019.

Methodology: Thirty male albino rats were randomly distributed into six groups of five rats each. Group 1, normal control, Group 2, standard control, groups 3–6, test groups all administered for seven days. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis and liver harvested for histology.

Results: Results of phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids; 1.260±0.00 mg/dl, tannins; 920±0.00 mg/dl, flavonoids; 2.045±0.00 mg/dl, Carbohydrates; 2.00±0.00 mg/dl, Steroids; 0.012±0.00 mg/dl and Cardiac glycosides; 1.25±0.00 mg/dl, saponins, terpenes and anthroquinones were absent. AST in groups 3, 4 and 5 were significantly (p < 0.05) higher when compared to control. ALT was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in all the treatment groups (4, 5, 6) compared to the control groups (1 and 2). ALP activity increased significantly (p < 0.05) in all the test groups compared to the normal control. Total bilirubin increased significantly (p < 0.05) in all the treatment groups compared to the controls. Direct Bilirubin was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the treatment groups (5, 6) compared to the normal control. GSH decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in all treatment groups compared to the control. CAT and SOD showed no significant (p > 0.05) difference in the treatment groups when compared to the control groups. Photomicrographs of the liver showed ballooning degeneration with complete loss of nuclear material.

Conclusion: The administered doses in this study did not protect against CCl4 induced liver toxicity in albino rats.