EFFECT OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF DIALIUM GUINEENSE LEAVES ON LIVER CELL DAMAGE AND LIPID PROFILE OF ALBINO RATS

Aloh,G.S., Obeagu, Emmanuel Ifeanyi, Odo Christian Emeka, Kanu Stella Ngozika, Okpara, kingsley Ezechukwu, Nwosu, D.C., Ugwu Getrude Uzoma and Ezeumudo Oluebube C

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the protective effect of oral administration of the different doses (250mg and 500mg) of methanol extract of Dialium guineense leaves against liver cell damage and lipid profile of albino wistar female rats. Analysis of the following parameters were made: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), vitamin C (VIT.C), vitamin E (VIT.E), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (T.CHOL), total protein (T.PROT), triacylglycerides (TAG) & albumin (ALB). Sixteen (16) albino rats were distributed into four (4) groups. Group 1(Normal control) was not subjected to hepatocyte damage, but only received normal feed and water ad libitum. Group 2 (negative control) received the 2.5ml of C6H14/CHCl3 (hepatotoxicant) but was not given the extract. Groups 3 and 4 were given the C6H14/CHCl3 and were treated with 250mg and 500mg/kg body weight extract of Dialium guineense respectively. The results indicate that the 250mg and 500mg of the extract caused elevation in total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein significantly (P<0.05) when compared with the negative control. 250mg of extract on low density lipoprotein also increased significantly (p<0.05) in comparison with the negative control. Similarly, the effect of 250mg and 500mg of the extract on vitamin E and catalase was significantly elevated (p<0.05), whereas 500mg only caused vitamin C and SOD to increase significantly when compared with the negative control. The effect of 500mg extract on ALT and AST has significant elevation (p<0.05) when compared with the negative control. No significant difference was observed in the other parameters in comparison with the normal and control. Therefore, methanol extract of Dialium guineense did not exert a hepatoprotective effect in the rats used, and caused the unusual effect of causing cholesterol, HDL and LDL elevations.

Keywords: Metanol extracts, Dialium guineesnse leaves, liver function parameters, Lipid profile, Albino Rats.