African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 4 (10), pp. 1177-1179, October 2005          
ISSN 1684–5315 © 2005 Academic Journals

Short Communication

Protective effect of Ziziphus mauritiana leaf extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury

Dahiru, D^1*, William, E.T.² and Nadro, M.S.¹

¹Department of Biochemistry, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 2076 Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria.

²Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Adamawa State University, P.M.B. 25, Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding authors E-mail: ddahiru2000@yahoo.com.

Accepted 13 September, 2005

Protective effect of ethanol extract of Ziziphus mauritiana leaf was studied on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage. Pretreatment of rats with 200 and 300 mg/kg body wt of Z. mauritiana leaf extract protected rats against carbon tetrachloride liver injury by significantly lowering aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), alanine aminotransamine (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TB), and lipid peroxide levels compared to control. The extract at both doses also significantly restored depleted levels of glutathione and vitamin E compared to control. Reduction in lipid peroxidation, restoration of glutathione and vitamin E levels indicate strong antioxidant property of the leaf. Phytochemical screening of the leaf extract of Z. mauritiana indicates probable presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins and saponins.

Key words: Ziziphus mauritiana, carbon tetrachloride, non-enzyme antioxidants, lipid peroxidation.