Full Length Research Paper

Assessment of the hepatic effects, heamatological effect and some phytochemical constituents of Ximenia americana (Leaves, stem and root) extracts

D. B. James*, A. O. Owolabi, H. Ibiyeye, J. Magaji and Y. A.  Ikugiyi

Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: dbjams16187@yahoo.com. Tel:

+23408035881253.

Accepted 7 November, 2008

The aqueous extracts of the leaf, stem bark and root of Ximenia americana was evaluated for its phytochemical constituents. A study was also conducted with 20 albino rats (Wistar strain) weighing between 100-130 g to access for hepatic effect and haematological effect. The extracts were administered every day for a period of 21 days. Group 1 was the control animals and those of groups 2 and 3 and 4 were administered 0.5 mg/rat/day of each of the different extracts. The results showed that the stem extract significantly (P<0.05) elevated the serum activities of alanine transaminase (ALAT), aspartate transaminase (ASAT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALK-P), the root extracts significantly (p<0.05) elevated both the ALT and ALK-P. Except for root extract which significantly (p<0.05) reduced albumin, there was a non-significant (P>0.05) reduction in the serum concentration of total protein and albumin for all the extracts. Haematological parameters revealed no significant (P>0.05) change, while the root extract significantly (p<0.05) increase the weight of the animals compared to the animals administered leaf and stem extracts for the period of 3 weeks of administration. There was significant (p<0.05) increase in liver and kidney weight for the animals administered the extracts compared to control. The root extracts have significantly (p<0.05) higher content of all phytochemical constituents determined.

Key words: Ximenia americana, aqueous extraction, hepatic, haematological, albino rats.