Full Length Research Paper

Regenerative action of Cochlospermum tinctorium aqueous root extract on experimentally induced hepatic damage in rats

Etuk E. U.^1*, Francis U. U.² and Garba I.³

^1,3Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria.

²Department of Pharmacognosy and natural medicine, University of Uyo, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: etuk2005@yahoo.co.uk. Tel.: +2348054693770. Fax: +23460231514.

Accepted 15 December, 2009

 Abstract

The hepatoprotective effect of aqueous root extract of Cochlospermum tinctorium on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) – induced hepatic damage in rats was reported. The present study examined the curative action of the plant extract on experimentally induced hepatic damage in rats. Wistar rats were divided into normal control, induction control, extract and prednisolone treated groups. Hepatotoxicity was induced in rats by intraperitoneal administration of CCl₄ (30% in olive oil) for 5 days. Treatment group received 200 mg/kg of extract post hepatotoxicity induction orally for seven days. The animals were sacrificed on the 8^th day, blood and hepatic tissue collected for liver function test and histopathological analysis respectively. Administration of carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic damage in the rats that was evidenced by a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the blood clotting time, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AP) and bilirubin as compared to the control. There was also a significant reduction in the serum total protein, serum albumin and reduced glutathione levels. Treatment with the extract reversed the values of all the biochemical parameters to near normal values in control. The histopathological reports collaborate with the biochemical analysis results. Oral administration of aqueous root extract of C. tinctorium for seven days has significantly reversed hepatic damage produced by CCl₄ in wistar rats.

Key words: Cochlospermum tinctorium, carbon tetrachloride, hepatotoxicity, wistar rats.