ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate the protective effect of leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium (G. latifolium) against acute acetaminophen induced hepatic toxicity in Wistar rats. Methods:Thirty six Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups with 6 rats in each group. Animals in group 1 and 2 were administered with 600 mg/kg b.w. of acetaminophen only and acetaminophen plus 100 mg/kg b.w. of caffeine by oral gavages, respectively. Experimental groups 3 and 4 were treated as in group 1 but in addition received 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w., respectively of the leaf extract of G. latifolium by oral gavages. The experimental groups 5 and 6 were treated as in group 2 and in addition received 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. of leaf extract of G. latifolium, respectively. The treatment lasted for 14 days. Results: The results obtained showed that the serum glutamic-oxalacetic transaminease (AST), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels had a greater increase in group 2 than in group 1 but dropped marginally in groups 3 and 4. However, in groups 5 and 6, AST, ALT and ALP were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Similarly, serum protein levels were significantly increased in groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 when compared with group 1 and 2. Conclusions: It can be concluded that extract of G. latifolium offers protection against acetaminophen and caffeinated acetaminophen toxicity in Wistar rats.