RESUMEN
This present study was performed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of Aframomum melegueta seeds, used as spicy in the traditional conditions. The hepatoprotective activity of the seeds of A. melegueta at 100 and 150 mgEq.pp/kg, administered orally, was assessed using carbon tetrachloride-induced (CCl4) liver damage (1 ml/kg bw 1:1 CCl4 and corn oil). The results obtained from this study show that A. melegueta produced a significant decrease in serum transaminases and alkaline phosphatase. At the dose of 150 mg Eq.pp/kg, A. melegueta induced a significant increase in serum total proteins. Liver and serum antioxidant potentials were also significantly increased. Those results indicate that A. melegueta seeds protect the liver against toxicity induced in this study.