RESUMO
Aim: The study was aimed to evaluate Momordica charantia leaves extract for hepatoprotective effect against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Methodology: A total of twenty five male rats were randomly divided into five groups of five rats each. The extract was administered orally for fifteen days at 200 and 400 mg/g body weight. Results: The results obtained showed that, treatment with the extract significantly (P<0.05) restored liver weight to near normal. The result showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in Heamoglobin (Hb) and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) compared to toxin control group. Also treatment with the extract caused a significant (P<0.05) decrease in the activities of Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatise (ALP) and the level of total bilirubin: and a significant (P<0.05) increase in total protein level compared to control group. Similarly, the extract caused a significant (P<0.05) decrease in the level of reduced Glutathione (GSH) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) and a significant (P<0.05) elevation in the activities of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) compared to toxin control group. Conclusion: This study found that, administration of aqueous leaves extract of M. charantia ameliorated hepatotoxicity induced experimentally by CCl4.