Aqueous Extract of Combretum dolichopentalum Leaf - a Potent Inhibitor of Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats.

ABSTRACT

The aqueous extract of Combretum dolichopentalum leaves were evaluated for its protective activity against CCl4- induced liver damage. The concentration of 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w of C. dolichopentalum leaf extract were administered to different group of rats prior to CCl4 administration. Both 250 and 500 mg/kg of the extract significantly (P<0.05) reduced the activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase when compared to rats administered CCl4 only. Also the concentration of non-enzyme markers of hepatic dysfunction such as total bilirubin and lipid peroxidation product-malonyldialdehyde was reduced by C. dolichopentalum. But the concentration of total protein and total cholesterol was increased when compared to rats administered CCl4 only. This finding suggests that C. dolichopentalum leaves possessed rich hepatoprotective principles against CCl4 induced toxicity of the liver.