Evaluation of hepatotoxicity effect of methanol leave extract of Gongronema latifolium in Albino rats

Omodamiro O.D. 1, *, Alaebo P.O. 2, Olukotun B.G. 2 and Chikezie P.C. 3

1 Pharmacology unit, Department of Biochemistry, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike Abia State, Nigeria.
2 National Biotechnology Development Agency FCT Abuja, Nigeria.
3 Department Enviromental Management and Toxicology Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike Abia State, Nigeria.
 
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences, 2021, 01(01), 014–022.
Article DOI: 10.53346/wjapls.2021.1.1.0017
Publication history: 
Received on 09 March 2021; revised on 28 April 2021; accepted on 01 May 2021
 
Abstract: 
Gongronema latifolium is highly medicinal in nature. The fundamental ingredients used for medicinal purposes are stored in the various parts of the plant such as the fruits, seeds, leaves, root and stem. This present study is aimed to evaluate the hepatotoxicity effect of methanolic leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium on albino rats. This study was divided into five groups normal control groups: received commercial rat feed and water, group 2: received 1000 mg/kg b.w. of leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium, group 3: received 500 mg/kg b.w of leaf extract of G. latifolium, group 4; received 250 mg/kg of leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium, and group 5: received 125mg/kg of leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium. The result shows a significant (p<0.05) increase in serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total and conjugate bilirubin when compared to the normal control not giving the extract. Administration graded dosage of 1000mg/kg and 500mg/kg body weight significantly (p<0.05) increased the liver damage marker enzymes when compared with groups that received low dosage of 250mg/kg and 125mg/kg body weight and the normal control groups. The histopathological study revealed severe portal inflammation without steatosis and moderate portal inflammation in groups that received 1000mg/kg and 500mg/kg. Therefore, these results suggested that methanol leaf extracts of Gongronema latifolium possess hepatotoxic properties and strict caution must be observed when using the plant extract as a natural remedy of any disease.
 
Keywords: 
Medicinal; Aminotransferase; Gongronema latifolium; Inflammation; Hepatotoxic.
 
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