MODULATORY EFFECT OF LEAF EXTRACTS OF Pterocarpus santalinoides HOOK F. (RED SANDALWOOD) ONACETAMINOPHENINDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN ALBINO RATS

There is increasing incidences of drug (paracetamol) toxicity resulting from its overdose and quests for the use of alternative medicinein the prevention and treatment of liver related ailments worldwide. Ethanol and aqueous leaf extracts of Pterocarpus santalinoides (Red Sandals wood) were screened for phytochemicals and in vitro antioxidant potentials. The extracts were administered to rats, to test for their protective effect on paracetamolinduced hepatotoxicity. Twenty five (25) rats were randomly selected and divided into five (5) groups of 5 animals each. Groups 1 and 2 animals were given feed and water only, group three were fed with the chow, water and pretreated with silymarin. Groups 4 and 5 were given feed, water with aqueous and ethanol leaf extract of the plant respectively. All the animals except those in group 1 were then administered with 2 g/kg of body weight single dose of acetaminophen. Using standard biochemical methods, the hepatoprotective effect of the extracts were assessed by determining the liver function and the activities of the liver antioxidant enzymes. Results show the presence of bioactive compounds in the extracts based on the solvent of extraction. The concentrations of proteins and the activities of the liver antioxidant enzymes were significantly increased, while the concentration of bilirubin and serum activities of ALT and ALP were markedly reduced by the extracts. In conclusion, both the aqueous and ethanol leaf extract of the plant showed the potency of protecting the liver from the toxicity induced by a single 2 g/kg body weight dose of acetaminophen.