Assessment of the Prophylactic Activity of the Ethanolic Extract of Momordica charantia Leaves against Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Impairment in Wistar Rats.

Abstract

Background: Various parts of M. charantia have been reported to possess pharmacological properties againstsome diseases due to its phytochemicals constituents.Aim: This research was aimed at assessing the prophylactic effect of the ethanol extract of M. charantia againstacetaminophen-induced liver damage in Wistar rats.Methodology: A total of sixteen rats were randomly divided into four groups with four rats in each group. Theexperiment spanned through fourteen days. Group 1 served as the control, group 2 received 1500 mg/kg per bodyweight (pbw) of acetaminophen orally throughout, group 3 received 250 mg/kg (pbw) of extract throughout whilegroup 4 received 250 mg/kg (pbw) of extract for six days and thereafter was given 1500 mg/kg (pbw) acetaminophenorally from day 7 to day 14. The biochemical parameters of liver function- aspartate transaminase (AST), alaninetransaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and protein levels were determined. In addition the followingantioxidant parameters- reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were also measured from theserum of experimental animals. Histopathological changes in the liver were also investigated.Results: Results show that the oral pre-treatment with extract of M. charantia (250 mg/kg body weight) revealedsignificant (P<0.05) reduction of serum activities of ALT, AST and ALP. Also, pre-treatment with the extract caused asignificant (P<0.05) increase in total protein and GSH level with a significant (P<0.05) decrease in the MDAcompared to the control group. Histopathological analysis confirmed the amelioration of liver damage and reducedlaceration caused by acetaminophen.Conclusion: This study substantiates the prophylactic activity of M. charantia leaf ethanol extract against liverimpairment which might be attributed to some of its intrinsic phytochemical constituents which possess anti-oxidantactivities.