Effect of Methanol Extract of Senna Occidentalis Root on Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Hepatotoxic Albino Rats

Abstract

Senna occidentalis is a medicinal plant used traditionally in the treatment of liver disease and other disorders. The study was designed to determine the effect of methanol extract of Senna occidentalis root in rats induced with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Phytochemical screening and extraction of Senna root with methanol were determined using standard procedures. A total number of twenty (20) adult male wistar albino rats (100 - 180g) were randomly divided into five groups of four rats each. All the groups except group I were induced CCL4 and were subsequently treated thus: Group 1 served as normal control and received only normal saline. Group 2 was treated with standard drug silymarin (100 mg/kg body weight). Group 3 was induced with CCl4 but not treated. Groups 4 and 5 were treated with (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) body weight respectively of the methanol root extract. Biochemical parameters such as Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alanine transaminase (ALT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and antioxidant assay such as Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Lipid peroxidation level were determined. Phytochemical screening and quantification revealed presence of bioactive compounds such as Tannins (0.112±0.01 mg/g), Phenols (6.78±0.23mg/g) and flavonoids (0.56±0.21 mg/g). The serum activity of Aspartate Transaminase,Alanine Transaminase, Alkaline Phosphatase was significantly (p<0.05) increased in the CCl4 induced but not treated group, when compared with the normal group. However, the administration of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight of the methanol root extract significantly decreased the level of AST, ALT and ALP. The activity of SOD and CAT were significantly decreased (p<0.05) in the CCl4 induced but not treated group, but was increased when treated with the methanol root extract. The lipid peroxidation level was significantly increased in the CCl4 induced but not treated rats, but was decreased on treatment with the methanol root extract. The observed results showed methanol extract of Senna occidentalis root have hepatoprotective effect in CCl4 induced hepatotoxic rats and may therefore be harnessed as an alternative therapeutic in treating liver toxicity.