Potentials of Aqueous Extract of Gnetum Africanum (Okazi) Tendril in Counteracting Hepatotoxic Effect of Acetaminophen in Wistar Rats

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the potentials of Gnetumafricanum tendrils in counteracting the hepatotoxic effect of acetaminophen in Wister rats. Twenty five male Wister rats which were randomly divided into five groups were used for the study. Group 1 (Negative control) was treated with distilled water only while group 2 (positive control) was treated with 1500mgkg of acetaminophen only. Group 3-5 were first treated with 1500mg of acetaminophen, and two hours later, graded doses of the extract were administered. Treatment with the extract continued for four days. After the period of treatment, blood samples were collected for assay of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum proteins and bilirubin. The results of laboratory analysis showed an increase in AST, ALT, ALP, total and conjugated bilirubin in group 2, 3, 4, and 5 when compared with group 1. The increase was greater in group 3-5 than in group 2.  This suggests that acetaminophen and the extract induced an increase in ALT, ALP, total and conjugated bilirubin in the wister rats. It can therefore be concluded that Gnetumafricanum tendrils did not counteract the hepatotoxic effect of acetaminophen but rather exacerbated it.