Iranian Journal of Toxicology (Sep 2012)
Effects of Aqueous Stem Extract of Massularia Acuminata on Some Liver Function Indices of Male Rats
Abstract
Background: Massularia acuminata has been claimed to be used in managingseveral ailments in folk medicine and in some instances substantiated withscientific data. This however has been without recourse to its safety. Therefore,aqueous stem extract of M. acuminata was evaluated for its effects on somefunction indices of the liver of male rats.Methods: Sixty, male rats were grouped into 4 (A, B, C and D) such that Group A(control) was orally administered 1cm3 of distilled water while those in groups B, Cand D received orally 1 cm3 of extract corresponding to 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kgbody weight respectively. Some biochemical parameters of liver function wereevaluated in the animals after 1, 7 and 21 daily doses.Results: The extract significantly decreased (P<0.05) the activity of alkalinephosphatase in the liver of rats throughout the experimental period. This decreasewas accompanied by corresponding increase in the serum enzyme. In contrast, allthe doses of the extract increased the activities of both the AST and ALT in the liverand serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase as well asthe concentrations of serum total bilirubin, protein and albumin.Conclusion: This study has revealed that the aqueous stem extract of Massulariaacuminata at the doses of 250-1000 mg/kg body weight hampered the normalfunctioning of the liver of male rats and is therefore not safe for oral consumption atthe doses investigated.
