Antigenotoxic and hepatoprotective activities of ethanol extract of the leaf of Eclipta alba in sodium arsenite-induced toxicity

Abstract

Arsenic pollution in developing countries poses a major health hazard to humans and animals, thus the search for potent remedies. The medicinal use of Eclipta alba in the management of some ailments such as ulcer, diarrhoea, constipation, and pile have been documented. We therefore scientifically explored the effects of the ethanol leaf extract of E. alba (ELEA) in sodium arsenite (SA) induced geno-hepatotoxicity using male Wistar rats. Thirty-five (35) rats were randomised into seven groups of five animals each. Group I was treated with distilled water only while groups II to VII had various levels of treatments with ELEA (200mg/kg body weight) and/or SA (5.0mg/kg body weight) for 14 days. We evaluated both the preventive and therapeutic effects of ELEA. The activities of serum transaminases, γ-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatise were evaluated, liver histological analysis and histomorphometry were also monitored as additional markers for hepatotoxicity. Micronucleus induction assay was used to assess genotoxicity and kidney histology to monitor the effect of ELEA on the kidney. Serum transaminases/aminotransferases, γ-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatise, frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (mPCEs) as well as hepatic cell/mm² were significantly (p˂0.05) increased by SA, while PCV, HB and RBC counts decreased significantly (p<0.05) but administration of ELEA significantly reversed these parameters close to normal.  Ethanol extract of E. alba leaves exhibits some protective effect and may serve as a potent remedy in sodium arsenite induced hepatotoxicity and genotoxicity.