Effects of ethanol leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina on some indices of liver function, oxidative stress and lipid profile in aluminium chloride intoxicated male Wistar rats

Abstract

Aluminium is a widely distributed element with established toxicity to the liver. The present study evaluated the protective potential of ethanol leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina against the toxic effects of aluminium chloride in male Wistar rats by measurement of some indices of liver function, oxidative stress and lipid profile. Twenty-five (25) male Wistar rats weighing 180 – 220g were randomly divided into five groups of five animals per group. Group 1 served as control and was given normal drinking water. Group 2 received 100 mg/kg body weight of aluminium chloride while Group 3 was administered 400 mg/kg body weight of ethanol leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina for 14 days each. Group 4 received 400 mg/kg body weight of ethanol leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina and 100 mg/kg body weight of aluminium chloride concomitantly for 14 days while Group 5 received 100 mg/kg body weight of aluminium chloride for 14 days and was allowed another period of 14 days without treatment. Assay for the activity of some diagnostic enzymes in serum and histological assessment of the liver were carried out. Parameters of oxidative stress and lipid profile were also assayed.  Aluminium chloride significantly (p < 0.05) increased the activities of ALT, AST, and ALP, concentrations of MDA, total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol compared to control. However, the leaf extract effectively suppressed the AlCl₃-induced increase in enzyme activities, increased the activities of SOD and catalase, reduced the concentrations of total cholesterol and triglyceride as well as MDA in Group 4. Histological assessment of the hepatocytes corroborated the observed changes in enzyme activities. It is therefore concluded that ethanol leaf extract of Vernonia amydalina has protective effect against aluminium chloride induced hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress and alterations in lipid profile in male Wistar rats.