Toxicological implications of crude alkaloidal fraction from Cnestis ferruginea D.C root on liver function indices of male Wistar rats

Abstract

The crude alkaloidal fraction of Cnestis ferruginea D.C root was evaluated for its effect on the liver function indices of Wistar rats. Prior to the evaluation, the LD₅₀ of oral route was established which is 27 mg/kg body weight. For the sub-acute toxicity studies, albino rats were grouped into four (A-D). Groups A, B and C were orally administered with 3, 6 and 9 mg/kg body weight of the alkaloidal fraction on daily basis for 14 days while group D (the control) was treated like the test groups except that they received distilled water. The liver function indices were monitored progressively 24 h after 1, 7 and 14 daily doses of the alkaloidal fraction. The reduction (P<0.05) in the activities of liver alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in all the alkaloidal treated groups were accompanied by corresponding increase in the serum enzymes. Similar administration of the alkaloidal fractions increased the serum concentrations of albumin, conjugated and total bilirubin. The total protein in the serum and liver-body weight ratio decreased significantly. The histopathological examination revealed mild to severe disruption of the normal structural architecture of the liver characterized by the presence of red blood cells in the hepatocytes. The results suggest that alkaloidal fraction of Cnestis ferruginea D.C root has adverse effect on hepatic functions.