Hepatoprotective potentials of Picralima nitida against in vivo carbon tetrachloride-mediated hepatotoxicity

This research aimed at investigating the in vivo Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-mediated hepatotoxicity of methanolic seed extract of Picralima nitida (P. nitida) using Wistar rats. Twenty five (25) rats randomly selected into five groups of five animals were used in this research. Group 1 was administered Normal saline (Negative control); Group II was administered 1 ml of Carbon tetrachloride only (Positive control/ Reference drug); Group III, IV and V got 10 ml P. nitida extract + 1ml Carbon tetrachloride; 100 ml P. nitida extract + 1ml Carbon tetrachloride and 1000 ml P. nitida extract + 1ml Carbon tetrachloride respectively. Results show that treatment with P. nitida extract had no adverse effect on the body weight of Wistar rats. Biochemical analysis show increase in CAT and GSH which are good antioxidant agents. Photomicrographs show moderate amelioration from steatosis caused by Carbon tetrachloride in the treatment groups. Further study is recommended to verify if P. nitida seed extract can completely ameliorate and possibly reverse fat degeneration of liver cells induced by Carbon tetrachloride.