Hepato-Protective Effect of Telfaria occidentalis (Ugwu) Leaves Supplementation in Paracetamol Induced-Toxicity in Rats

The hepato-protective effect of Telfaria occidentalis leaves supplementation on paracetamol induced liver toxicity in wistar rats was investigated. A total of forty Wistar (female and male) rats weighing between 150-250g were selected for the study. The animals were randomly divided into four groups of five animals each. Animals in group 1 and 2 received standard chow only while animals in group 3 and 4 received 5% and 10% T. occidentalis supplementation in their feed respectively for six weeks. Group 2, 3 and 4 were administered 3000 mg/kg bodyweight of paracetamol intraperitoneally after six weeks. The animals were sacrificed after 24hours of induction and the liver was harvested for analysis. Alanine transaminase, Aspartate Transaminase and Alkaline Phosphatase, total protein, total bilirubin and direct bilirubin were measured in the liver homogenate following standard methods. A significant decrease in the level of ALT, AST and ALP, Bilirubin and increased total protein in group 3 and 4 were observed when compared with group 2. This study showed that T. occidentalis leaves possess protective potential on the liver when supplemented in the diet thereby preventing deleterious effects that might arose from paracetamol overdose or overuse. The study concluded that the protective effect of the leaves on the liver is percentage supplementation (dose) dependent.