Hepatoprotective Effects of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schum. & Thonn.) Taub. Stem Bark Extracts in Drug-induced Toxicities in Rats

Hepatotoxicity is an issue of global concern because of numerous liver-related deaths over the years. In addition, the conventional hepatoprotective and hepatocurative drugs used are more expensive, not easily accessible, and sometimes have serious adverse effects. These reasons account for why many have resorted to traditional plant medicines. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of aqueous and hydroethanolic stem bark extracts of Tetrapleura tetraptera, a commonly used traditional medicinal plant, in paracetamol and carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicities in rats. Pulverized stem bark samples of 500 g each were soaked in 1000 mL boiled water and 1000 mL 50% hydroethanol respectively for 24 hours and filtered. Filtrates were concentrated over a water bath and designated as aqueous stem bark extract (ASE) and hydroethanolic stem bark extract (HSE). Extracts were evaluated for LD 50 value, phytochemical constituents, free radical scavenging effects and heavy metals. Fifty-seven male Wistar albino rats weighing 120-180 g were divided into nineteen groups (n=3/group). The LD 50 for both extracts were found to be above 5000 mg/kg b.wt. This study showed HSE had higher amounts of phytochemicals than ASE. Again, this study also showed that HSE and ASE had greater levels of liver percentage protection than Silymarin. Furthermore, the liver antioxidant profile study proved that HSE and ASE could protect the liver. These results suggest that ASE and HSE, through their antioxidant activities, have hepatoprotective and hepatocurative effects against paracetamol and carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicities in rats and could be developed as potential liver protective agents.