Aqueous Extract of Erythrina senegalensis Exhibits Dose-Dependent Hepatoprotective Activity on Paracetamol-Induced Liver Damage in Wistar Rats

Erythrina senegalensis is utilized in the treatment of liver diseases in folklore medicine in most of northern Nigeria, but sufficient pharmacological-based and peer-reviewed scientific literature is not available to authenticate its use in the treatment of liver ailments. This research is aimed at assessing the hepatoprotective effects of Erythrina senegalensis against paracetamol-induced (PCM-induced) hepatotoxicity in wistar albino rats. This was evaluated by es-timating the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as compared with the control group. The extract was concentrated and then desired concentrations of extracts were made by dissolving in normal saline. Four different doses of aqueous extracts Erythrina senegalensis (200, 300, 400 and 500 mg/kg) were administered orally for 6 consecutive days after the 72 hrs administration of paracetamol (1500 mg/kg) per body weight. Paracetamol significantly induced oxidative stress in the liver, ultimately leading to increased serum levels of liver enzyme markers like alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. Administration of the extracts showed significant (p < 0.05) and dose-dependent hepatoprotective activity resulting in decrease in the activity of ALT, AST and ALP. These data revealed that Erythrina senegalensis aqueous extracts possess significant hepatoprotective activity against PCM-induced toxicity attributable to its constituent phytochemicals. The mechanism of hepatoprotection seems to be through the modulation of antioxidant enzyme systems.