Study on the effect of Aqueous Extract of Bitter Leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) Against Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Damage in Rats

Objective: To study the hepatoprotective effect of aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina on acetaminophen-induced liver damage in abino wistar rats. Methods: Twenty five (25) albino rats weighing (120±20 g) were randomly divided into five (5) groups with five (5) rats per group. Group A served as normal control and received no treatment. Group B received only a single dose of acetaminophen (750 mg/kg, i.p) and served as negative control . Group C served as positive control and received Vitamin C (200 mg/kg, oral)  for 2 weeks, while  Group D and E served as the test groups and received aqueous bitter leaf extract; high dose (500mg/kg,oral) and low dose (250mg/kg, oral) separately for 2 weeks following acetaminophen challenge. Results: The administration of single dose of acetaminophen (750 mg/kg, i.p) resulted in liver damage with AST, ALT and ALP levels: 48.33±10.14U/L, 60.00±13.23U/L and 229.67±23.38U/L respectively. The treatment with bitter leaf resulted in a reversal of the acetaminophen-induced liver damage with AST, ALT and ALP levels: 20.67±1.76U/L (P<0.05), 16.67±3.52U/L (P<0.01) and 131.67±7.27U/L (P<0.01) respectively when compared with acetaminophen alone. Histopathological results also showed minor or non significant hepatocellular damage in the test groups; hence hepatoprotection by Vernonia amygdalina. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina possesses hepatoprotective properties against acetaminophen-induced liver damage.