Ameliorative Effect of Chromolaena odorata on Liver and Kidney Function Parameters of Acetaminophen Induced Toxicity in Rats

Abstract

Chromolaena odorata is a medicinal plant reported to have diverse pharmacological functions including detoxifying and ameliorating potentials. The use of Chromolaena odorata as a medicinal plant for the treatment of different ailments has gained attention worldwide from time immemorial. The study aimed to evaluate the ameliorative effect of aqueous extract of Chromolaena odorata leaves on acetaminophen-induced hepatocellular and renal injury in male albino Wistar rats. The aqueous extract of C. odorata was prepared using conventional methods. Phytochemical and proximate analysis of the leaves of C. odorata were investigated using standard methods. The liver and kidney function analysis were carried out using several standard diagnostic methods. The result of the phytochemical analysis revealed that flavonoids (10.91±0.00)g/100g content of C. odorata leaves was significantly (p<0.05)  the highest followed by alkaloids (7.45±0.00)g/100g, cardiac glycosides (5.22±0.00)g/100g and saponins (4.96±0.00)g/100g. Proximate analysis showed that carbohydrate (63.34±0.00)% content was significantly (p<0.05) the highest compared to moisture (11.75±0.00)%, protein (10.15±0.00)%, fibre (5.63±0.00)%, fat (5.29±0.00)% and ash (3.85±0.00)% content. The  ALT activity (43.33 ± 2.60)IU/L, AST (62.33±7.13) IU/L activity, ALP (42.00±1.53)IU/L activity, D.Bil (1.93±0.09)mg/dl and T.Bil (3.13±0.18)mg/dl concentration of the acetaminophen-induced untreated animals were significantly (p<0.05) higher compared with the  ALT activity (21.67 ± 1.33)IU/L, AST (21.67±1.33) IU/L activity, ALP (19.33±3.76) IU/L activity, D.Bil (0.93±0.09)mg/dl and T. Bil (2.57±0.15)mg/dl concentration of the group treated with 300mg/kg bodyweight of the aqueous extract. Treatment with 100mg/kg and 300mg/kg bodyweight of the aqueous extract of C. odorata for a period of four weeks significantly ameliorated the alterations in the liver function and kidney function caused by acetaminophen toxicity. The extracts restored to a greater extent the damages caused by acetaminophen toxicity as was revealed from the results of the liver and kidney function tests (urea and creatinine). The extract modulates the essential biochemical parameters and organ-system functions of acetaminophen-induced toxicity in rats favourably towards recovery and improved health.