Evaluation of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Irvingia gabonensis on Liver Function and Antioxidant Parameters in Wistar Rats

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of repeated oral administration of the aqueous leaf extract of Irvingia gabonensis on liver function, antioxidant parameters, and hepatic histology in healthy Wistar rats. Eighteen male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups of six animals each. Group I served as the normal control and received distilled water, while Groups II and III received 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight of the extract, respectively, for 28 days. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase activities were determined using standard methods. Hepatic antioxidant parameters, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde, were also assessed. Liver tissues were examined histologically using standard procedures. The results showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in serum liver enzyme activities between the extract-treated groups and the control group throughout the study period. Antioxidant parameters remained relatively stable, with no significant differences observed among the groups. Histological examination showed preserved hepatic architecture, with well-preserved hepatocytes, sinusoids, bile ducts, and central veins in both treated and control animals. These findings indicate that aqueous leaf extract of Irvingia gabonensis was tolerated at the tested doses during the 28-day experimental period and did not produce evident biochemical or histological signs of liver injury.