Hepatoprotective Effects of Solanum macrocarpon Leaf Extract against Paraquat-induced Liver Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Solanum macrocarpon is a nutrient-rich plant, while Paraquat is a widely used contact herbicide and has been linked to liver damage. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of ethanolic leaf extract of Solanum macrocarpon (ELESM) against paraquat-induced liver toxicity in male Wistar rats. Forty-eight rats were divided into six groups (n=8). Group A received feed and distilled water, while Group B received 20 mg/kg/bw paraquat. Groups C and D received 250 mg/kg/bw and 500 mg/kg/bw ELESM, respectively. Groups E and F were co-administered 20 mg/kg/bw paraquat with 250 mg/kg/bw and 500 mg/kg/bw ELESM, respectively. Administration lasted 28 days, after which liver function tests and histopathological assessments were conducted. Data were analyzed using ANOVA (SPSS v25), with significance set at p≤.05. Results showed that paraquat (Group B) significantly elevated serum levels of AST, ALT, and ALP and caused severe liver damage, including tissue degeneration, inflammation, and hemorrhage. However, groups receiving ELESM alone or with paraquat exhibited near-normal liver enzyme levels and improved histological features. Co-administration of ELESM mitigated paraquat-induced liver toxicity, demonstrating significant hepatoprotective effects. These findings suggest that Solanum macrocarpon extract can counteract paraquat-induced liver damage, restoring affected parameters toward normal levels.