Hepatoprotective Evaluation of Crude Ethanol Extract and Solvent Fractions of Zapoteca portoricensis Leaves in Formalin-induced Inflammatory Rats

Abstract

Aim: This study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of Zapoteca portoricensis leaf extract and its fractions in formalin-induced inflammation in rats. Study Design: An experimental, randomized controlled study was conducted using Wistar rats assigned as follows: Normal control, Negative control, Standard Control, and treatment groups. Methodology: Thirty (30) healthy adult male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus), weighing 150–200 g, were obtained from Dr. Chris Ezeigwe’s farm. The animals were housed in standard polypropylene cages under controlled environmental conditions. Inflammation was induced with 0.5% formalin, after which rats were treated with crude ethanol extract and fractions of Zapoteca portoricensis leaves. Liver function was evaluated by measuring alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (Tbil), direct bilirubin (Dbil), albumin (ALB), and total protein (TP). Results: The extract-treated groups exhibited significant reductions in ALT, AST, and ALP compared to the negative control group, indicating protection against hepatocellular injury. Both total and direct bilirubin levels were stabilized, while albumin and total protein remained within normal ranges, suggesting preservation of the liver’s synthetic capacity. These effects are attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the extract, which likely mitigated formalin-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and hepatocyte damage. Conclusion: Zapoteca portoricensis leaf extract and its fractions demonstrated potent hepatoprotective activity by maintaining liver function. The findings support its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for liver protection. Further studies are recommended to isolate bioactive compounds and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action.