Reversal of Chemical Potentiated Multiple End Organ Injuries by Citrus reticulata Leaf Extract

Abstract

Background: The liver being the largest and central organ of nutrient metabolism is at a high risk of injury from the toxic metabolites of ingested materials. This invariably leads to rising incidence of chronic liver disease. This study investigated the ability of the aqueous extract of Citrus reticulata leaf to reverse carbon tetrachloride induced acute liver injury. Methods: Mild, moderate and severe liver injuries were induced in three sets of animals with each consisting of three groups. Subsequently, low (200 mg/kg) and high (400 mg/kg) doses of the leaf extract were administered orally once daily to six of the groups for 28 days. At expiration, blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses. Liver and kidney were harvested from the animals for histopathological evaluation. Results: The standardized weights of the liver as well as those of the kidney were similar across the groups. The blood protein level was elevated in all the groups that had the extract but depressed in the liver injured groups that did not receive the extract. Low dose of the extract elevated the globulin level. The globulin: albumin ratio was greater than one in all the groups. The alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level of the high extract dose with severe liver injury group was similar to that of the general control but remarkably lower than that of its counterpart control (ie the group with severe liver injury but did not receive the extract). The aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels were similar in pattern to that of ALT. The histological architecture of both the liver and the kidney were preserved. Conclusion: Oral administration of the aqueous extract of Citrus reticulata (tangerine) leaf reversed the organ damage potentiated by the administration of carbon tetrachloride (chemical). Low dose of C. reticulata leaf extract may improve immune status.