Toxicological Effects of the Methanol Fraction of Flueggea virosa on Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatorenal and Splenic Injury in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Aim: Acetaminophen overdose has been associated with liver and kidney failure. This study aimed to evaluate the ameliorative effects of Flueggea virosa on the liver and kidneys in acetaminophen-induced toxicity. Study Design: Original Paper. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, from March 2026 to May 2026. Methodology: The methanol fraction of Flueggea virosa (FVMF) was obtained from the hydroethanolic leaf extract. Twenty-five Wistar rats were allocated to five groups of five rats each. Group 1 received distilled water, whereas Groups 2–5 received acetaminophen (1000 mg/kg) on days 1 and 2. Groups 3–5 subsequently received FVMF at 300, 150, and 75 mg/kg, respectively, by oral administration until day 10. Serum samples were obtained, and organs were collected for weighing and histopathological examination on day 11. Results: No significant reduction was observed in any biochemical parameter (P > 0.05) at the three doses of FVMF, except for ALP (P < 0.05). A slight reduction in BUN (P = 0.337) and no renal lesion were observed at 300 mg/kg; the other doses were associated with lesions in the liver, kidney, and spleen. The measured antioxidant activity of FVMF was higher in the DPPH assay than in the FRAP assay. Conclusion: Acetaminophen induced liver and kidney toxicity. At the tested doses (300, 150, and 75 mg/kg), FVMF did not ameliorate this toxicity, as no significant reductions in the biochemical parameters were observed between the treated groups and the acetaminophen-only group. Lesions were observed in the examined organs, including the spleen. Under the present experimental conditions, FVMF was not supported as a candidate for managing hepatorenal injury; its reported cytotoxic and anticancer activities require separate evaluation.