Evaluation of the Hepatoprotective Potential of Methanol Seed Extract of Spondias mombin

Abstract

The liver is indisputably one of the most important organs in the body. It is saddled with the responsibility of detoxifying xenobiotics. The use of conventional synthetic drugs in restoring hepatic life and functionality is characterized by a number of pitfalls and thus, necessitates the need for plant based options. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the restorative potential of the methanol seed extract of Spondias mombin on Carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic damage. Seed of Spodias mombin were dried at room temperature prior to being ground into a fine powder. The powdered plant sample was steeped in 1 L of 50% methanol for a period of 72 hours, during which the mixture was shaken twice daily. Twenty-five adult male Wistar rats were divided into five groups of five rats each. Group I was the normal control. Groups III-V were separately administered 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of extract respectively for 7 days. On the 7th day, Groups II to V were administered with a mixture of freshly prepared CCl4 in liquid paraffin (2 ml/kg bw, 1:1 intraperitoneally) one hour after administration of the last dosing after which animals were sacrificed and blood samples collected and analyzed using standard procedures. Qualitative phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, phenols, and cardiac glycoside. Oral administration of extract significantly (P≤0.05) reduced the activities of Aspartate amino transferase (AST), Alanine transaminase (ALT) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The body weight of rats significantly (P≤0.05) increased in all groups except Group II, which was not administered with extract. In conclusion, methanol leaf extract of S. mombin wields the potential to restore damaged hepatocytes.