ABSTRACT
This study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of Ficus exasperata leaf extract and stem bark extract against 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced liver toxicity in male Wistar rats. 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) is a member in the class of hydrazines, which is metabolized in the liver to methylazoxymethanol (carcinogenic metabolite of DMH). It is highly toxic to the liver and causes liver inflammation, thereby reducing the efficiency of hepatocytes. A total of 35 rats were divided into seven groups and treated with various combinations of DMH, leaf extract, and stem bark extract. Liver function was assessed through biochemical analysis of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), albumin, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin levels, while liver histopathology was evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Biochemical analysis revealed significant variations in ALT, AST, albumin, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin levels across the different treatment groups. Notably, Group 4, treated with DMH alone, exhibited markedly elevated ALT levels (48.08±6.211 IU/L) and albumin levels (95.50±36.72 mg%), indicative of severe liver injury. Conversely, Group 6, treated with DMH and stem bark extract, showed relatively lower ALT levels (26.71±3.807 IU/L), suggesting a potential hepatoprotective effect of the stem bark. Histopathological examination revealed varying degrees of liver pathology, with DMHinduced liver damage characterized by sinusoidal Kupffer cell mobilization and periportal infiltrates of plasma cells. Overall, the findings suggest that Ficus exasperata leaf and stem bark extracts may possess hepatoprotective properties against DMH-induced liver toxicity, with the stem bark extract showing promising protective effects. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action and evaluate the safety and efficacy of these natural products for potential therapeutic use in liver diseases.
