ABSTRACT
The root of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) has found use in the treatment and management of various diseases in humans. There have been various scientific reports on the leaf extract but there are only few reports on the root extract. Although some of these scientific reports have shown the hepatoxic potential of the root of Vernonia amygdalina, this study therefore seeks to assess the effect of the aqueous root extract of Vernonia amygdalina on the liver functions, by assaying the amount of liver enzymes, bilirubin and serum proteins, in serum, which serve as important biomarkers used to assess liver function or dysfunction. Twenty (20) adult Wistar rats weighing 140-180g were assigned randomly into 5 groups(1, 2, 3, 4 and 5). Group 1 served as control while groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 served as treatment groups. Group 2 received 100mg/kg, Group 3 received 500mg/kg, Group 4 received 1000mg/kg and Group 5 received 1500mg/kg of aqueous root extract of Vernonia amygdalina orally, using an orogastric tube, according to the body weights of the rats. At end of the 14-day period of administration, there was no significant difference (P> 0.05) between the treatment groups and control group, for the liver enzymes and bilirubin levels. This indicates a level of stability in these liver function indicators despite the varying doses of the extract, implying that the extract might not induce significant alterations in these aspect of liver function within the dosage range studied in this experiment. Of all the parameters examined, only total proteins (TP) showed a significant decrease (P<0.05), compared to the control group, which may suggest liver toxicity or impaired production of proteins. However , the overt toxicity cannot be established since the liver enzymes were not significantly elevated at the current doses used in this experiment
