EFFECT OF HYDROETHANOL EXTRACT OF Chasmenthera dependens ON LIVER FUNCTION TEST PARAMETERS IN CARBON TETRACHLORIDE INDUCED TOXICITY.

ABSTRACT

Chasmanthera dependens, a traditional medicinal plant revered for its historical significance in healthcare, has been a cornerstone in the maintenance of human health. This research was devised to evaluate the impact of Chasmanthera dependens ethanol extract on hepatic markers (ALT, ALP, and AST) in carbon tetrachloride-induced Wistar rats. All reagents and chemicals utilized in this study met analytical grade standards. Liver damage was induced through the intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCL4). Group 1 consisted of normal rats administered olive oil as a vehicle, without induction or treatment. Rats in group 2 served as the negative control, having been induced with carbon tetrachloride without any treatment. Rats in group 3 acted as the positive control, being induced with carbon tetrachloride and treated with silymarin. Rats in groups 4 and 5 were induced with carbon tetrachloride and treated with Chasmanthera dependens ethanol extract at doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, respectively. Hepatic markers were analyzed using established biochemical methods, and the study spanned 42 days. Following an overnight fast, blood samples were obtained from the animals after anesthesia via cardiac puncture. The injection of carbon tetrachloride led to elevated levels of ALT, ALP, and AST, as evidenced by the results from the negative control groups. Remarkably, the Chasmanthera dependens ethanol extract exhibited superior effects at the dose of 250 mg/kg. In summary, the outcomes of this investigation indicate that the ethanol extract of Chasmanthera dependens effectively reduced the activities of liver enzymes in CCL4-induced Wistar rats, particularly at the lower dose of 250 mg/kg compared to the higher dose of 500 mg/kg. These findings suggest that Chasmanthera dependens ethanol extract possesses hepatoprotective potential and may hold promise in mitigating hepatic dysfunction-related ailments. Further research is recommended to unravel the underlying mechanism of action and determine the optimal dosage for therapeutic application