EFFECTS OF ALCOHOLIC LEAF EXTRACT OF FICUS EXASPERATA (SANDPAPER LEAF) ON THE LIVER OF ADULT WISTAR RATS

ABSTRACT

This study evaluates the effects of alcoholic leaf extract of Ficus exasperata on the liver of adult Wistar rats. Thirty adult Wistar rats weighing between 150 to 225g were randomly assigned into Five groups consisting of Six animals per group. Animals in Group A, (control) received Growers mash and water ad libitum. Those in groups B, C, D and E also received Growers mash and water ad libitum while they were administered with same volume of the extract corresponding to 65, 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight respectively, on a daily basis. The experiment period lasted for 28 days. The animals were anesthetized using chloroform and sacrificed. The abdominal cavity was accessed via a midline abdominal incision and the liver was dissected out, fixed in formol saline and then taken to the histology laboratory for processing. Blood samples were immediately collected intra-cardially with a sterile needle for biochemical analysis.The data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics. All values were presented as mean ± Standard Error of Means (S.E.M). All statistical analysis carried out were done using Statistical Package for social Sciences (SPSS) (version 17). The significance of difference in the means of all parameters was determined using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA; 95% confidence interval). Histopathological results obtained indicate that there was no toxic effect of the medicinal plant on the liver itself. However, there was activation of the local immune system as expressed by the activation of sinusoidal Kupffer cells and mobilization of peri- portal lymphocyte. Although the mobilization of peri-portal lymphocyte increased from low dose to high dose while the activation of sinusoidal kupffer cells reduced as the doses increased. Biochemical examination of blood serum contents indicated that there was significant increase in levels of ALP, Total bilirubin and Conjugated bilirubin, respectively, in rats that recieved higher doses (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg bw), thus signaling the possibility of liver damage. The results suggest that using alcoholic leaf extract of Ficus exasperata as a medication is safe at lower doses and may aid in enhancing the liver's immune response. However, when ingested in high doses, the extract could be hazardous to the organ.