Effects of Methanol Leaf Extract of Cuphea Hyssopifolia Kunth on Liver Enzymes Activity and Antioxidant Indices of Paracetamol-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Rats.

Abstract

The liver is constantly exposed to harmful effects of different chemical substances it detoxifies, and it is prone to inflammation 
which may lead to liver disease. This study investigated the methanol leaf extract of Cuphea hyssopifolia (CH) in preventing 
liver damage on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in experimental rats. Twenty-five wistar rats were grouped into groups 1 
and 2 which served as controls (positive and negative) receiving normal saline 10 ml/kg, groups 3 and 4 were administered 200 
mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of Cuphea hyssopifolia leaves extract respectively, while group 5 received silymarin 100 mg/kg (standard 
drug treatment). Hepatotoxicity was induced with 3 g/kg of paracetamol (PCM) on the 7th day in all the animal groups except 
the positive control group (Group 1). At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for biochemical indices (liver 
enzymes and antioxidants) and liver tissue for histology. CH significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the raised liver enzymes level, and 
also increased serum levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase, while reducing lipid peroxidation level via a decrease in serum 
malondialdehyde measure when compared with the PCM-treated (negative) control group. The findings revealed that the 
methanol leaf extract of Cuphea hyssopifolia possesses potent hepatoprotective activity.