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DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-949806
Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of the Acacia nilotica (L.) Wild. ex Delile. leaves on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in rats
In this study, the hepatoprotective effect of the methanolic extract of Acacia nilotica leaves was investigated against CCl4-induced liver damage in rats. The extract was tested in two different treatments (15 and 30mg/kg/b.w) and three different durations (1, 2 and 3 weeks). Serum samples were taken to determine the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The histopathological and histochemical effects on the liver tissue were also investigated to support the above parameters. The results of the present study indicated that the levels of serum AST, ALT and ALP were significantly (P <0.05) elevated by CCl4 administration as compared with the control group and significantly reduced at P<0.05 by the treatment with the plant extract (15 and 30mg/kg/b.w for 1, 2, or 3 weeks) in the CCl4-intoxicated rats. Microscopic examination of liver of CCl4 treated animals revealed focal necrosis and lymphocytic infiltration in the periportal areas with massive fatty infiltration. The histopathological examination also showed clearly that the extract of Acacia nilotica leaves reduced the alterations that induced in liver by CCl4. The maximum protection against CCl4-induced hepatic aberrations was achieved with the optimum dose (30mg/kg b. wt.) of the extract and the effect of Acacia nilotica seems dose- and time-dependant. In conclusion, the results suggest that Acacia nilotica exerts hepatoprotective effects against CCl4-induced liver injury.