Effect of Aqueous Leaves Extract of Gardenia ternifolia Plant on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

The effects of aqueous leaves extract of the Gardenia ternifolia plant (ALEGTP) was investigated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Thirty albino rats were used for the experiment and grouped into six (n=5); group 1 and 2 were normal and control respectively. Group 3 was pretreated with silymarin while group 4, 5 and 6 were pretreated with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of ALEGTP for one week prior to administration of CCl4. Pretreatment with ALEGTP significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the levels of; AST, ALT, ALP, T.CHO, TG and C.BIL. Histopathological view of the liver section of rats treated with ALEGTP also supported the biochemical parameters showing less necrosis in their hepatocytes compared to group that was administered CCl4 only, revealing features of massive liver necrosis and degeneration of the hepatocytes. Pretreatment with 200 mg/kg body weight of ALEGTP exhibited moderate protective effect by lowering the levels of serum enzymes: The ameliorating effect of ALEGTP was supported by histopathological section of the liver tissue of rats, the micrograph of the groups that were pretreated with the ALEGTP revealed moderate necrosis. From the study carried out it is evident that ALEGTP has properties of amelioration of CCl4-hepatotoxicity in rats. Key words; Hepatotoxicity, CCl4, Liver enzymes, non enzyme markers, lipid profile and Gardenia ternifolia plant