Studies on the hepatotoxic effects of Cassia sieberiana DC stem bark aqueous extract in rats

The effects of orally administered Cassia sieberiana stem bark aqueous extract on serum biochemical parameters and histopathology of the liver of rats has been investigated. The result of the biochemical analysis showed that the extract caused significant (P<0.05) increase in AST, ALT, ALP, at 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight by Day 14 and 21 of the experimentation period. Significant (P<0.05) decrease in total protein, albumin and body weight were also observed in the groups that received 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight. However, significant (P˃0.05) biochemical and histopathological changes were not observed in the group that received 200 mg/kg body throughout the experimentation period. The H and E stained liver sections revealed significant hepatocellular changes in the 800 mg/kg extract treated rats by Day 14 and 21 and by Day 21 in the 400 mg/kg treated group. The changes include presence of lymphocytic and neutrophilic infiltrations and mild focal necrosis, which were mainly observed around perivenular region. The effect of the extract on biochemical parameters and the histopathological changes were both duration and dose-dependent. These results indicated hepatotoxicity of the extract at high dosage and prolonged period of exposure. The post treatment studies showed that, after withdrawal of the treatment the biochemical changes were reversed, indicating recovery after withdrawal of treatment.