Abstract

Objective: To conduct a potential hepatoprotective effect of different solvent fractions of Ocimum gratissimum (OG) 0n paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats.
Methods: The animals were divided into seven groups of five animals per group. Groups I and II served as normal and negative controls respectively. Group III received 100mg/kg b.w silymarin (SIL) and served as positive control. Group IV received 400mg/kg b.w ethanol fraction; Group V received 400mg/kg b.w ethyl acetate fraction; GroupVI received 400mg/kg b.w hexane fraction; Group VII received 400mg/kg b.w aqueous fraction. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alanine phosphatase(ALP),Total Protein, Total and direct bilirubin and histopathological examination of the liver were conducted using a standard biochemical methods.
Results: Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alanine phosphatase(ALP) activities were significantly (p≤ 0.05) decreased in groups treated with different fractions of ocimum gratissimum when compared with the negative control. Total bilirubin and direct bilirubin concentrations decreased significantly (p≤ 0.05) in groups treated with different fractions of OG when compared with the negative control. Total protein concentration increased significantly (p≤ 0.05) in hexane and aqueous fractions compared with negative control. Histopathological examination of the liver sections corroborated the data from biochemical studies.
Conclusion: These findings showed that different fractions of Ocimum gratissimum extract may exhibit hepatoprotective properties

Key words: Ocimum gratissimum, Paracetamol, Hepatotoxicity, Liver