Biochemical and histopathological study in rats intoxicated with carbontetrachloride and treated vernonia Amygdalina

Introduction: Vernonia amygdalina belongs to the family Asterecae. Vernonia amygdalinacontains active components or phytochemicals that can lead to liver regenerations in hepatotoxicity in hepatoxicity. Aim: The aim of this study isto assess the chemotherapeutic and hepatoprotective effect of leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalinain rats. Method: A total number of 15 albino rats were fed on standard diet and divided into three groups. Rats of the firstgroup were injected intraperitioneally with paraffin oil and tap water (control). Rats of the second and third groups were intraperitioneally injected with CCL4, standard diet and tap water. The third group was treated with the leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina. Blood and liver samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological analysis. Results: Phytochemicals such as flavonoids, tannins were contained in the leaf extract of the plant. Levels of alanine ALT, GGT and AST were highest in the CCL4 treated group with a mean and standard deviation of AST (88.25±14.22), ALT (89.25±8.99) and GGT (91.75±6.32) respectively as compared to the control and CCL4 treated groups. Histopathologically, a greater amount of mononuclear cell infiltration, necrotic and few fibroblasts were observed in the liver of CCL4 treated groups whiles liver regeneration was observed in the third group. Conclusion: The results showed that the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina possessed hepatoprotective abilities.