Effects of the extracts of Pycanthus angolensis against chemically induced acute hepatotoxicity.

The efficacy of the extract of Pycnanthus Angolensis (PA) against Carbon Tetra-chloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity was studied in rat. The study highlights information on the protective effect of PA extract as ethnomedical treatment of induced hepatotoxic injury. The dried powder of PA extract was administered orally at a dose of 300 mg/3 mL solution while liver injury was induced by carbon tetrachloride administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 0.67 mg kg(-1). Estimating the protein concentrations, saponins, alkaloid, glutathione and cholesterol levels monitored the hepato-protective activity. The result shows evidence of non-toxic response of PA extract against chemically induced hepatic damage. The antioxidant activities in the extract indicated its ability to protect against CCl4 induced hepatic injury in rat. The saponins and bile acids may have interacted with cholesterol in the liver to form unabsorbed complexes, which are excreted via faeces resulting in decrease level of cholesterol in the experimental animals.