Evaluation of the Sub-Chronic Toxicity of Anacardium occidentale (Cashew) Leaves on Hepatic Function Indices in Albino Rats
Omodamiro Olorunsola Dave1*, Ajah Obinna1, Jimoh Mulikat Abiola2 and Ewa-ibe Chigozie1
1.Pharmacology unit, Department of Biochemistry, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. Umuahia Abia State.
2.Department of Plant Biology, Osun State University, Osogbo.
| Key words:
Hepatotoxicity, Anacardium occidentale, sub-chronic, hepatic cells
*Corresponding author: +2347064868550 DOI: 10.48245/tnpr-2734391.2021.1.206 Page No.: 117-125 |
Abstract The liver plays a central role in the metabolism and clearing of chemicals from the body and as such is susceptible to the toxicity from these agents. This present study evaluated the sub-chronic toxicity of methanol extract of Anacardium occidentale leaves on the liver of albino rats. Thirty (30) adult albino rats were randomly divided into five groups of 6 rats per group. Group 1 (normal control) received commercial rat feed and water, groups 2-5 received between 125-1000 mg/kg of leaf extract of A. occidentale. The treatment lasted for 21 days with weekly evaluation of biomarkers of liver toxicity. There was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total and conjugate bilirubin of 1000 mg/kg extract treated rats when compared to the normal control up to the 3rd week. The histopathological study revealed mild portal inflammation without steatosis in the groups that received 1000 mg/kg. Therefore, these results suggested that methanol leaf extracts of A. occidentale could possess hepatotoxic properties at high dose after a long administration.
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