ABSTRACT

The study investigated the effects of methanol extract of Acanthus montanus leaves on liver function indices of paracetamol induced male albino rats. A total of 36 male rats and l 8 mice were used for the study. The rats were grouped into 9 groups of 4 animals each. Group I served as normal control, group 2 served as negative control, group 3 served as drug control, group 4: 200 mg/kg bwt of extract group, group 5: 400 mg/kg bwt of extract, group 6: 600 mg/kg bwt of extract, group 7: 600 mg/kg of extract group before induction, group 8: induced and treated with 200 mg/kg and group 9: induced and treated with 600 mg/kg bwt. The mice were used for acute toxicity test of the extract. The result of the LD50 determination showed that the extract is safe up to the dose of 5000 mg/kg. The result of liver function indices showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in ALP and total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin level in group 2 relative to normal control and other treatment groups. The result also showed that protein and albumin levels were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in disease control (group 2) when compared to other treatment groups and normal control group. A marked increase was recorded in protein levels of groups 4 and 5 when compared with other treatment groups. The significant (p<0.05) decrease of albumin level in normal control group significantly (p<0.05) increased when compared with the negative control and other treatment groups. The result indicates that the leaf extract of Acanthus montanus protected the liver against hepatotoxicity effect of paracetamol and also has shown to be safe foe human consumption.