Effect Of Oral Administration Of Aqueous Extract Ofhyptis Suaveolens. Poit Leaves On Liver Functions In An Experimental Rabbit Model.

ABSTRACT

Oral administration of aqueous extract of Hyptis suaeoIens. Poit to male experimental rabbits, resulted in an insignificant (P>0.05) increase in mean relative liver weight at doses 100, 500 and 1000mg/kg body weight. Relative liver weight increased in aH the test groups control O.024±9.90x10 3 , group II 0.033+1.74x10 2 , group Ill 0.033+1.41x10 3 and group IV 0.034±0. Also there was an insignificant (P>'0.05) loss in mean body weight relative to control animals receiving distilled water. Mean alkaline phosphatase activity increased insignificantly (P>0.05) in all the test groups in control group from 29.9+5.20, to 82.03+4.28 activity u/I in group IV. Serum alanine amino transferase activity (ALAT) increased insignificantly (P<0.05) from 27.75 4.24u/l in the control group to 33.50 ± 3.18u/l in group IV. Serum aspartate amino transferase activity (ASAT) decreased significantly (P>'0.05) in all the test groups, control. group had 92.75 ± 6.72, while IV had 76. 25± 5.30 activity u/I respectively. Serum protein concentration increased significantly (P<0.05) from 9.380.53g/dl in the control group, 12.01.41g/dl, group II, 12.25±0 in group Ill and 17.68±1.87g/dl in group IV. Our findings suggest that the use of extracts of Hyptis suaveolens leaves in high doses in ethnomedicinal preparation may be accompanied by weight loss and toxic effects on the liver.