Ameliorative property of Kigelia africana crude and flavonoid leaf extracts on aluminum-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats

This study investigated the protective property ofKigelia africana crude leaf extract (KAE) and its flavonoid-rich fraction (FKAE) on AlCl3-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Forty-two adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into seven groups (n = 6). Animals in the negative control group received tap water orally. The hepatotoxic group received 17 mg/kg AlCl3 daily, for four consecutive weeks. Positive control group received rivastigmine (0.3  mg/kg/day), while groups 4 and 5 received 50 and 100 mg/kg KAE, respectively, daily for 2 weeks followed by combination of KAE treatment with AlCl3 administration for a further 4  weeks. Groups 6 and 7 were treated in a similar way to groups 4 and 5 but with 50 and 100 mg/kg FKAE, respectively. Markers of oxidative stress, electrolyte levels, and histopathological changes were evaluated in the liver of animals after the period of treatment. Results obtained revealed that 1 00 mg/kg KAE and both doses of FKAE significantly mitigated AlCl3-induced oxidative stress, electrolyte disturbance, and histological alterations in rats. It is suggested thatKigelia africana could be a potential source of effective hepatoprotectants.
Source: Comparative Clinical Pathology - Category: Pathology Source Type: research