The protective role of Gongronema latifolium in acetaminophen induced hepatic toxicity in Wistar rats

To evaluate the protective effect of leaf extract ofGongronema latifolium (G. latifolium) against acute acetaminophen induced hepatic toxicity in Wistar rats. Thirty six Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups with 6 rats in each group. Animals in group 1 and 2 were administered with 600 mg/kg b.w. of acetaminophen only and acetaminophen plus 100 mg/kg b.w. of caffeine by oral gavages, respectively. Experimental groups 3 and 4 were treated as in group 1 but in addition received 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w., respectively of the leaf extract ofG. latifolium by oral gavages. The experimental groups 5 and 6 were treated as in group 2 and in addition received 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. of leaf extract of G. latifolium, respectively. The treatment lasted for 14 days. The results obtained showed that the serum glutamic-oxalacetic transaminease (AST), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels had a greater increase in group 2 than in group 1 but dropped marginally in groups 3 and 4. However, in groups 5 and 6, AST, ALT and ALP were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Similarly, serum protein levels were significantly increased in groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 when compared with group 1 and 2. It can be concluded that extract of G. latifolium offers protection against acetaminophen and caffeinated acetaminophen toxicity in Wistar rats.