Hepatoprotective Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Fresh Leaves of Cassia alata on Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Toxicity in Albino Rats

The antioxidant action of 70% ethanolic extract of fresh leaves of Cassia alata on Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities were examined using a model carbon tetrachloride (CCL 4 ) induced oxidative damage in the liver. The administration of the extract (2.5ml and 5ml/kg body weight) significantly (p<0.05) decreased levels of CCL4 –induced formation of AST and ALP by the liver, suggesting the role of the extract in protection against pro-oxidant liver damage. Pretreatment with the extract prior to the intra-peritoneal administration of 0.5ml/kg body weight of CCL 4 was reduced by 44% and 75% for AST at a dose of 2.5ml/kg body weight and 116% and 146% for ALP at 5ml/kg body weight. These findings are suggestive of the possible chemopreventive role of Cassia alata on liver damage.