Studies on Carrageenan Induced Inflammation in Wistar Rats Treated with <i>Gongronema latifolium </i>Aqueous Leaves Extracts (Utazi)

AIM: The aim of this research study is to evaluate the ameliorative effects of aqueous solvent extracts of dried leaves of <i>Gongronema latifolium </i>preparations on liver enzymes- alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase and lipid profile concentration- total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein on carrageenan induced inflamed female wistar rats. Materials and Method: Inflammation (rat paw oedema) was induced by injection of carrageenan into sub-plantar region of rat right hind paw. The paw sizes were measured using electronic Vernier caliper after 3 hours for confirmation of swelling (oedema) and along with behavioural and physical changes of these female wistar rats such as pain, flinching of their legs, redness, heat, leaking of their paws with tongues at interval. Forty female wistar rats were used for this study. The female wistar rats were divided into 5 groups of 8rats in each group and were sub divided into two groups for biochemical studies on 7<sup>th</sup> day and 14<sup>th</sup> day. Results: For the liver enzyme: This study showed that serum ALP concentration of the Negative control group decreased significantly (p‹0.05) at 7<sup>th</sup> day when compared to the Normal control group. While the serum ALP concentration of 20mg/kg ibuprofen group increased significantly (p‹0.05) at 7<sup>th</sup> day; aqueous extract 250mg/kg group and aqueous extract 500mg/kg group increased significantly (p›0.05) at 7<sup>th</sup> day when compared with the negative control group. The serum GGT concentration of Ibuprofen 20mg/kg group increased significantly (p‹0.05). This study showed that serum GGT concentration of the Negative control group decreased but not significantly (p›0.05) when compared to the Normal control group. While serum GGT concentration of Ibuprofen 20mg/kg group increased significantly (p‹0.05) at 14<sup>th</sup> day when compared to the Negative control group. More also serum GGT concentration of aqueous extract 500mg/kg group increased significantly (p›0.05) at 14<sup>th</sup> day when compared to the Negative control group. Furthermore, serum TG concentration of the Negative control group decreased but not significantly (p›0.05) at 14<sup>th</sup> day when compared to the Normal control group. While serum TG concentration of aqueous extract 250mg/kg group, aqueous extract 500mg/kg group and Ibuprofen 20mg/kg group decreased but not significantly (p›0.05) at 14<sup>th</sup> day when compared with the Negative control group. Conclusion: From the results of my findings in this research study, the changes in concentration of the liver enzymes and lipid profiles parameters was as a result of the treatment given to this female wistar. The implication of this findings suggest that dried leaves aqueous extracts of <i>Gongronema latifolium</i> may be used as novel drug like the synthetic drug (ibuprofen)in the treatment and management of inflammatory diseases that affects the lipid profile concentration and liver enzymes concentration.