Impact of ethanol leaf extract of <i>Tetrapleura tetraptera</i> on the liver of Wistar rats

Tetrapleura tetraptera¸ commonly known as Aidan fruit, is a tropical plant indigenous to Western and Central Africa severally reported to possess various medicinal properties. Despite its widespread use, comprehensive research on its hepatoprotective and hepatotoxic effects remains limited. The study investigates the impact of ethanol leaf extract of T. tetraptera (Aidan fruit) on the liver of twenty-four adult Wistar rats divided into four groups: a control group and three treatment groups receiving 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg, and 800mg/kg doses, respectively, over 28 days daily oral administration. Post-treatment, liver tissues were analyzed histologically using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results indicated no significant changes in body and liver weights across all doses compared to the control. However, the hepatosomatic index increased significantly in the 200mg/kg group, suggesting a possible adaptive or hepatoprotective effect at this low dose. Histological examination revealed periportal infiltrates of inflammatory cells, portal vasodilation, and vascular congestion across all treatment groups, indicating consistent liver tissue alterations due to the extract. These findings suggest that T. tetraptera’s ethanol leaf extract can induce significant histopathological changes in the liver, highlighting the need for cautious use and further research to understand the underlying mechanisms and safe dosage levels. The study contributes to the understanding of T. tetraptera's effects, essential for its safe application in traditional medicine and potential therapeutic use for liver diseases. Further studies are recommended to explore the biochemical pathways involved in the observed hepatotoxicity and to establish safer therapeutic doses.