Effect of Aqueous Extract of Moringa oleifera Leaves and Vernonia amygdalina Leaves on Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4)-Induced Liver Injury in Wistar Rats

Aim: The effect of Moringa oleifera and Vernonia amygdalina aqueous leaf extracts on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury on Wistar rats was investigated. Study Design: Twenty-five (25) wistar rats weighing 100 g-250 g of about four months old were used in this study, and were divided into five groups with each group comprising five wistar rats. Group 1 served as the positive control which was given the standard feed and water ad libitum for 14 days after an acclimatization period of 7 days. The remaining 20 wistar rats in groups 2-5 were administered CCl4 peritoneally (20ml) mixed with olive oil (20ml) in a ratio 1:1 at a dose of 1500mg/kg for 14 days before extract administration. Group 2 served as the negative control while groups 3 to 5 were treated with the aqueous leaves extract with different concentrations daily based on the body weight for a 14-day period. Methodology: At the end of the treatment, animals from each group were sacrificed with blood and liver samples collected for biochemical and histological investigation respectively. Blood samples were collected via the jugular vein and poured into lithium heparin bottle. The blood samples were analyzed using Randox kits and autoanalysers. Results: The liver enzymes investigated (AST, ALT, and ALP) and other biochemical markers like creatinine, urea, total protein, triglyceride, cholesterol, and glucose had an abnormal change after administration of CCl4. Serum enzyme assay results reveal that the aqueous extract of the leaves of both plants recorded a significant reduction (P≥0.05) in the elevated activities of the hepatic enzyme. However, these enzymes remained significantly elevated (P<0.05) in CCl4-induced wistar rats which did not receive the extract. Conclusion: In conclusion, the aqueous extract of both leaves has hepatoprotective and hepatocurative potentials in hepatocellular disorders.