Ethanolic extract of stems of Gnetum ula Brongn ameliorates carbon tetrachloride induced liver toxicity in wistar rats

Gnetum ula is used to cure several disorders, whereas stem is used for treating jaundice. The goal of this study is to assess the ethanolic extract of stems of G. ula for in vivo hepatoprotective and antioxidant efficacy against hepatotoxicity caused by carbon tetrachloride. Wistar rats were employed in the investigation, and silymarin was used as the reference drug to assess liver function tests in CCl4-treated and untreated groups. Antioxidant enzyme systems involving CAT, GSH, SOD, and malondialdehyde levels were examined. Histopathology studies were carried out. Ethanolic stem extract of G. ula (200 mg/kg) blocked the CCl4-induced elevation of biochemical markers levels of AST (154.5 ± 24.0 IU/l), ALT (125.9 ± 3.5 IU/l), alkaline phosphatase (177.1 ± 3.8IU/l), and total bilirubin (1.06 ± 0.1 g/dl). Total protein (6.86 ± 0.1 g/dl) and albumin (4.23 ± 0.7 g/dl) was also increased in ethanolic stem extract-treated animals. A significant decline in the CAT, SOD, GSH, and elevation in MDA levels was observed in CCl4-intoxicated animals. Antioxidant enzyme levels in plant extract-treated groups were comparable to standard and normal. The present report of ethanolic stem extract of G. ula in shielding the liver from adverse effects of CCl4 supports the traditional use to cure liver disease and has been reported foremost.