Hepatoprotective effects of ethanolic leaf extract of Emilia coccinea in doxorubicin-induced liver injury in Wistar rats

Abstract Background Doxorubicin (DOX) can cause liver injury, and Emilia coccinea has a history of traditional medicinal use. This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and potential hepatoprotective effects of its ethanolic leaf extract in rats. Methods: Qualitative phytochemical screening and acute toxicity observations were conducted. Twenty-one Wistar rats were assigned to normal-control, DOX-control, and DOX-plus-extract groups (n = 7); serum liver enzymes and biochemical markers and liver histology were assessed. Results: The extract tested positive for alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and steroids. Compared with the DOX-control group, the extract group had lower AST and ALT activities (p < 0.05); ALP, bilirubin, total protein, and albumin differences were not significant in the reported comparisons. Histological findings described less tissue damage in the treated group. Conclusions: The findings suggest a possible protective effect of the extract in this rat model, but should be interpreted cautiously pending confirmation of study details and underlying data.