Effect of a Polyherbal Mixture on Acetaminophen induced Hepato-nephro Toxicity in Rats

Abstract

A polyherbal formulation prepared from a mixture of leaves of Gongronema latifolia, Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina (GOV) was evaluated for hepato-nephro protective properties against acetaminophen- induced hepatic and renal toxicity in Wistar albino rats. Materials and methods: Normal wistar albino rats were orally treated with different doses of GOV extract (2000, 4000 and 8000 mg kg -1 b. wt) and some standard hepatoprotective drugs such as Liv 52, Megasilymarin with isosylibin B, milk thistle extract and silymarin for 14 days. However, a day prior to the 14th day, a dose of Acetaminophen (APAP) 3 g kg -1 body weight was administered p.o. 1h before GOV and the standard drugs to induce hepatic and renal damage. Two control experiments were setup which included normal rats treated with acetaminophen and normal rats that received only distilled water. The serum levels of Alkaline phosphatase, Alanine amino transferase, Aspatate amino
transferase, Gamma-glutamyl transferase, Lactate dehydrogenase and biochemical analytes were monitored. Results: The results showed that rats treated with GOV exhibited significant (p< 0.05) decrease in serum levels of Alkaline phosphatase, Alanine amino transferase, Aspatate amino transferase, Gamma-glutamyl transferase , Lactate dehydrogenase, Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Urea and a subsequent increase in Albumin, Creatine and Total protein when compared to the toxin control group. Conclusion:
The data from this study suggest that the polyherbal formulation possesses hepato and nephroprotective potential against Acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity in rats. This provides scientific rationale for its use in traditional medicine for the
treatment of liver diseases.