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THE EFFECT OF THE ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF ANCHOMANES DIFFORMIS (BLUME) ON LIVER FUNCTIONS OF ADULT WISTAR RATS

ABSTRACT

This research was carried out to determine the effect of administration of Achomanes Difformis (blume) on liver functions in adult wistar rat, in which 20 adult wistar rats were purchased at the institute of advanced medical research and training (IMRAT), UCH, Ibadan. The rats were grouped into 4 in which there is a control group in which the rats were placed on normal diet and water. Other groups (A, B and C) were administered 300mg/kg/b.wt, 500mg/kg/b.wt and 700mg/kg/b.wt respectively. The herb was administered for duration of 14 days. Their cages were cleaned every day maintain proper hygiene. The rats were sacrificed immediately after two weeks of drug administration. From the result obtained, the administration of Anchomanes difformis has a hepatotoxic effect. It showed that there was an insignificant increase (p>0.05) in the level of AST, ALT and ALP, and an insignificant decrease (p>0.05) in the level of Total and Direct Bilirubin in the plasma at different dosage rate of the herb, when compared to the control group. The result demonstrates that the ingestion of Anchomanes difformis has a hepatotoxic effect in adult wistar rat.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 MEDICINAL PLANTS

The use of herbal medicine in the treatment of diseases is increasing worldwide (Kaufman et al.,2002). This is traceable to the growing belief of consumers that herbal remedies are safe and effective. Indeed, the effectiveness of some medicinal plants in the treatment of diseases has been validated through research and clinical studies (Oguntola, 2007). A medicinal plant is any plant which, in one or more of its organ, contains substance that can be used for therapeutic purpose or which is a precursor for synthesis of useful drugs (Sofowora, 1982).

The plants that possess therapeutic properties or exert beneficial physiological effects on the animal body are generally designated as “medicinal plants”. Although there are no apparent characteristics in the medical plants growing with them, yet they possess some special qualities (or virtues) that make them medicinally important.

Medicinal plants contain secondary metabolites that are chemical compounds that can elicit a response in humans. The medicinal values of plants are due to the presence of small doses of active compounds which produces physiological actions in the human and animal body (Zaidi, 1998).These constituents are usually produced in different parts like the root, leaves, fruits and seeds (Kochnar, 1981). Some bioactive compounds derived from plants include tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, e.t.c. which plays main role in nutrition, physiology and control of various diseases (Sofowora, 1993).

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