Effects of Phyllanthus amarus on garlic-induced hepatotoxicity

Abstract

Background: One of the most important organs that regulate various physiological processes in the body is the liver. The liver, if diseased or damaged by toxic agent (s) could contribute to the cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Phyllanthus amarus is highly valued in African traditional medicine for its hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and several related ailments. Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the administration of P. amarus on garlic-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Settings and Design: Albino rats (n = 30) weighing 170-200 g were randomly divided into five Groups (I-V) of six. Group I (control) received orally 1 ml/kg body weight of distilled water while Groups II, III, IV and V were administered orally same volume of garlic homogenate corresponding to 5 g/kg body weight on a daily basis for 14 days to induce liver toxicity. Similarly, Groups III, IV and V were orally administered with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of P. amarus aqueous leaf extract, respectively, for another 7 days. Materials and Methods: The levels of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and total bilirubin (TB) were determined by standard methods. Histopathological analysis of the liver tissue was carried out as described by Druby and Wallington. Statistical Analysis: Results were expressed as mean ± standard errors of means. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test was used to determine the difference between means at 95% level of significance. Results: The results showed that all the doses of the extract of P. amarus significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the levels of ALP, ALT and AST and TB relative to those administered 5 g/kg body weight of garlic only (Group II). The histopathological analysis of the liver samples also confirmed the hepatocurative potential of P. amarus against the hepatotoxicity caused by garlic. The ameriorative effect of P. amarus is suspected to be due to the presence of some antioxidants (phenols and flavonoids) as determined and quantified in the present work. Conclusion: It was concluded that P. amarus showed hepatocurative effect having ameliorated the lobular necrosis and inflammation of the liver induced by garlic homogenate in albino rats.