Ageratum conyzoides attenuates alcohol induced liver toxicity in male Wistar rats.

Background: Ageratum conyzoides (AC) is unique for its antioxidant activity and protective role to tissues. However this property is yet to be demonstrated in animals administered toxic alcohol concentrations.

Objective: To determine the effect of AC extract on the oxidative stress, liver enzymes and histology.

Methods: Twenty four male rats (190-230 g) were divided into three groups of eight rats. Group A (control) administered distilled water. Group B (ethanol group) received 10 g/kg body weight of ethanol. Group C (ethanol + AC group) were treated with ethanol (as above) and AC (250 mg/kg body weight) concurrently. Total experimental duration was 35 days at the end of which animals were euthanized by cervical dislocation. Liver and blood samples were taken and processed for: microscopic studies, estimation of activities of liver enzymes [alanine aminotransferase (AST), aspartate aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)], Malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidants [Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and Catalase (CAT)] respectively.

Results: Compared to control, the rats treated with ethanol had significantly increased liver enzymes and MDA levels but these were decreased in ethanol + AC group compared to the ethanol group. The histologies of concurrent ethanol + AC treated group were similar to control groups.

Conclusion: AC protects the liver against alcohol induced damage.