Evaluation of the Hepatic effects of Caladium hortulanum Leaf Extract on Wistar Albino Rats

This study evaluates the hepatic effects of caladium hortulanum leaf extract on wistar albino rats. A total of twenty-four (24) rats were randomly divided into 4 groups labeled A, B, C and D and kept in a well-ventilated room.  Group A served as control and these rats were fed distilled water. Rats in the groups B, C, and D were given three (3) different doses of the leaf extract (1.5, 3.5 and 5.0mL/Kgbw) respectively. They were administered once daily for 14 and 28 days consecutively. Animals were sacrificed 24 hours after the last treatment. Blood samples were collected into heparinized sample bottles for analysis. All liver enzymes and histology results were normal for short term use in this study. Alkaline phosphatase was increased in a dose dependent manner when used in the long term. Histopathological changes were seen in all doses when Caladium hortulanum leaf extract was used in the long term. This suggests that this medicinal plant cause some degree of hepatic damage when used for continuously for long periods at a time. Care should therefore be taken with their use, prescriptions reviewed as needed and regular monitoring of liver function should be instituted.