Markers of Liver function in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus): Bark extracts of Nauclea latifolia and Alchornea cordifolia plants

Introduction: The use of Nauclea latifolia and Alchornea cordifolia plants as herbal curative medicine is fast growing and the need to investigate the likely toxicity to avert severe medical issues. Aims: To assess the toxicity level, the liver function enzyme activities in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) administered with both ethanolic bark extracts of Nauclea latifolia and Alchornea cordifolia were studied. Materials and Methods: Eighty-four (84) rabbits were arbitrarily grouped into seven (n = 12), where group 1 is the control, and the remaining groups were orally administered with 500, 750 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of ethanolic bark extract of Nauclea latifolia and Alchornea cordifolia (LD50>1000mg/kg). In each group, after 24 hours of administration on the 1st, 3rd and 7th days, three animals were sacrificed. Markers of liver functions: serum alkaline phosphate (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzymes activities were monitored using spectrophotometry instrument. Results: The results show a significant (p < 0.05) reduction of ALP, AST and ALT activities at all doses for the days of administration of both ethanolic bark extracts of Nauclea latifolia and Alchornea cordifolia when compared to the control. Conclusion: The study suggests that ethanolic bark extracts of Nauclea latifolia and Alchornea cordifolia may possess relative hepatoprotective activity.