The Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Justicia Secunda (Bloodroot) on the Liver Function Indices of Albino Wistar Rat

Purpose: Few articles have linked the consumption of some medicinal plants to certain liver diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of oral administration of ethanolic extract of Justicia secunda on the liver of Wistar rats. Methodology: 30 adult  female Wistar rats were grouped into 6, with each group consisting of 5 rats.The 1st group was on a normal diet and distilled water while the other groups received  250mg/bodywt, 300mg/bodywt, 350mg/bodywt, 400mg/body wt, 450mg/ body wt of ethanolic extract Justicia secunda for 42 days respectively . Their blood samples were analyzed for total and conjugated bilirubin, total protein, albumin, globulin, gamma-glutamyl transferase, Lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. Findings: The liver tissues were also processed for histological examination. There was a statistically significant increase in ALT, AST, and ALP in group 4, and a statistically significant decrease in conjugated bilirubin seen in groups 5 and 6. The Histology revealed that the extract produced moderate but insignificant degeneration of hepatocytes. Unique contribution to policy, theory, and practice: Long-term administration is likely to contain toxic effects; caution should be taken in consuming this plant.