Abstract

EVALUATION OF HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF Setaria megaphylla (STEUD) T. DUR AND SPHINZ (POACEAE) ROOT EXTRACT ON PARACETAMOL-INDUCED INJURY IN RATS.

*John Akpan Udobang and Jude Efiom Okokon

Abstract

Background: Setaria megaphylla (Steud) T. Dur and Schinz (Poaceae), is a popular medicinal plant used by the indigenes of Niger Delta Nigeria to treat malaria, hemorrhoids, urethritis, inflammation, diabetes, fevers and various pains (Udobang, Okokon and Etuk, 2016).[1] The locals use this plant a lot treat various ailments, so it becomes necessary to investigate the potential toxic or protective effect of Setaria megaphylla on the liver. Objectives: This work was therefore designed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of Setaria megaphylla ethanol root extract. Methodology: Setaria megaphylla ethanol root extract (150, 300, 450 mg/kg) was investigated for its biochemical and histological effects in rats liver using standard procedures. Results: There was decrease in weight of liver, reductions in liver enzyme levels and in total and conjugated billrubin in animals pretreated with the extract (150 - 450 mg/kg) when compared to the paracetamol group, and significant (p < 0.05 - 0.001) increases in the levels of protein and albumin. Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed that S. megaphylla ethanol root extract possesses hepatoprotective effect.

Keywords: hepatoprotective, Setaria megaphylla, medicinal plant.