The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of total saponins and tannins of Dialium guineense stem bark in Wistar rats exposed to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Adult male Wistar rats (n = 25) weighing 160 – 180 g (mean weight = 170 ± 10 g) were randomly assigned to five groups (5 rats per group): normal control, CCl4 control, silymarin, total saponins, and total tannins groups. With the exception of normal control, the rats were exposed to CCl4 (a single oral dose of 1.0 mL/kg body weight, bwt). Rats in the silymarin group were administered 100 mg/kg bwt silymarin (standard hepatoprotective drug), while those in the two treatment groups received 150 mg/kg bwt of total saponins or tannins orally. Treatment lasted 28 days. Activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), as well as levels of Total Protein (TP), bilirubin, and albumin, were measured in plasma. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the concentrations of TP among the groups (p > 0.05). The activities of the liver enzymes, as well as levels of bilirubin and albumin, were significantly higher in the CCl4 control group than in the normal control group, but they were reduced by extract treatment (p < 0.05). These results indicate that CCl4 negatively impacted the integrity of the liver cells, and total saponins and tannins of D. guineense stem bark conferred some level of protection on the organ.
Different parts of Icacina trichanta has been used for ethnomedicinal purposes; this study was undertaken to investigate the effects of this plant on CCl4- induced renal damage. Phytochemical analyses were carried out on powdered sample using standard procedures. Absolute organ weight, Urea, creatinine, total protein, superoxide dismutase, catalase and malondialdehyde levels were determined. Consequently, thirty-six male albino rats were divided into six groups of six rats each. They were fed rats‘ chow and water ad libitum. Groups I (normal control) and III were not induced. While group III was administered 400 mg extract/kg body wt. of rats, group I was not administered the extract. Groups II (negative control), IV, V and VI were induced with 1.0 ml CCl4/kg and administered 200, 300 and 400 mg extract/kg b.wt of animals respectively for 14 days. Results of phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins and polyphenolics. CCl4 induction significantly raised the levels of urea, creatinine, total protein and lipid peroxidation status of rats. These effects were ameliorated on administration of the graded doses of extract.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.