Effects of <i>Cassia occidentalis</i> aqueous leaf extract on biochemical markers of tissue damage in rats

Abstract

Purpose: Among the Hausas of Northern Nigeria, it is claimed by local (traditional) healers that the infusion of C. occidentalis leaves is used as a cure for hepatitis. This study was designed to evaluate the possible negative effects of the aqueous extract of this herb on serum total proteins, albumin, bilirubin, alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as part of a larger study undertaken by these authors to ascertain the hepatoprotective potential of the plant extract. Methods: Fresh leaves of C. occidentalis were extracted with water and screened for phytochemical components. The extract was used for the treatment of 18 albino rats. Serum from these animals was used for the determination of the test parameters. Results: The extract showed hypoproteinaemic effect. ALT, AST and ALP levels were significantly elevated (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Hypoproteinaemic effects, and increase in ALT, AST and ALP are indications that the crude extract of C. occidentalis leaves may be slightly toxic as a concoction for liver ailments.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Plants&rsquo; Stem Barks used in Kaduna State of Nigeria

“…The identified plant barks were observed to be rich in diverse chemical constituents (Table 3), widely referred to as phytochemicals [19,20]. Previous assertion by Tapsell et al [21] revealed that plants have the ability to synthesize a wide variety of compounds of medicinal values out which about12, 000 of such compound have been isolated.…”

Toxicological evaluation of the leaves of Guiera senegalensis (J.F. Gme), Cassia occidentalis (Linn), and Ziziphus mauritiana (Lam)

“…The plant contains abundant phenolic and flavonoidal compounds and is often used in the region to treat diarrhea and fever as well as increase milk production in lactating women [9,10]. C. occidentalis, called Sanga-Sanga in northern Nigeria, has alkaloids, phlobatannins, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, terpenes, etc., and is used to treat leg pains, swollen feet, and hepatitis, among others [10][11][12]. Z. mauritiana is called Magarya in Hausa and is rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, and saponins [13].…”

“…Though some studies had been carried out in this regard, their results are inconsistent. For example, while Nuhu and Aliyu [11] reported hypoproteinemia and elevated liver enzymes in rats fed with extracts of C. occidentalis, Silva et al [15] found no effects of short-and long-term administration of C. occidentalis in treated rats. Vashishtha et al [16] also linked the consumption of C. occidentalis beans to the outbreak of the hepatomyoencephalopathy syndrome among children in western Uttar Pradesh.…”

Mitigating potential and antioxidant properties of aqueous seed extract of Leea guineensis against dichlorovos-induced toxicity in Wistar rats

“…This implies that the toxic effect of the pesticides resulted in a noticeable decrease in the serum total proteins and albumin and the administration of the extract tends to normalize the decrease of serum total protein and albumin. Previous studies have reported that induction of toxicant have a negative effect on the serum total proteins and albumin leading to a decrease in the concentration levels (Nuhu and Aliyu, 2008). Bilirubin is the major breakdown product that results from the destruction of old red blood cells.…”

“…It has been reported that when a toxicant is induced, it leads to hyperbilirubinaemia (high level of bilirubin) which is often the first and sometimes the only manifestation of a liver disease (Nuhu, 2008). Also, the low level of malondialdehyde (Table 6) in the treatment groups which were treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg of L. guineensis seed aqueous.…”