Hepatoprotective Effect of the Crude Leaf Extracts of Portulaca Oleracea in Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Injury in Rodents

Abstract

The hepatoprotective activity of Portulaca oleracea Linn against carbon tetrachloride (CCI₄) induced liver injury in rat was investigated. Thirty (30) adult male albino Wistar rats were used for the study. The rats were divided into six (6) groups (A-F) of five (5) animals each. Groups A-D received two graded doses of the aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea (AEPO) and methanol extract of Portulaca oleracea by the oral route for seven days prior to CCI₄ injection. Group 'E' served as the CCI₄ (positive) control while Group 'F' served as baseline (normal) control group and received only distilled water. Blood was collected from all the animals for liver marker enzyme, albumin and total protein determination 24hrs post CCl₄ injection. Histopathological assessment of liver was done. Result showed significant alterations in the levels of biochemical markers of hepatic damage like ALT, ALP, AST, and albumin in positive control group when compared with the baseline control group (p < 0.001). However, treatment with both extracts of Portulaca oleracea (400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg) significantly protected rats from injury as evident by marked reduction in liver marker enzymes and restoration of albumin levels in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.01, p<0.001). Histopathological evaluation showed that the 800mg/kg dose of AEPO protected rats from CCI₄-induced hepatotoxicity as evidence by moderate changes in liver histoarchitecture. The CCl₄-control group showed presence of vacuolation of hepatocytes and necrosis of cells. Portulaca oleracea extracts possess hepatoprotective potency.