The Use of Three Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Hepatotoxicity Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride (Comparative Study)

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigates the potential hepatoprotective efficacy of three distinct ethanolic plant extracts derived from a common plant family: Sterculia setigera, Mitrogyna inermis, and Sonchus oleraceus. These species were selected based on their established use in traditional medicine for the management of various ailments, including inflammatory diseases, cholera, malaria, tumors, and rheumatism. The objective of this research is to evaluate how these extracts may mitigate chemically-induced hepatotoxicity. Methodology: The study utilized five experimental groups, each consisting of 10 mice (N=50 total). Hepatotoxicity was established in the subjects by administering carbon tetrachloride at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg body weight. The therapeutic effects were evaluated by the oral administration of the plant extract at dose rates of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight. Finding: The ethanolic extracts of Sterculia setigera stems, Mitrogina inermis stems, and Sonchus oleraceus leaves contain a hepatoprotective ingredient(s) that protect from carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damage. The activity of the tested samples was comparable to that of silymarin, which was used as a reference drug. We found that the high dose (400 mg) of the ethanolic extract of Sterculia setigera, Mitrogina inermis, and Sonchus oleracea significantly reduced the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (SGPT), serum aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT), and total protein. The administration of CCl4 resulted in a decrease in albumin concentration. Liver toxicity is to blame, as the liver produces the albumin. Treatment with three plant extracts increased albumin levels. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The obtained results highlight the importance of isolating the plant's active ingredient responsible for hepatotoxicity treatment.

Related Publications