Hepatoprotective and Haematopoietic Modulatory Efficacy of Leaf Extract ofColocasia esculenta in Albino Wistar Rats

摘要

The study was done to investigate the haematopoietic and hepatoprotective modulatory effects ofthe leaf extract of Colocasia esculenta in Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) induced hepatotoxic Wistar rats. About 30 albino Wistar rats were divided into six groups of six per group for the study. Group 1 served as the controlgroup and received no treatment while group 2 was the negative control and was treated with 0.5 mg/kg CCl4only. Group 3 served as the positive control and was treated with CCl4 and 100 mg/kg silymarin. Groups 4-6 were all induced with CCl4 and then administered with varying doses of the extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, 4respectively). Blood samples were collected from all rats after 14 days under ether anesthesia followinginternational guidelines on the use and handling of animals and were subjected to laboratory analysis accordingto standard techniques. The result obtained revealed that the Aqueous leaf Extract of Colocasia esculenta(AECE) at varying doses further significantly decreased all estimated markers of liver function (AspartateTransaminase (AST) Alanine Transaminase (ALT) and Alanine Phosphatase (ALP) after the administration ofCCl4 . The extracts equally showed increased in platelet (thrombocytosis), however, total White Cell count (WBC), Haemoglobin (Hb), Red Cell count (RBC), Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and red cell indices werestatistically significantly reduced (p<0.05). Tissue morphology was restored by the AECE at varying doses. Thefindings revealed that leaf extract of Colocasia esculenta possesses potent hepatoprotective propertiesenhanced thrombopoiesis and is a potential agent to correct hepatotoxicity premised on its efficacy,affordability, safety and availability following standardization/clinical trials.