Hepatoprotective Effect of Anogeissus leiocarpus against Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Toxicity in Rat Liver Damage

Abstract

Liver diseases are a critical global health challenge often resulting from the reactive free radicals that can bind covalently to cellular macromolecules forming nucleic acid, protein and lipids adducts. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is leading causes of hepatotoxicity, which is attributed to oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis through the induction of hypomethylated ribosomal RNA, resulting in inhibition of protein synthesis and CCl4 can affect hepatocellular structure of the liver. The hepatoprotective potential of aqueous leaf extract of Anogeissus leiocarpus (ALEAL) was evaluated in male Wistar rats using CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity model. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects of aqueous leaf extracts of Anogeissus leiocarpus (ALEAL) in mitigating carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in male Wistar rats. Statistical analyses were performed using Graph pad Prism 9 with significance different at P<0.05. Elevated liver function enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP) observed in CCl4 groups were significantly (P<0.05) reversed by ALEAL treatments (115 and 230 mg/kg). The Pro-inflammatory markers (IL-6 and TNF-α) were significantly decreased (P<0.05) in ALEAL-treated groups (115 and 230 mg/kg) but significantly increased (P<0.05) in the untreated group. Histological analysis revealed a preserved liver architecture and reduced steatosis, necrosis, and fibrosis in ALEAL-treated groups. The study demonstrated that Anogeissus leiocarpus possesses potent hepatoprotective properties mediated through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities by ameliorating the effect of CCl4-induced on liver damage as shown in this study. The findings validate the traditional use of Anogeissus leiocarpus for liver ailments and highlight its potential as a natural alternative for managing hepatotoxicity.