Hepatoprotective effect of Bersama abyssinica Fresen leaf methanolic extract on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in Swiss albino Mice

Abstract

Background: Paracetamol is ones of the popular causes of liver injury mediated by oxidative stress within the liver. Bersama abyssinica is traditionally used to treat liver diseases. However, its effects have not been confirmed by in vivo studies. Objective: This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of a methanolic extract of Bersama abyssinica leaf on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in Swiss albino mice. Methods: The study was conducted on thirty male Swiss albino mice, randomly grouped into; Normal, negative, and positive control groups received 1 ml/kg of distilled water, paracetamol 250 mg/kg, and Silymarin 100 mg/kg orally with paracetamol, respectively. While treatment groups I, II, and III received 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg of the leaf extract with paracetamol 250 mg/kg, respectively. At the end of the experiment, the mice were sacrificed after being anesthetized, and blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture, and the liver was removed for histopathological investigation. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25 and a one-way ANOVA model. Results: The higher levels of ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, and bilirubin were observed in the negative control group than the normal control. However, significant hepatoprotective effects were noted in the treatment and positive control groups, as evidenced by the substantially reduced levels of these liver biomarkers. Abnormal liver architecture was observed in the negative control; however, these changes were reversed following administration of the leaf extract. Conclusion: The higher levels of ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, and bilirubin were observed in the negative control group and reduced after giving the leaf extract of Bersama abyssinicathat makes it to have a hepatoprotective effects against paracetamol-induced liver injury.