Protective Effect of Methanol Extract of Christmas Bush (Alchornea cordifolia) Leaves Against Sodium Arsenite Induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Rats

Background and Objective: Liver diseases are among the most serious ailments and are mainly caused by toxic chemicals excess, consumption of alcohol, infections and autoimmune/disorders. Alchornea cordifolia plant is used for urinary, respiratory, liver and gastrointestinal disorders. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effect of Alchornea cordifolia leaf extract on sodium arsenite-induced liver toxicity in male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activities were determined using standard methods. Thirty-five Wistar rats were randomly distributed into 7 groups: Group 1 (feed and distilled water only), Group 2 (sodium arsenite only), Group 3 (sodium arsenite and 200 mg of Alchornea cordifolia extract), Group 4 (sodium arsenite and 400 mg of Alchornea cordifolia extract), Group 5 (sodium arsenite and 200 mg of silymarin), Group 6 (200 mg of Alchornea cordifolia extract) and Group 7 (400 mg of Alchornea cordifolia extract). Blood samples collected from the experimental animals were subjected to hematological analysis and liver function tests. Results: The phytochemical screening result of the methanolic extract of Alchornea cordifolia showed the presence of saponin, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenol and anthraquinones. The total antioxidant content, total phenolic capacity, ferric reducing assay power, 2,2 diphenylpicrylhydrazy l of methanolic extract of Alchornea cordifolia reveals high antioxidant activity concerning the increasing concentration. Conclusion: The hematological parameters, liver function test and histopathological examination of the methanolic extract of Alchornea cordifolia possess a hepatoprotective effect which may be due to the strong antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract of Alchornea cordifolia. Therefore, liver disorders may be managed using methanolic extract of Alchornea cordifolia.