EFFECT OF METHANOL STEM-BARK EXTRACT OF Erythrina senegalensis ON SERUM ALBUMIN LEVEL OF CARBON TETRACHLORIDE INDUCED LIVER DAMAGE IN WISTAR ALBINO RATS.

IntroductionPrevious investigations already established the pharmacological importance of Erythrina senegalensis. The current study was conducted to determine the effect of methanol stem-bark extract of Erythrina senegalensis (MEES) on serum albumin level of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver damage in wistar rats. MethodThirty wister rats of either sex weighing were randomly divided into six groups of five rats each. Group 1 served as the control received standard pelleted rat feed with normal distilled water. Group 2-6 were administered 30% CCl4 1ml/kg body weight in liquid paraffin at 72hrs interval. Group 2 was untreated while group 3 was orally treated with standard drug salymarin for 14days. Group 4-6 were orally treated respectively with 100, 300 and 500mg/kg body weight of the MEES. ResultThe phytochemical analysis of the MEES indicated the presence of saponins, phenols, flavonoids, and tannins while the acute toxicity test showed no adverse reaction within the test population at a dose range of 200-2000mg/kg body weight. Unlike the control, inducement of CCL4 to Group2-6 indicated significant changes (p < 0.05) in the serum albumin level and hematological parameters. However, treatment with silymarin and increasing doses of the MEES restore the changes. The histopathological studies also reveal that increasing concentration of administered doses of the MEES significantly (p < 0.05) reduces cell necrosis around central vein. ConclusionThe findings reveal that MEES at recommended doses can serve as alternative source for the development of safe, effective, and affordable liver-supplement drug.