Project Materials

EFFECT OF METHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT ON ACALYPHA WILKESIANA ON WEIGHT PARAMETERS IN PARACETAMOL INDUCED HEPATOXICITY IN MALE RATS

ABSTRACT

The effect of a methanolic extract of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves on wistar rats’ weight was examined. The calculated amount of methanolic leaf extract of Acalypha Wilkesiana was dissolved in distilled water from the stock solution to give dosages of 500, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight of paracetamol, vitamin C, and leaf extract, respectively, and administered to the various groups (A, B, C, and D). The animals’ body weights were measured prior to administering methanolic leaf extract of Acalypha Wilkesiana at seven-day intervals. Throughout the experimental period, acute treatment of the aqueous leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana produced no evident morphological alterations or death in male rats. The average body weight of rats provided with the extract differed significantly (P>0.05) from that of the paracetamol-treated group. The organ weight analysis revealed no significant differences (P<0.05) in the kidney, brain, heart, lung, and pancreas, with the exception of the liver, which increased in weight when treated with extract compared to rats given with paracetamol. The results demonstrate that the extract altered the weight of the liver and is thus not hepatoprotective; this extract should be investigated further before oral treatment is suggested.