Project Materials

THE EFFECT OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF DESMODIUM VELUTINUM STEM ON SOME MARKER EMZYME IN LIVER OF ALBINO WISTAR RATS

Abstract

The study examined how an ethanol extract of Desmodium velutinum stem affected liver enzymes in albino wistar rats given high fat from cow’s brain. Twelve healthy albino wistar rats were separated into four groups. Group I rats were provided a balanced diet of grower’s mash and tap water. Group II rats were fed a fat diet of cow’s brain (3.6g/day) alone. Rats in Group III were fed a 70% fat diet (cow’s brain) with 30% ethanol extract of Desmoduim elutinum stem (2.7g/day), while Group IV were fed a fat diet (cow’s brain) and given atorvastatin (5mg/rat/day). The rats were slaughtered at the end of the two-week study period. The plant extract was tested for phytochemical components using conventional methods. Tannins, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids were detected using phytochemical screening. The albino wistar rat’s liver function was assessed by measuring total bilirubin, total serum protein, direct and indirect bilirubin, and liver enzymes such as Alanine amino transferase (ALT), Aspartate amino transferase (AST), Alkaline phosphate (ALP), and Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). The albino wistar rat’s serum, ALT, ALP, AST, and bilirubin concentrations increased significantly (P>0.05) when compared to total protein concentrations. The ethanol extract of Desmodium Velutinum stem showed hepatoprotective action in the fatty liver of albino wistar rats fed cow brain fat. The investigated plant included a varying amount of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, alkaloids, saponin, tannins, and terpenoid, which were quantified using literature methods. The Desmodium velutinum stem ethanol extract demonstrated a substantial effect when compared to the usual medicine, atorvastatin. The findings of the current investigation suggest that the ethanol extract of Desmodium velutinum stem can be used to treat liver disorders.

Chapter one

INTRODUCTION

The liver is the largest and most complex organ in the body. Its varied and diversified roles contribute significantly to the upkeep of the internal environment.

The liver performs various critical tasks, including metabolism, secretion, and storage. Hepatitis, sometimes known as an inflammatory illness, is characterised by inflammation and hepatocyte changes.

Hepatitis is among the most common diseases in the globe. Every year, 18,000 people die from viral hepatitis-related liver cirrhosis (Wang et al., 2008). Ectopic fat storage occurs in obesity, particularly in the liver, resulting in a condition known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is characterised by varied degrees of liver injury ranging from steatosis to tratohepatitis, fibrosis, or necrosis.

Because of its strong link to insulin resistance/obesity, NAFLD is considered the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. The liver has a high capacity to detoxicate poisonous substances and synthesise beneficial principles. Thus, liver damage caused by hepatotoxic substances has serious effects.

Experiments have shown that animals fed a high fat diet (HFD) for more than two months acquire obesity, hyperlipidaemia, hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance (IR).

Furthermore, a calorie-rich diet promotes fat accumulation, increased production of inflammatory cytokines, and macrophage infiltration, all of which contribute to the advancement of liver disease. Many medicinal and indigenous plants have been mentioned and recognised as hepatoprotective agents.