Effect of Flavonoid Rich Fraction of Irvingia gabonensis Seed Extract on Tetrachloromethane (CCl4) – Induced Liver Damage in Mice

Abstract

Herbal medicine has been consistent in the traditional treatment of diseases since the time of early man. Traditional medications have been used all around the world in the treatment of different human and animal diseases. Different types of plant have been utilized as traditional drugs. These drugs are widely used in most parts of the world, especially in Africa and Asia. According to the World Health Organization, above 80% of people living in Asia, Africa and some parts of America still depend on traditional medicine in the treatment of diseases. In this study, we investigated the hepato-curative effect of the flavonoid rich fraction of Irvingia gabonensis seed extract on tetrachloromethane (CCl4) induced liver damage in mice for duration of two weeks and four weeks of extract
administration. The study discovered a significant increase (p≤0.05) in serum ALT, AST, and ALP levels from groups IV to VI, as well as a slight significant decrease after two weeks of extract administration. Groups VII to IX showed declined in the level of biomarkers after four weeks of extract administration. This remarkable normalization in the mice liver enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) in this study reveals a dose and time dependent curative medicinal potential of the flavonoid-rich fraction of Irvingia gabonensis seed extract in CCl4 induced liver damage.