Abstract

Alchornea cordifolia has been shown to be hepatoprotective against hepatotoxicity induced by high dose paracetamol in a model animal. However, its hepatoprotective effects against the hepatotoxicity induced by anti-tubercular drugs have not yet been studied, whereas anti-tubercular drugs are known to be hepatotoxic at therapeutic dose. The aim of this work was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of a methanol extract of A. cordifolia leaves in order to overcome hepatotoxicity induced by anti-tubercular drugs. Isoniazid, Rifampicin and Pyrazinamid have been used to induce hepatotoxicity in rats. The animals were administered hepatotoxic agent. Two hours later they were given methanol extract of A. cordifolia (MEAC) leaves or silymarin. One group of animals received only the anti-tubercular drugs, one group received MEAC only and another group received physiological saline. The animals were thus treated for 10 consecutive days. Blood sample was taken on the 11th day for evaluation of the biochemical parameters, as well as markers of hepatotoxicity. Isoniazid increased transaminases (ALT and AST), MEAC and silymarin reduced these biochemical parameters, Isoniazid + Rifampicin increased ALT and AST levels, MEAC reduced alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels, Isoniazid + Rifampicin + Pyrazinamid combination resulted in significant ALT elevation and MEAC reduced the ALT levels. MEAC alone did not significantly alter ALT and AST values. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, polyphenols, saponosides and alkaloids. A. cordifolia leaves would thus have a protective effect against anti-tubercular drugs induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Key words: Hepatoprotective, Alchornea cordifolia, antitubercular drugs.