Anti-Oxidant and Hepatoprotective Effects of Senecio biafrae on CCl4-induced Liver Damage in Rats

Background: The present study was performed to explore whether the aqueous extract of Senecio biafrae (S. biafrae) roots provide any in vivo protective activity against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats. Methods: Rats (150-200 grams) were grouped into five groups (A-E) of six rats each and were treated orally for twelve days with 72 hourly administration of CCl4 (1 mL/kg) as follows: Group A received distilled water only (negative control), Group B was administered distilled water plus CCl4 (positive control), Group C was administered 400 mg/kg extract and CCl4, Group D received 200 mg/extract and CCl4, while Group E was administered standard drug (Silymarin 25mg/kg, PO). Results:  Pre-treatment with the extract of S. biafrae (200 or 400mg/kg) or Silymarin (25mg/kg) caused significant restoration in the biomarkers as evaluated by reducing the levels of malondialdehyde, transaminases and elevating the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities, which were altered by CCl4 toxicity. The extract at a dose of 400mg/kg demonstrated similar activities comparable to the standard drug (Silymarin). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the root extract of S. biafrae possesses hepatoprotective and anti-oxidant properties which may be due to the presence of phytochemicals in it.