Effects of Aqueous Stem Extract of Massularia Acuminata on Some Liver Function Indices of Male Rats

Background: Massularia acuminata has been claimed to be used in managing several ailments in folk medicine and in some instances substantiated with scientific data. This however has been without recourse to its safety. Therefore, aqueous stem extract of M. acuminata was evaluated for its effects on some function indices of the liver of male rats. Methods: Sixty, male rats were grouped into 4 (A, B, C and D) such that Group A (control) was orally administered 1cm3 of distilled water while those in groups B, C and D received orally 1 cm3 of extract corresponding to 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight respectively. Some biochemical parameters of liver function were evaluated in the animals after 1, 7 and 21 daily doses. Results: The extract significantly decreased (P<0.05) the activity of alkaline phosphatase in the liver of rats throughout the experimental period. This decrease was accompanied by corresponding increase in the serum enzyme. In contrast, all the doses of the extract increased the activities of both the AST and ALT in the liver and serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase as well as the concentrations of serum total bilirubin, protein and albumin. Conclusion: This study has revealed that the aqueous stem extract of Massularia acuminata at the doses of 250-1000 mg/kg body weight hampered the normal functioning of the liver of male rats and is therefore not safe for oral consumption at the doses investigated.