Hepatoprotective Properties of Ethanol Seed Extract of Citrus paradisi Macfad (Grape Fruit) Against Paracetamol-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Rats

Abstract

<strong>Background & Aim:</strong> The human body has the liver as one of its largest organs. It serves as the major site for metabolism and excretion. Injury to the liver or impairment of its functions may complicate one's health and therefore, constitutes one of the serious public health challenges. The ethanol seed extract of <em>Citrus paradisi</em> Macfad (CPE) was carried out to evaluate its protective usefulness on the liver against paracematol-induced liver injury.<br /> <strong>Experimental:</strong> Thirty adult male Wistar rats were randomly allotted to five groups (6/group) and orally-treated daily with 100 mg/kg body weight of silymarin (positive Control), 10 ml/kg body weight of distilled water (negative control) and CPE (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg) body weight, respectively for 7 days. On the eighth day, all groups were administered 2 g/kg body weight of paracetamol. 24 h thereafter, animals were sacrificed under diethyl ether anesthesia and blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture for biochemical and haematological investigations.<br /> <strong>Results:</strong> Compared to the negative control, extract (200 – 600 mg/kg) significantly (<em>p</em><0.05)reduced the activities of ALP, ALT and AST dose-dependently. Extract significantly (<em>p<</em>0.05) elevated all blood parameters except for neutrophil differentials.<br /> <strong>Recommended applications/industries:</strong> Grapefruit seed extract possesses hepatoprotective potential and can be used as an antidote against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity.