HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF Vitellaria paradoxa IN BENZENE INDUCED WISTAR RAT

Abstract

This study investigated whether Vitellaria paradoxa leaf extract could protect against benzene induced liver damage in Wistar rats. Thirty male rats (150–200 g) were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6). Benzene (0.2 ml/kg body weight) was given every 48 hours to cause liver toxicity. Treatment groups received 200 mg/kg or 400 mg/kg of the leaf extract daily for 21 days, while a standard control group received vitamin E (200 mg/kg). Liver function markers (ALT, AST, ALP, albumin, total protein) were measured using Randox kits and oxidative stress markers (SOD, catalase, GSH, MDA) were assessed in liver tissue homogenates. Benzene exposure significantly (p < 0.05) increased serum ALT, AST, ALP and MDA and decreased albumin, total protein, SOD, catalase and GSH compared to normal controls. Treatment with V. paradoxa extract improved all these parameters in a dose dependent way, with the higher dose (400 mg/kg) showing effects similar to vitamin E. The findings suggest the extract has hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties that may help reduce benzene induced liver injury.