Impact of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Acalypha Wilkesiana on Weight Parameters and Paracetamol-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

The study examined the potential impact of the methanolic extract derived from the leaves of Acalypha wilkesiana on the body weight of Wistar rats. A calculated quantity of the methanolic leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana was dissolved in distilled water from the stock solution to create doses of 500, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight of paracetamol, vitamin C, and the leaf extract, respectively, which were then administered to the different groups (A, B, C, and D). Before the administration of the methanolic leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana at intervals of seven days, the body weights of the subjects were recorded. The acute administration of the aqueous leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana did not produce any noticeable morphological changes or fatalities in male rats throughout the duration of the experiment. A statistically significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in the average body weight of the animals that received the extract compared to those treated with paracetamol. Additionally, the organ weight analysis revealed no significant differences (P<0.05) in the kidney, brain, heart, lung, and pancreas, with the exception of the liver, which exhibited an increase in weight in the rats treated with the extract compared to those treated with paracetamol. The findings indicate that the extract influenced liver weight and is therefore not hepatoprotective; further investigation is warranted before recommending oral administration of this extract.