This research work focuses on the phytochemistry of Jatropha tanjorensis leaves extract, and its activities on specific serum liver enzymes. Phytochemical screening of the leaves extract was carried out following standard procedures. To check the effects of these phytochemicals on the serum liver enzymes biomarker (Aspartate amino transferase, Alanine amino transferase and Alkaline phosphatase), twenty (20) healthy and mature male Albino Wistar rats randomly distributed into four groups of five each were used. Group I received water and normal rat feed, Groups II, III and IV were given water, normal rat feed and in addition, were administered Jatropha tanjorensis leaves extract 100mg/kg, 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg respectively for 14 days. The results of the phytochemical study revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, terpernoids, cardiac glycosides and anthroquinones in the extract. Similarly, treatment with the leaves extract showed a noticeable decrease in all the three serum liver enzymes investigated, AST: 355.40 ± 2.18, 319.28 ± 2.18, 255.14 ± 2.66, ALT: 132.51 ± 1.29, 138.44 ± 1.38, 149.93 ± 1.95, ALP: 116.32 ± 0.57, 113.58 ± 1.77, 104.81 ± 0.29, as compared to the control group 410.24 ± 2.13, 159.22 ± 0.85 and 120.84 ± 1.45 respectively. This finding suggests that Jatropha tanjorensis leaves exhibit hepato-protective properties which could aid in the prevention of liver damage
Keywords: Aspartate amino transferase, Jatropha tanjorensis leaves extract, alanine amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, phytochemistry
