Effects of Repeated Administration of Chromolaena Odorata On Selected Liver Function Parameters of Apparently Healthy Wistar Rats (Published)
This work examines the effect of oral daily administration of a dose of 20mg/kg body weight of Chromolaena odorata leaves extract on the liver. The proper functioning of the eyes, the heart, the brain, the gonads, the joints, and the kidneys, are all dependent on good liver activity. The insufficiency of liver from constructing thousands of enzyme systems which the body requires will cause impairment in overall body function and a resultant greater metabolic stress on the individual. The results of this study on liver function parameters estimated, four days after daily administration for four times, shows that, Total Protein decreased as days’ progress which was significant on day five after administration through day thirteen after administration. There was no significant increase in albumin concentration, however liver function enzymes show remarkable increase and were significantly different at p<0.05 on day thirteen after administration. Then again, Bilirubin fractions remarkably increased in concentration on day thirteen after administration and were significantly different at p>0.05. Additionally, Unconjugated Bilirubin and Alanine Aminotransferase was significantly difference (p<0.05) on all the estimated days after administration. This work has showcased, that oral daily administration of the aqueous leaves extract of Chromolaena odorata, for thirteen days at 20mg/kg body weight has secondary medical effect on the liver. The wide therapeutic window of Chromolaena odorata must not be compromised on a longer than necessary usage.
Keywords: Chromolaena odorata, alkaline phosphatase, aminotransferases, protein: bilirubin