The Use of Ethanolic Extract of Sonchus Oleraceus in the Treatment of Hepatotoxicity Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride Injection in Rats

Abstract

Purpose: To study the hepatoprotective activity of the ethanolic extract of Sonchus Oleraceus. The plant is of the family Asteraceas and was used in the traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract disorders, tumors and inflammatory diseases. Methodology: Sixty rats of both sexes were used, divided into 5 groups. The hepatotoxicity was induced by administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) at dose rate of 0.2 mg /kg BW. The plant extract was administered orally at dose rates of 200 and 400 mg /kg BW. Findings: were compared to the standard drug known Silymarin at a dose rate of 100 mg/kg BW. The protective effect of ethanolic extract of Sonchus. Oleraceus was found to be better with the high dose (400 mg), hence the level of serum alanine amino transferase (ALT), serum Aspartate amino transferase (AST), were significantly decreased. Total protein, Albumin, Bilirubin and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) were also decreased, The Histological appearance of the given Sonchus Oleraceus. ethanolic extract (400mg/kg BW) showed few hepatocytes necrosis that has amorphous eosinophilic cytoplasm and areas of necrosis characterized by disintegration and disappearance of cells in many areas. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: According to the obtained results, it would be important to isolate the active ingredient of the plant used that responsible for the treatment of hepatotoxicity.