The Effects of Eleaphorbia drupifera Latex on the Liver Function Parameters using Albino Wistar Rat Model

Abstract

This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of eleophorbia drupifera latex on the histology and liver functions using albino wistar rat model. The area selected for the study was University of Calabar botanical garden, Cross River State, where the latex was tap from eleophorbia drupifera’s plant. Twenty-one male albino wistar rats, weighed between 110-130 grams were used for this study. The animals were divided into three groups of seven animals each per group and kept in well-ventilated clean cages for twenty-eight days period. At the end of the experiment, liver function parameters (AST, ALT, ALP, Total Protein, Albumin, Globulin, Bilirubin- both conjugated and unconjugated) were determined using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits while standard method were used in histological evaluation of the organs. The effect of the latex on the liver function of wistar rats after 28 days dose- dependent pattern administration indicated hepatocellular damage with the significant increase in the activities of liver enzymes such as ALT, AST, ALP while the serum bilirubin (serum total bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin and unconjugated bilirubin) was significantly high (P<0.05). It is concluded that the latex contains substances that are deleterious to the liver. While the plant may contain active medicinal principles and rich mineral content, caution should be exercised when utilizing the plant for therapeutic purposes.