Introduction:Carica papaya Linn is used in a traditional medicine for hepatobiliary disorders. This study investigated the hepatomodulatory effects of aqueous extracts of C. papaya leaf (CPL) and unripe fruit (CPF) at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and acetaminophen (ACM)-induced liver toxicities in rats.Materials and Methods:Rats were administered CCl4 (3 ml/kg in olive oil, i.p.) followed by oral administration of CPL and CPF at 2, 6 and 10 h intervals. The ACM model proceeded with the same method but inclusive of animals treated with N-acetyl cysteine (3 ml/kg i.p). At the end of the study, serum levels of liver biomarkers and antioxidant enzymes were assessed and histology of the liver tissues determined.Results:There was a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in CCl4 and ACM-induced increases in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and direct bilirubin at 100 and 300 mg/kg, respectively. The levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase and reduced GSH were decreased in both models with corresponding significantly (P < 0.05) elevated level of malondialdehyde. However, these antioxidant enzymes were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in CPL and CPF-treated rats. Histopathological assessment of the liver confirmed the protective effects of CPL and CPF on CCl4 and ACM-induced hepatic damage evidenced by the normal presentation of liver tissue architecture.Conclusion:These results indicate that aqueous extracts of C. papaya may be useful in preventing CCl4 and ACM-induced liver toxicities.

Allium cepa is a popular recipe used traditionally to treat diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, wounds and infections. The acute and sub-acute oral toxicity profile of the aqueous extract of Allium cepa peels were evaluated in wistar albino rats in order to determine its safety for use in traditional medicine. The median lethal dose (LD 50) body weights and food intake were determined. The acute oral toxicity of the peel extract was carried out in accordance with OECD guideline 423. In addition to this, the haematological parameters and biochemical parameters were also evaluated. The median lethal dose (LD 50) of the extract was greater than 2000 mg/kg when given orally in the rats. There were no significant changes in the level of haematological parameters and biochemical parameters. The results from this study indicates that Allium cepa peels are relatively safe, hence supporting its use in traditional medicine.

In this study we evaluated the hepatotoxicity activity of Vitis vinifera in acetaminophen induced liver damage in rats. Five (5) Groups of rats were used for the study, Group 1 received normal saline (1ml /kg, p.o), Group II received acetaminophen (300mg/kg, i.p), Group III received (300mg/kg, i.p) acetaminophen and (150mg/kg, o.p) Vitis vinifera juice, Group IV received ( 600mg/kg, i.p) acetaminophen and (300mg/kg, o.p) Vitis vinifera juice while Group V received ( 600mg/kg, i.p) acetaminophen and Silymarin (25mg/kg, o.p) simultaneously once daily for four (4) days. Acute toxicity study and histopathological analysis were carried out. The LD 50 was found to greater than 4000mg/kg body weight. The aqueous extract of Vitis vinifera significantly (P< 0.05*) reduced the hepatic enzymes from aspartase transaminase ( AST ) (415 ± 0.2* to 94.5 ± 0.8*) alanine transaminase (ALT) (132 ± 2.2 * to 60.5 ± 0.2*) and alkaline phosphase ALP (118± 0.6 * to 87.5 ± 2.1*) while there were no significant changes in the total bilirubin (TB) and direct bilirubin levels comparable to the reference drug. These findings confirm the histopathology study which indicated no adverse effects on the liver. The aqueous extract of the Vitis vinifera possesses hepatoprotective activity against acetaminophen induced liver damage, therefore further studies should be carried out to determine the exact mechanism of action as well as phytochemicals responsible for these activities.

Combretum paniculatum (CP) vent is popularly used in traditional medicine to treat peptic ulcer disease. The anti-ulcer activities of 80% methanol leaf extract of CP was evaluated in rats and mice. The effects of CP extract on gastric ulcer in rats and mice in pylorus ligation –induced model was studied using varying concentrations (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight). Omeprazole (20mg/kg body weight) was used as the reference drug. Parameters such as volume, PH of gastric fluid, ulcer sore, percentage ulceration, percent inhibition of the ulcer sore, ulcer index and percent inhibition of ulcer index were determined. Histopathological study was also conducted. Data were analyzed using One-way analysis of variance followed by Tuckey’s post hoc test and P< 0.05 was considered as statistically significant as well as P< 0.01 as statistically highly significant. The oral median Lethal dose (LD50) was found to be greater than 2000mg/kg, phytochemicals such as flavonoids, tannins, phenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides and steroids were found to be present while saponins were found to be absent. CP highly significantly (P<0.01) reduced gastric ulcer index by 49.6%, 62.4% and 87.6% , CP posseses both dose-dependent and time dependent anti-ulcer activities. This study validates the anti-ulcer pharmacological activities of this plant, further investigation should be carried out to isolate specific phytochemicals as well as authenticate the mechanisms of action responsible for these activities.