Hepatoprotective Activity of Bryophyllum pinnatum Leaves (Boiled Extract) on Albino Wistar Rats – in vivo Study

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the effects of boiled Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves on serum liver enzymes after the administration of alcohol-induced liver damage in Albino Wistar rats.

Study Design: Experimental.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, University of Calabar (from June to August, 2021).

Methodology: Fresh Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves collected were washed thoroughly with clean water and allowed to dry at room temperature for 2 hours. The leaves were boiled at 100oC to obtain a boiled extract from the fresh leaves. Alcohol and leaf extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum were administered orally for a period of one week each. The rats in group 2 and 3 were induced with sub-chronic liver damage orally using a commonly available alcoholic beverage, blended whiskey at a dose of 1.5 ml per body weight for a period of one week while the rats in group 3 were given boiled leaf extracts of Bryophyllum pinnatum for one week. At the end of the two weeks treatment period, the rats were weighed and sacrificed and their blood collected for analysis (liver function test).

Results: The animals administered with alcohol suffered mild hepatic damage. The negative control group which was administered only alcohol, had an increase in ALT when compared to the normal control. The group treated with the extract had a decrease in ALT, AST and ALP levels when compared to the negative control. This suggests that the Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves contain pharmacologically active compounds that can reduce alcohol-induced liver damage.

Conclusion and Recommendations: The results show minimal anti-hepatotoxic activities of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves; the extract could be said to prevent liver damage induced by alcohol toxicity. Further study in the area of pharmacology is required in order to establish this natural product as an anti-hepatotoxic agent.