This study was designed to evaluate the hepatotoxic effect of Securidaca longipedunculata in adult wistar rats. Twenty four male (24) rats were randomized into four groups of six rats each (n=6) and treated as follows: Group one was administered normal saline (10 ml/kg), groups two, three and four were administered 60, 120 and 240 mg/kg doses of methanolic leaf extract of securidaca longipedunculata (MLESL) respectively. Administration was carried out by oral gavage for a period of twenty eight (28) days. At the end of experiment, animals were euthanized and blood samples collected, from which sera was obtained and used to assay for liver enzymes levels; Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine amino transferase (ALT) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Liver tissues were harvested and used for histological study. Serum AST level was significantly elevated (P< 0.05) in all the extract treated groups; 60 mg/kg (49.50±1.23), 120 mg/kg (51.17 ±1.17) and 240 mg/kg (51.50±0.65) when compared to the control (44.17±1.74). A significant increase (P< 0.05) in serum ALT and ALP levels were observed in the 240 mg/kg extract treated group; (56.25±1.38) and (86.75±1.11) respectively when compared to the control (49.50±1.38). In conclusion, the extract has a good safety profile at low to moderate dose but has shown toxic potential at high dose over long use.

Isoniazid induced hepatotoxicity is a major concern in patients taking anti tuberculosis treatment and prophylaxis. It can result in elevated serum liver enzymes and hepatic failure. The aim of the study was to evaluate the phytochemicals and ameliorative effects of aqueous extracts of Brysocarpus coccineus on serum liver enzymes in isoniazid (INH) induced hepatotoxicity in adult male Wistar rats. Thirty six (36) adult male Wistar rats were divided into six groups of six rats each and were treated orally for 30 days as follows: Group I: 1 ml/kg of distilled water; group II: Isoniazid (27 mg/kg); group III: Isoniazid (27 mg/kg) + Livolin forte (20 mg/kg); group IV: Isoniazid (27 mg/kg) + B. coccineus (200 mg/kg); group V: Isoniazid (27 mg/kg) + B. coccineus (400 mg/kg); group VI: Isoniazid (27 mg/kg) + B. coccineus (800 mg/kg). At the end of the experiments, the Wistar rats were sacrificed and sera obtained for liver enzymes assay, whereas the liver tissue was also harvested and used for histological studies. Tanins, saponins, alkaloids and flavonoids were quantitatively present at 2.29%, 18.05%, 23.24% and 18.99%, respectively. There was an increase in the serum AST and ALT in the isoniazid treated group, which was reversed by livolin forte and the aqueous extracts at a dose of 200 mg/kg, however the extracts increased the serum levels of AST and ALT at higher doses, which was however not significant (p > 0.05) when compared to the controls. There was evidence of a reduction in hepatocytes damage in the extract treated groups when compared to the Isoniazid untreated group. In conclusion, aqueous extracts of B. coccineus shows hepatoprotective effects at 200 mg/kg in isoniazid hepatotoxicity in adult male Wistar rats.