Hepatoprotective Effect of Bersama abyssinica Fresen Leaf Methanolic Extract on Paracetamol-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Swiss Albino Mice

Abstract

Background Paracetamol is one of the popular causes of liver injury primarily mediated by oxidative stress and increased inflammation within the liver. Bersama abyssinica has active ingredients with antioxidant activities and is traditionally used to treat liver diseases. However, its effects have not been confirmed by in vivo studies. Objective This study was aimed at evaluating the hepatoprotective effect of a methanolic extract of Bersama abyssinica leaf on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in Swiss albino mice. Methods The study was conducted on thirty male Swiss albino mice, randomly grouped into six groups of five mice each; normal, negative, and positive control groups received 1 mL/kg of distilled water, paracetamol 250 mg/kg only, and silymarin (100 mg/kg) orally with paracetamol, respectively. While treatment groups I, II, and III received 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg of the Bersama abyssinica leaf methanolic extract with paracetamol 250 mg/kg, respectively. At the end of the experiment, the mice were sacrificed after being anesthetized, and blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture, and the liver was removed for histopathological investigation. Data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25 for further analysis using a one-way ANOVA. Results The negative control group showed higher levels of ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, and bilirubin compared to the normal control. However, significant hepatoprotective effects were noted in the treatment and positive control groups, as evidenced by the substantially reduced levels of these liver biomarkers towards the normal range. The significantly lower levels of indirect bilirubin were seen among treatment groups II and III as compared to group II. Abnormal liver architectures were observed in the negative control group; however, these changes were reversed following administration of the leaf extract. Conclusion The study found that the methanolic leaf extract of Bersama abyssinica exhibited hepatoprotective effects against paracetamol-induced liver injury.