The Impact of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Justicia Carnea on Liver Enzymes and Histological Features of the Liver in Phenylhydrazine-Induced Anemic Rats

Abstract

Anemia a global health issue affects both developed and developing nations, which is characterized by low levels of haemoglobin in the blood and is linked with hepatic damages. Medicinal plants are rich sources of phytonutrients, which play a dominant role in alleviating toxicity linked to vascular toxicity and hepatic and renal impairment. The study aimed to ascertain the impact of crude aqueous extract of Justicia carnea leave (ALJC) extract on liver enzymes and histoarchitectural changes of the liver in phenylhydrazine-induced anemic female wistar rats. Thirty-(30) female Wistar rats weighing 130-150g were used in the study and were divided into five groups of six animals each. Group A received feed and water ad libitum, Group B received 0.1ml of Phenyl-hydrazine (PHZ) only, and group C received 500mg/kg of ALJC for 8-weeks. Group D, E, and F received 1ml of PHZ for two weeks and treated with 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of ALJC and 20mg /kg of Vitamin B12 respectively for 6-weeks through oral gavage. Data obtained for liver functions and bilirubin levels were analysed using SPSS version 25 using ANOVA followed with post Hoc LSD. Body weight was analysed using T-test and values were considered significant at P≤0.05. The result shows ALT, AST, and ALP levels showed a significant increase following PHZ only, while administration of ALJC revealed significant decline in treated groups compared to group A. Total protein had a significant increase and bilirubin indicated a significant decline following PHZ only intake, while treatments with the ALJC and Vitamin B12 showed an improved levels of total protein and bilirubin levels. The PHZ only had a deleterious impact on liver architecture revealing infiltration of hepatocytes, treatments with ALJC and vitamin B12 indicate improved levels of hepatic tissue. The study concludes that ALJC and Vitamin B12 improved hepatic functions and architectural changes, while PHZ only caused an impaired hepatic function.