Hepatoprotective Effect of an Aqueous Extract of the Rhizomes of Sansevieria senegambica Baker against Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Liver Injury

In this study, the ability of aqueous extract of the rhizomes of Sansevieria senegambica, to protect against carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage was investigated in Wistar albino rats. The carbon tetrachloride was prepared 1:5 (v:v) in olive oil, and administered subcutaneously at 1 mL/kg body weight. The extract was administered to both normal and carbon tetrachloride treated rats at 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg. On fractionation and gas chromatographic analysis of the crude aqueous extract, the phytosterol and tannins fractions contained 100% of β-sitosterol and tannic acid respectively. Compared to test control, the treatment dose dependently produced significantly lower (P<0.05) alkaline phosphatase, aspartate and alanine transaminase activities, and total and conjugated bilirubin levels. Histopathological studies showed that carbon tetrachloride caused fatty degeneration of hepatocytes; while pretreatment with the extract exhibited protection, which confirmed the results of the biochemical studies. The results of this study indicated that treatment with the plant extract protects the liver against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity. This corroborates the use of Sansevieria senegambica in African traditional health care for the treatment of liver problems.