Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of Acanthospermum hispidum (DC) leaves on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver damage in rat

The leaves of Acanthospermum hispidum (DC) are used traditionally by Togolese to treat various hepatic disorders. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant activities of the hydroethanolic extract of A. hispidum on carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 )-induced liver damage in Wistar rats. The extract was also studied for its in vitro antioxidant activity using ferric thiocyanate (FTC) and 2,2,-azobis(2-amidinopropane hydrochloride) (AAPH) methods. The hydroethanolic extract of A. hispidum  administratered oraly at 250 and 500 mg/kg showed a significant hepatoprotective effect (P < 0.001) by reducing levels of alanine amino transaminase (ALT), aspartate amino transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The extract exhibited significant hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities. These data suggest that the hydroethanolic extracts o f A. hispidum can prevent hepatic injuries from CCl 4 -induced hepatotoxicity in rats and this is likely mediated through its antioxidant activities. © 2015 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved. Keywords: Hepatoprotective, Antioxidant, Acanthospermum hispidum , CCl 4-