Possible Reversal of Sodium Arsenate-induced Liver Toxicity by Hexane Leaf Extract of Alchornea laxiflora

This research was aimed at evaluating the anti-toxicity potentials or properties of A. laxiflora. Thus, the possible reversing effect of sodium arsenate-induced liver toxicity by hexane leaf extract of Alchornea laxiflora was investigated using adult wistar albino rats weighing between 150-200 g as experimental model. Oral administration of the extract at varying doses (0.5, 1.0, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/kg body weight) was shown to significantly (p<0.05) decrease the effect of sodium arsenate-induced liver damage by reducing the activities of AST, ALT, ALP, GGT and TB, both in the serum and liver homogenate. Pre-treatment with the extract prior to the intra-peritoneal administration of the toxicant (sodium arsenate) at a dose of 2 mg/kg body weight was shown to be more effective at reversing the effect of the toxicant than post-treatment with the extract after intoxication. Thus, the ability of Alchornea laxiflora leaf extract to protect against sodium arsenate induced liver damage by possible reversal of arsenic toxicity suggests that this plant extract might be suitable for the treatment of sodium arsenate toxicity.