Extracts of Ageratum Conyzoides L. Protects against Carbon Tetrachloride – Induced Toxicity in Rats through Inhibiting Oxidative Stress

Aims: The present study was aimed at investigating the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activities of 50% hydroethanolic leave extracts of the Ageratum conyzoides and fractions on carbon tetrachloride - induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Study Design: A total of 30 Sprague Dawley rats were used in this study with six groups of five animals each.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, between April 2016 and July 2017.

Methodology: Extracts were characterised by basic phytochemical screening, FTIR, GC-MS, DPPH and Folin-Ciocalteau assays. Hepatoprotective activities were assessed using the CCl4 model (1 ml/kg) and extracts tested at 250 mg/kg bwt and Silymarin as standard drug (100 mg/kg bwt). Serum liver and kidney function, as well as antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH, MDA and MPO) in liver and kidney homogenate were assayed. Histological examinations were made on the livers and kidneys.

Results: Results showed the extract treatments resulted in significant increase in SOD, CAT and GSH levels and a significant decrease in MDA and MPO level against CCl4 both in liver and kidney as well as the restoration of kidney and liver function to near normal levels. Biochemical data was corroborated by histological observations.

Conclusion: The present investigation suggests that A. conyzoides crude extract possesses remarkable hepato- and nephroprotective properties and this can be attributed to the inhibitory effect on oxidative stress.