Hepatoprotective Efficacy of Combined Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Vernonia Amygdalina and Momordica Charantia against Acetaminophen induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Rats.

Abstract

Vernonia amygdalina and Momordica charantia are utilized in ethnomedical practices for the treatment of liver disorders due to their significant phytochemical content. This study aimed to examin the potential hepatoprotective effect of a combined ethanolic leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina and Momordica charantia against acetaminopheninduced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar rats. The research was conducted at the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Asante Mampong Campus. Wistar rats for the study were divided into six groups of five rats each. Group 1 served as the normal control, receiving normal saline daily for 28 days. Hepatotoxicity was induced in groups 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 by administering 3000 mg/kg of acetaminophen daily for 14 days. Groups 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 received daily oral doses of silymarin (140mg/kg), Vernonia amygdalina extract (100 mg/kg), Momordica charantia extract (100 mg/kg), and the combined Vernonia amygdalina and Momordica charantia extracts (100mg/kg each), respectively, for 14 days. Group 3, the acetaminophen control, were left untreated. The qualitative phytochemical screening of Vernonia amygdalina, Momordica charantia, and the combined Vernonia amygdalina and Momordica charantia extract revealed diverse phytochemicals. Haematological and biochemical indices were evaluated with automated analyzers, and histostructure was assessed using light microscopy. Data analysis was performed with Minitab statistical software version 20.3, using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test for comparative analysis. The qualitative phytochemical screening indicated that anthraquinones were absent in all Vernonia amygdalina and Momordica charantia extracts. Tannins were present in Vernonia amygdalina and Momordica charantia but not in the combined Vernonia amygdalina and Momordica charantia. Steroids were found in Vernonia amygdalina and the combined Vernonia amygdalina and Momordica charantia extract but not in Momordica charantia. Acetaminophen at a dose of 3000mg/kg significantly increased WBC count. Vernonia amygdalina, Momordica charantia, and the combined Vernonia amygdalina and Momordica charantia combined extract similarly improved liver biochemical indices, despite acetaminophen significantly raising ALT levels, confirming hepatotoxicity. The study revealed that, Vernonia amygdalina, Momordica charantia, and the combined Vernonia amygdalina and Momordica charantia extract exhibited similar hepatoprotective effects.