Sub-Chronic and chronic studies of effects of concurrent administration of paracetamol and aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn Calyx on paracetamol hepatotoxicity in mice

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of concurrent administration of paracetamol and aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn calyx on paracetamol-associated hepatotoxicity in mice under sub-chronic and chronic conditions. It comprised of four groups of five mice each to reflect control, extract only, paracetamol only and concurrent administration of paracetamol and extract. Paracetamol (500mg/kg body weight) and Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn calyx extract (250mg/kg body weight) were administered orally to experimental mice. Paracetamol toxicity was evidenced by significant increases (P≤.05) in ALT, AST, ALP and GGT activities, total cholesterol and bilirubin levels, and decreased serum total protein and albumin levels. Also found were significant decreases (P≤.05) in catalase and SOD activities, GSH level, and increase (P≤.05) in MDA level, relative to control. Concurrent administration of paracetamol and extract proved effective in ameliorating paracetamol-associated liver injury in mice particularly at the sub-chronic phase where the values of many of the parameters returned to control.