Hepatoprotective Effect of Capsicum frutescens Supplemented Diet against Acetaminophen Induced Liver Damage in Laboratory Animals.
*1,2Erhirhie Earnest Oghenesuvwe, 1Ekene Enekabokom Nwoke and 3Adesiyun A. E.
1Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria.
2Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Agulu Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
3Department of Clinical Pharmacy & Biopharmacy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos Nigeria.
*Corresponding author's contact: erhirhieochuko@yahoo.com, +234-7060434974
Abstract:
Background: Capsicum frutescens (C.F) belonging to the family of Solanaceae had played significant role in the management of several diseases. This present study evaluated its hepatoprotective properties in Paracetamol (PCM) induced liver damage using animal model (Wistar rats).
Method: A total of 25 Wistar rats were randomized into 5 groups as follows; Group 1 (normal control, rat feed + distilled water 10 ml/kg), group 2 (rat feed + PCM, 500 mg/kg), group 3 (rat feed + PCM + Vitamin E), group 4 (rat feed supplemented with 1% C.F + PCM), group 5 (rat feed supplemented with 2% C.F + PCM). Treatment lasted for 2-weeks. Samples (serum) collected from animals were used for determination of liver biomarkers using automated biochemical analyzer (Reflotron plus, Roche).
Results: There was significant (p<0.05) elevation in the level of liver biomarkers (Alanine aminotransferase, Aspertate aminotransferase, Gammaglutamyl transferase and total bilirubin) in group 2 (PCM control). However, supplementation of diet with C.F. caused significant (p<0.05) reduction in the levels of liver biomarkers.
Conclusion: Incorporation of Capsicum frutescens (C.F) in Wistar rat's diet prevented damaged caused by Acetaminophene. Thus, its dietary and culinary usefulness should be strictly upheld especially by those with or at high level of predisposure to liver diseases.
Key words: Capsicum frutescens, Acetaminophene, Liver damage, Wistar rats, diet supplementation.
