Authors: Shorinwa Olusayo A, Shatange Dorothy D.
Introduction: Smilax anceps leaf is used for general healing of the body in traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the in-vitro antioxidant potential and in-vivo hepatoprotective activity of the ethanol leaf extract of Smilax anceps against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity.
Materials and Methods: Preliminary phytochemical screening and acute toxicity were determined. In-vitro antioxidant activity of the plant was evaluated using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), reducing power activity, nitric oxide scavenging, and lipid peroxidation scavenging activity assays. In- vivo hepatoprotective activity was determined using albino rats, divided into groups of six comprising of 5 animals each vis the control, CCl4, extract 250,500 and 1000mg/kg, and silymarin 100mg/kg. Treatments were done for seven days and carbon tetrachloride dissolved in olive oil was administered on the seventh day. Biochemical analysis was performed to assay the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin (ALB), total protein (TP) and Total bilirubin (TB) with histological examination of the liver. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins, carbohydrates and steroids/ terpenoids.
Results: The extract showed significant (P<0.01) scavenging activity against DPPH, reducing power activity, nitric oxide scavenging, and lipid peroxidation. There was a statistically significant (P<0.05) decrease in total bilirubin (TB), alanine amino transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP).
Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that the ethanol leaf extract of S. anceps possesses significant antioxidant and hepatoprotective which might be due to the presence of flavonoids.
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