In vivo effect of Citrullus Lanatus seeds extract on liver function on acute butylated hydroxytoluene induced oxidative stress in Albino rats

Abstract

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic antioxidant that exerts a pro-oxidant effect at high dose causing hepatotoxicity. In this study, the effect of the Citrullus lanatus seeds extract on acute BHT induced oxidative stress was investigated. The wistar rats were grouped into five. Group I was the control, group II was administered BHT only, group III, IV and V were administered BHT + 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg Citrullus lanatus seed extract respectively. Some biochemical parameters were measured in the serum using standard kits. The results showed that serum total bilirubin levels were higher in the BHT only group compared to the control and pre-treated rats. The BHT-only rats had lower total protein level than the control and pre-treated rats. The mean AST activity was higher in rats administered BHT only than those pre-treated. The ALT activity was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the BHT only rats compared to rats pre-treated with the extract. Furthermore, the BHT-only rats had significantly higher (p<0.05) mean ALP activity compared to those rats pre-treated These therefore suggest a possible liver injury via induced oxidative stress and Citrullus lanatus seeds extract exhibit a potential to ameliorate such damage though concentration dependent.