Abstract:
The hepatoprotective effect of leaf extract of Clerodendrum polycephalum was investigated using albino wistar rats. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) was used to induce liver damage. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of Resins, Saponins, Tannins, Terprenoids and Steroids. Acute toxicity study showed an oral LD₅₀ greater than 400mg/Kg in rats. The rats were divided into five groups (A- E) of 5 rats each. Group A served as the normal control group and received no treatment; Groups B-D served as the experimental treatment groups and received 100, 200, and 400mg/Kg daily of the extract while group E was the control treatment and was administered 50mg/Kg of silymarin daily. Treatment lasted for two weeks before CCl₄ intoxication. Blood was collected via retro-orbital puncture for liver marker enzyme studies. Total protein and serum albumin levels were also estimated. Results showed a significant decrease (p<0.001) in the levels of alkaline phosphatese (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransfarase ( AST) in the treatment groups which appears to be dose-dependent but total protein and serum albumin levels increased. Methanol extract of Clerodendrum polycephalum demonstrated significant hepatoprotective activity and improved liver function.

Keywords: Clerodendrum polycephalum, CCl₄, Hepatotoxicity, Liver Maker Enzymes, Serum Albumin, Total protein.