HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF SYZYGIUM GUINEENSE LEAVES ON POTASSIUM BROMATE INDUCED LIVER TOXICITY IN WISTAR RATS
Hepatotoxicity remains a major global health concern linked to xenobiotics that disrupt hepatic oxidative balance. Potassium bromates, a potent oxidizing agent and possible human carcinogen, induces hepatic injury through reactive oxygen species generation. This study investigated the hepatoprotective potential of aqueous Syzygium guineense leaf extract against potassium bromate-induced liver toxicity in Wistar rats. Twelve Wistar rats were used for acute toxicity testing following Lorke's method. For the hepatoprotective study, twenty Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n=4): Group I (normal control) received distilled water (1 mL/kg); Group II (negative control) received KBrO₃ (100 mg/kg); Groups III-V received KBrO₃ (100 mg/kg) plus Syzygium guineense extract at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg respectively. All treatments were administered orally for 28 days. Liver function markers (ALT, AST, ALP) were assessed and histopathological examination was performed. The LD₅₀ of Syzygium guineense extract was >5000 mg/kg. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and other bioactive compounds. KBrO₃ significantly elevated ALT levels (10.25 ± 1.18 IU/L) compared to normal control (3.00 ± 0.91 IU/L). Treatment with Syzygium guineense extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced ALT levels at all doses tested. Histopathological examination revealed severe hepatic damage in the KBrO₃-only group, while groups treated with 500 and 1000 mg/kg of extract showed marked preservation of hepatic architecture. Aqueous extract of Syzygium guineense leaves demonstrated significant hepatoprotective activity against potassium bromate-induced liver damage, supporting its traditional medicinal use.
Keywords: Enzyme, Hepatoprotective activity, Histology, Potassium bromate, Syzygium guineense
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