Antihepatotoxic effects of Garcinia kola Heckel on ethanol-induced liver dysfunction

Abstract

The antihepatotoxic effects of Garcinia kola on ethanol-induced liver dysfunction was investigated in albino rats. The rats were categorized into three groups: group 1 received 10% (w/w) Garcinia kola supplemented feed, drinking water mixed with 15% ethanol. Group II received feed without Garcinia kola and drinking water mixed with 15% ethanol. Group III served as control and were fed on normal feed and clean drinking water. All the animals were fed for two weeks and later sacrificed. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were determined by standard laboratory methods. The results showed that Garcinia kola supplemented feed significantly lowered the AST and ALT activities when compared to the control group animals (p < 0.05), thus indicating the amelioration of the hepatotoxic effects of ethanol by Garcinia kola.