Effect of Methanol Root Extract of Senna occidentalis against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic Damage in Rats

Protective effect of methanol root extract of Senna occidentalis was investigated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatic damage in white Wistar strain albino rats. Hepatic damage was induced by injecting a single intraperitoneal dose of 1.0 ml (50 % volume/volume) CCl4 in olive oil. Plant extract (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight) was given for seven days. Hepatic damage was induced and the animals were scarified after 48 hours. The hepatoprotective effect of the extract was monitored by estimating the activities of the serum AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase), serum ALT (Alanine Amino Transferase), serum ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase), Total proteins, unconjugated bilirubin and conjugated bilirubin. This observation could be supported by some Phytochemicals detected in the methanol root extract. Results showed that methanol extract of Senna occidentalis possessed hepatoprotective activity by significantly (pless than0.05) reversing the damage of the liver indices in the treated experimental animals compared with the CCL4 treated group. Some of the Phytochemicals component detected in the methanol extract of this plant indicated the presence of Flavonoids (0.8 0.11), Phenols (12.0 0.21), Tannins (5.0 0.26), Saponins (21.5 0.71). Terpenoids (0.28 0.04) and Alkaloids (4.8 0.21).