Evaluation of the antihepatotoxic effect of Argemone mexicana leaf extracts against CCl4-induced hepatic injury in rats

Abstract

The leaves of Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae) are used in traditional medicine in Burkina Faso to treat a variety of diseases. In the " Cascades " region, many people use the leaves of the plant for the treatment of liver ailment. An aqueous extract and a crude leaf powder suspension were tested for their antihepatotoxic action against CCl 4 -induced hepatitis in Wistar rats. The aqueous extract (250 mg/kg, p.o.) and the crude leaf powder suspension (250 mg/kg, p.o.), orally administered, significantly attenuated the elevation of serum enzymes (GOT, GPT, ALKP) and direct bilirubin (Dbil) induced by CCl 4 intoxication in rats. These actions were comparable to that of silymarin used as reference substance. For the acute toxicity test any mortality was seen at doses up to 2500 mg/kg.