Evaluation of in vitro antioxidants activities, hepatoprotective and haematological effects of ethanol extract of Anthocleista vogelii stem bark (AVSB) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced rats

Abstract

Anthocleista vogelii stem bark extract (AVSB) is used as a hepatoprotective protective and blood-boostingagent locally without any scientific evidence. This study evaluated the in vitro antioxidants activity, hepatoprotectiveand haematological effects of ethanol extract of AVSB on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced rats. Thirty rats distributedinto 5 groups (n = 6) were used. Group 1 was the normal control rats without CCl4 induction, group 2 was the CCl4control (CCl4 induced untreated rats) while groups 3 – 6 were CCl4 induced rats treated with 100 mg/kg/day ofsilymarin, 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg/day of AVSB respectively for 14 days. The results indicated high levels of totalphenols, flavonoid, vitamin E, vitamin C, -carotene and lycopene in the AVSB. The AVSB exhibited a dose-dependentincrease in ferric reducing antioxidant power, DPPH and nitric oxide radicals scavenging activities similar to vitaminC, rutin and curcumin respectively. The CCl4 induction significantly (P