Potential of Centella asiatica leaf extract in the management of paracetamol-induced jaundice in albino rats

Jaundice is a condition associated with the imbalance between bilirubin production and excretion when the liver is diseased. This study investigated the Potential of Centella asiatica leaf extract in the management of paracetamol-induced jaundice in albino rats. The rats were randomly distributed into six groups of five each. Group 1 (normal control- fed with rat feed and water), group 2 (paracetamol 2 g/kg body weight), group 3 (paracetamol 2g/kg bw + silymarin 100 mg/kg bw) and groups 4 – 6 (2g/kg bw each + 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg bw of CaL- extract respectively). The Paracetamol was first administered to the rats for 5 days to establish jaundice followed by administration of silymarin and CaL- extract for 10 days before sacrifice. The group 2 (negative control) rats had significant increase (p<0.05) in glucose level (7.50±0.10 mmol/L) and haematological parameters like haemoglobin (8.65±0.15g/dL), packed cell volume (26.15±0.95%), red blood cell (3.75±0.05x1012/L) and platelet (248.00±1.00 x109/L) as well as elevated levels of serum lipids (LDL, TG,TC VLDL-cholesterol) when compared with group 3 and the CaL-treated groups. Results of the liver function maker enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) activity, serum bilirubin and proteins as well as renal function indices (creatinine, urea, chloride and bicarbonate) in group 2 were significantly increased (p<0.05); while endogenous antioxidant study, revealed low levels of catalase (1.24±0.02µmol/ml), superoxide dismutase (0.17±0.02unit/ml) and reduced glutathione (0.84±0.18mg/ml) when compared to the treated groups. Administration of the CaL-extract and silymarin ameliorated the paracetamol-induced jaundice in albino rats.