Inhibitory Effect of Vernonia amygdalina on Dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats SciDoc Publishers | Open Access | Science Journals | Media Partners

Abstract In this study, the protective effect of Vernonia amygdalina ethanolic leaf extract against hepatic fibrosis induced by repeated intermittent administration of Dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) was investigated in rats. A total of 48 rats divided into 4 groups were used. Group 1 served as control, Group 2 received 200mg/kg Vernonia amygdalina only for 14days, Group 3 received 200mg/kg Vernonia amygdalina for 14 days followed by intraperitoneal administration of 10mg/kg DMN on first three days of each week for 2 weeks, while Group 4 received intraperitoneal administration of 10mg/kg DMN on the first three days of each week for 2 weeks. Oral administration of Vernonia amygdalina led to recovery of body/liver weight losses and significantly reversed elevation of total collagen, AST, ALT and ALP in DMN-exposed rats. Severe oxidative stress induced in fibrotic rats was evidenced by elevation in MDA levels associated with a fall in the activities of GSH, SOD and CAT in the DMN-treated group. These were significantly reversed by simultaneous treatment with Vernonia amygdalina. Recovery of rat liver tissue from DMN-induced hepatocellular necrosis and hepatic fibrosis by Vernonia amygdalina treatment was confirmedby histopathological evaluation of liver tissue. In conclusion, Vernonia amygdalina exhibits hepatoprotective, antioxidant, free radical-scavenging, and anti-fibrotic activity against DMN-induced hepatic fibrosis