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Abstract
The liver is a vital organ responsible for detoxification, metabolism, and synthesis of essential biomolecules, but its exposure to toxicants such as carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) often results in severe hepatic damage. This study investigated the ameliorative potential of Entandrophragma utile stem bark extracts on selected liver enzymes in CCl₄-intoxicated Wistar rats. Fresh stem bark of E. utile was collected, air-dried, and extracted using methanol, after which the crude extract was fractionated into ethyl acetate and ethanol residue fractions. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into six groups of five animals each: normal control, CCl₄ control, silymarin treated, and groups treated with crude, ethyl acetate, and ethanol residue fractions of E. utile. The extracts were administered orally for 28 days, while CCl₄ was given intraperitoneally in the final week to induce hepatotoxicity. Blood samples were analyzed for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities using standard colorimetric methods. Results revealed that CCl₄ intoxication caused significant elevation in all liver enzyme markers compared with the control, indicating hepatic injury, whereas treatment with E. utile extracts markedly reduced these enzyme levels in a manner comparable to the standard drug, silymarin. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the most pronounced hepatoprotective effect, suggesting the presence of potent antioxidant constituents capable of mitigating oxidative stress and restoring normal liver function. In conclusion, Entandrophragma utile possesses significant hepatoprotective properties against CCl₄-induced liver damage, validating its traditional use in managing hepatic disorders and indicating its promise as a natural source of therapeutic agent
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