LIVER FUNCTION

Chasmanthera dependens is a plant known for its medicinal purposes. Liver diseases, especially those induced by toxins such as CCl4, continue to be a significant global health concern. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of hydroethanol extract of Chasmanthera dependens on liver function test parameters in CCl4- induced toxicity. In this experimental study,25 male
Wistar rats were divided into five groups :Group 1 was a control group, Group 2 was a CCl4- treated group,Group 3 was a silymarin treated group of 140mg/kg, Group 4 and 5 were Chasmanthera dependens treated groups receiving different doses of the extract (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) along with CCl4 induction. The rats were sacrificed after 2weeks of treatment and blood was collected to run the analysis. There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in liver function parameters total bilirubin, albumin, total protein, and in globulin concentration, there was no significant difference in conjugated biliburin concentration when compared to normal control group. The group receiving the highest dose of Chasmanthera dependens (500 mg/kg) showed an improvement in liver function parameters, total protein and albumin. In conclusion, the hydroethanol extract of Chasmanthera dependens exhibited hepatoprotective effects against CCl4-induced liver toxicity by preserving liver function test parameters particularly in terms of protein synthesis and maintaining blood protein levels. These findings suggest the potential therapeutic use of Chasmanthera dependens in protecting the liver from toxic insults and warrant further investigations into its underlying mechanisms of action.