HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF TERMINALIA KAERNBACHII LEAVES EXTRACT AGAINST ETHANOLINDUCED LIVER DAMAGE IN WISTAR ALBINO RATS

Ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity, resulting from excessive alcohol consumption, leads to various liver disorders, including alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. The underlying mechanisms involve oxidative stress, lipid accumulation, and inflammation. Traditional medicinal plants have shown promise in managing liver disorders, but there is limited scientific validation for many. This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of Terminalia kaernbachii (TK) extract against ethanol-induced liver damage in Wistar albino rats, compared to silymarin, a known hepatoprotective agent. The ethanolic extract of TK leaves was prepared and administered to rats at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg for 28 days, alongside ethanol (40% v/v) to induce hepatotoxicity. Liver function parameters, including SGPT/ALT, ALP, SGOT/AST, GGT, ACP, LDH, and bilirubin, were measured. Antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH) and lipid peroxidation markers (MDA) were assessed. Histopathological examination of liver tissues was performed to observe structural changes. Ethanol administration significantly elevated liver enzymes, indicating liver damage. TK treatment reduced these enzyme levels in a dose-dependent manner, comparable to silymarin. Antioxidant enzyme activities increased, and MDA levels decreased in TK-treated groups, indicating reduced oxidative stress. Histopathological analysis showed reduced hepatocyte degeneration, inflammation, and fibrosis in TK-treated rats. TK also exhibited hepatoprotective effects by improving renal parameters affected by ethanol. The ethanolic extract of Terminalia kaernbachii demonstrated significant hepatoprotective activity against ethanol-induced liver damage, likely due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Further studies are warranted to characterize the active compounds and explore the pharmacokinetics and safety profile of TK, establishing its therapeutic potential for liver disorders