EFFECTS OF AZANZA GARCKEANA EXTRACT ON HEPATIC HISTOLOGY IN SODIUM BENZOATE INDUCED REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY IN MALE WISTAR RATS

ABSTRACT Azanza Garckeana, a medicinal plant rich in phytochemicals such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, has been traditionally used for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigated the protective effect of Azanza Garckeana (goron tula) fruit extract on hepatic toxicity induced by sodium benzoate (SB) in male Wistar rats. Sodium benzoate, a widely used preservative, has been linked to oxidative liver damage at high doses. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups: a control group, a group administered sodium benzoate alone, a group co-administered SB and Azanza Garckeana extract, and a group co-administered SB and clomiphene (standard drug). Over the treatment period, body and liver weights were monitored, and histological examinations of liver tissues were conducted using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Results revealed that SB administration caused significant reductions in body weight and marked histopathological alterations including hepatocellular disorganization, vascular congestion, cytoplasmic eosinophilia, and inflammatory infiltration. However, rats treated with Azanza Garckeana extract exhibited improved weight maintenance and considerably preserved liver architecture, showing only mild to moderate cellular alterations. These effects were comparable to those seen in the SB + clomiphene group. The findings suggest that Azanza Garckeana fruit extract confers hepatoprotective benefits against SB-induced liver injury, likely through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory constituents. This supports its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for mitigating preservative-induced hepatic toxicity. Keywords: Azanza Garckeana, sodium benzoate, liver histology,