EFFECTS OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF DIOSPYROS MESPILIFORMIS ON BILIRUBIN (TOTAL AND DIRECT) IN PARACETAMOL INDUCED LIVER DAMAGE IN WISTAR ALBINO RATS

This study evaluated the hepatoprotective potential of methanol seed extract of Diospyros mespiliformis against paracetamol-induced liver damage in albino rats. The acute toxicity of the extract was evaluated, in which no signs of toxicity or mortality were observed up to a dose of 5000 mg/kg, indicating a high safety margin for the extract. Afterwards, fifty (50) albino rats were randomly assigned to seven groups: a normal control, a paracetamol-only group, four treatment groups of Group III, Group IV, Group V, and Group VI receiving graded doses of the extract (50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg), and a standard group treated with silymarin. The extract was administered orally for 14 consecutive days. Hepatotoxicity was then induced using 30% paracetamol every 72 hours, for 14 days after which the liver function was assessed by measuring serum levels of total and direct bilirubin. The results revealed a dose-dependent restoration of bilirubin levels in the extract-treated groups, with the 200 mg/kg dose showing nearcomplete normalization comparable to the silymarin group. In contrast, the paracetamol-only group exhibited significantly reduced bilirubin levels, indicating impaired hepatic function. The progressive improvement observed in the extract-treated groups suggests enhanced detoxification and preservation of hepatocyte integrity.These findings demonstrate that the methanol seed extract of Diospyros mespiliformis possesses significant hepatoprotective activity and may offer a safe, plant-based therapeutic option for managing drug-induced liver injury.