Modulatory Effect of Methanol Extract of Piper guineense in CCl(4)-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Male Rats

This study seeks to investigate the possible protective role of the methanol extract of Piper guineense seeds against CCl(4)-induced hepatotoxicity in an animal model. Hepatotoxicity was induced by administering oral doses of CCl(4) (1.2 g/kg bw) three times a week for three weeks. Group 1 (Control) and Group 2 (CCl(4)) were left untreated; Piper guineense (PG; 400 mg/kg bw) was administered to Group 3 (T(1)) by oral gavage for 14 days prior to the administration of CCl(4) and simultaneously with CCl(4); PG (400 mg/kg bw) was administered simultaneously with CCl(4) in Group 4 (T(2)); and Livolin forte (20 mg/kg bw) was administered simultaneously with CCl(4) in Group 5 (T(3)), the standard drug group. The administration of CCl(4) induces histopathological alteration in the liver, with concomitant increased activities of serum hepatic marker enzymes associated with increased levels of lipid peroxidation. Similarly, there was decrease in non-enzymatic (reduced glutathione) and enzymatic antioxidants (glutathione S-transferase), superoxide dismutase, and catalase. An elevation in serum triglyceride and total cholesterol levels was noticed along with decreased levels of serum total protein. Treatment with PG 400 mg/kg bw exhibited excellent modulatory activity with respect to the different parameters studied by reversing all the above-mentioned biochemical changes significantly in the experimental animals. These results suggest that PG offered protection comparable to that of Livolin forte with better efficacy when pre-treated with 400 mg/kg bw 14 days prior to CCl(4)-exposure.