Journal of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
(ISSN: 2659 – 0743)
Volume 7, No. 2, 2025
Pages 371-378
DOI: 10.36108/jvbs/5202.70.0211
Effect of Euphorbia hirta Ethanol Extract on Hepatic Enzymes and Oxidative Stress in Albino Rats (Wistar Strain).
Aiyeyika, M.K1., Ifenkwe D.C2., Chima M. U2., Akomas, S.C33. and Egu, U.N3.
1Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
2Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria.
3Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
Euphorbia hirta (commonly known as «Asthma weed»), is a plant widely used in traditional medicine to treat liver and kidney related conditions, however, there is paucity of scientific information on the impact of Euphorbia hirta leaf ethanol extract (EHLEE) on liver enzymes and antioxidant of male albino rats at lower doses. Hence, this study evaluated the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of EHLEE in albino rats. Forty-eight adult male albino rats were randomly divided into four groups and administered 0 (control), 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg body weight of the extract. The extract was administered orally for 66 days. The phytochemical results revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, terpenoids and glycosides, it also showed a dose-dependent reduction in ALP and selectively, dose-specific decreases in AST (significant at 50 mg/kg) and ALT (significant at 150 mg/kg), indicating hepatoprotection. However, EHLEE exhibited minimal impact on systemic antioxidants, with no significant alteration in the mean serum catalase, SOD, or MDA level Notably, a significant reduction in serum glutathione was observed at 100 mg/kg, suggesting a complex, potentially pro-oxidant interaction at this dose. In conclusion, this study has scientifically confirmed E. hirta’s hepatoprotective potential via non-linear, biomarker-specific mechanisms, but not through broad systemic antioxidant upregulation. This study therefore recommends extensive mechanistic studies on biphasic responses, hepatic antioxidant assays, and effective dosing before therapeutic application.
Keywords: Euphorbia hirta, Hepatic enzymes, Antioxidant, Albino Rats