ISSN 2736-1756
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research ISSN 2241-9837 Vol. 12 (12), pp. 001-007, December, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Hepatoprotective role of Garcinia kola (Heckel) nut extract on methamphetamine: Induced neurotoxicity in mice
Gabriel Oze*, Iheanyi Okoro, Austin Obi and Polycarp Nwoha
Institute of Neuroscience and Biomedical Research, College of Medicine, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.
Accepted 23 November, 2018
Abstract
The hepatoprotective effect of aqueous extract of Garcinia kola (AEGK) was studied in 60 mice of mixed sexes. The animals were divided into 6 groups of 10 mice each. Group I received normal saline, groups and III got 100 and 200 mg/kg AEGK (orally), respectively. Group IV received 10 mg/kg methamphetamine (MAM) (s.c.) only. Groups V and VI got 100 and 200 mg/kg of AEGK respectively, before 10 mg/kg methamphetamine which was used to induce neurotoxicity. The serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin and its conjugated metabolite were used to assess liver damage. Fifty percent of the animals in group IV died. 30% died in group V and none in group VI after 10 - 30 min interval of MAM administration. The serum levels of some of the marker enzymes and bilirubin were decreased significantly in groups VI at 200 mg/kg of AEGK (P < 0.05). The Blood glucose level increased transiently in the MAM treated groups. There was a slight rise in serum WBC after an initial fall at 100 mg/kg AEGK. The results suggest a possible hepatoprotective potential of AEGK. This may justify their local use in the management of some hepatic dysfunction and stress-related conditions.
Key words: Garcinia kola extract, methamphetamine, neuroprotection, mice.