Effect of Xylopia aethiopica Fruit Extract on Liver Functions in Pregnant Female Wistar Rats

This study investigated the influence of aqueous fruit extract of Xylopia aethiopica on the liver function in apparently healthy pregnant Wistar rats. Twenty Wistar rats weighing 140-210 g were divided into four groups (n = 5). Group 1 was the control group and received only distilled water orally, while groups 2, 3 and 4 served as the test groups and each received orally 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg of the aqueous extract, respectively for 7 days from Day 7 of pregnancy to Day 14. On the 15th day, the animals were sacrificed, the liver was harvested, processed histologically and blood samples were also taken for biochemical assays. There was a significant decrease in AST levels compared with control in rats administered 250 mg/kg aqueous extract of the fruit of Xylopia aethiopica. There was an increase in ALP at 1000 mg/kg dose. There was a significant increase in albumin levels compared with control in rats administered 250 mg/kg aqueous extract of Xylopia aethiopica fruit. There was no significant difference observed in the other doses and parameters in comparison with control. Thus, administration of aqueous extracts of the fruit of Xylopia aethiopica may not be toxic to the liver during pregnancy, except if ingested at high dose.