Flavonoid-rich fraction of Lasianthera africana leaves alleviates hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride in Wistar rats

Lasianthera africana P. Beauv. (Icacinaceae) is a good source of natural antioxidants, having the potential to protect against oxidative stress-related diseases and complications. This study investigated the antioxidant, hepatoprotective and curative effects of flavonoid-rich fraction of L. africana leaves (LAFRF) against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Phytochemical, nutrient content, and in vitro antioxidant activity of LAFRF were determined by standard methods. Fifty Wistar rats were randomized into 10 groups (n = 5). Groups 1 and 2 served as normal and CCl₄ controls, respectively. Groups 3A-6A constituted the protective study while groups 3B-6B represented the curative study. The effects of LAFRF at 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant status, liver enzymes activities, and histology of CCl₄-intoxicated rats were assessed. LAFRF total flavonoids (281.05 ± 7.44 mg QE/g), indicated LD₅₀ above 5000 mg/kg b.w., and scavenged ABTS*⁺ with an IC₅₀ of 5.05 ± 0.00 µg/mL relative to butylated hydroxytoluene (4.16 ± 0.00 µg/mL), and a concentration-dependent increase in total antioxidant capacity. Carbon tetrachloride (1 mL/kg) triggered significant (p < 0.05) increases in malonedialdehyde concentration (2.67 ± 0.21 mg/mL), with a corresponding decline in antioxidant status, and increases in alkaline phosphatase, alanine and aspartate aminotransferase activities (68.00 ± 9.59 IU/L, 79.60 ± 5.03 IU/L and 81.80 ± 3.96 IU/L), respectively. LAFRF significantly (p < 0.05) lowered lipid peroxidation levels, liver enzyme activities, increased antioxidant status, and improved hepatic histo-architecture of pre- and post LAFRF-treated rats. This demonstrates its high antioxidative, hepatoprotective and curative effects, indicating its potential for future drug development.