ABSTRACT

The effect of oral administration of methanol extract of Dennettia tripetala on the activity of liver marker enzymes: Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine Aminotransferase(ALT) in the serum of albino rats was investigated. A total of Nine (9) albino rats(Rattus norvegicus spp)weighing between 150-200g  were used for the study and randomly assigned into three study groups of three  animals each. The group 3( control) received via oral route a placebo (4ml of normal saline) while test group 1 and 2 received 85mg/kg body weight and 170mg/kg weight ofDennettia tripetala extract in 2.0ml and 4.0ml of normal saline via oral route respectively. The study shows that Dennettia tripetala extract, given at moderate and high doses has no effect on the liver marker enzymes.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1  Background of the Study

The use of medicinal plants has played a major role in nearly every culture on the earth. Herbal medicine was practiced by ancient people of Africa, Asia, Europe and America as an alternative resort to the prevention and cure of illnesses (Iwu, et al. 1989).

The consumption of a variety of local herbs and vegetable by man is believed to contribute immensely to the improvement of human health in terms ofprevention and/or cure of diseases because plant have long served as useful and rational source of therapeutic agents (Okwu, et al. 2005)

 Medicinal plants have formed the basis of health care throughout the world since the earliest days of human and have remained relevant in both in developing and developed nations of the world for the various chemotherapeutic purposes. The use of plant derived natural compounds as part of herbal preparation for alternate source of medication continues to play a major role in chemotherapy especially in the third world countries (Okwu, et al. 1999).

1.2    Objective of the Study

The objective of this project work is to ascertain the effect of methanol leaves extract of Dennettia tripetala.

1.3  Statement of the Problem

Poor financial statue is one of the major constraints encountered in the study which was a great hindrance.

1.4  Justification of the Study

This research work will justify or disapprove whether methanol leaf extract ofDennettia tripetala has any effect on the liver markers Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine Aminotransferase(ALT) of Albino rats.

1.5  Limitation of the study

This project work is limited to the effect of methanol leaf extract of Mmimi on liver marker enzymes which include: Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine Aminotransferase(ALT)of Albino rats.