Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extract of Vitis vinifera against acetaminophen-induced liver damage in rats

In this study we evaluated the hepatotoxicity activity of Vitis vinifera in acetaminophen induced liver damage in rats. Five (5) Groups of rats were used for the study, Group 1 received normal saline (1ml /kg, p.o), Group II received acetaminophen (300mg/kg, i.p), Group III received (300mg/kg, i.p) acetaminophen and (150mg/kg, o.p) Vitis vinifera juice, Group IV received ( 600mg/kg, i.p) acetaminophen and (300mg/kg, o.p) Vitis vinifera juice while Group V received ( 600mg/kg, i.p) acetaminophen and Silymarin (25mg/kg, o.p) simultaneously once daily for four (4) days. Acute toxicity study and histopathological analysis were carried out. The LD 50 was found to greater than 4000mg/kg body weight. The aqueous extract of Vitis vinifera significantly (P< 0.05*) reduced the hepatic enzymes from aspartase transaminase ( AST ) (415 ± 0.2* to 94.5 ± 0.8*) alanine transaminase (ALT) (132 ± 2.2 * to 60.5 ± 0.2*) and alkaline phosphase ALP (118± 0.6 * to 87.5 ± 2.1*) while there were no significant changes in the total bilirubin (TB) and direct bilirubin levels comparable to the reference drug. These findings confirm the histopathology study which indicated no adverse effects on the liver. The aqueous extract of the Vitis vinifera possesses hepatoprotective activity against acetaminophen induced liver damage, therefore further studies should be carried out to determine the exact mechanism of action as well as phytochemicals responsible for these activities.