Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical constituents and hepatoprotective effects of Physcia grisea in albino rats. Methods/statisticalanalysis:The analysis of phytochemical constituents of P. grisea was carried out to determine the level of tannins, phenols, terpenes, flavonoids and alkaloids present in the sample. The blood samples from four groups (A, B, C, and D) of albino rats with each group containing four per group were analyzed for Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and bilirubin secretions which are two early indicators of liver injury. The analysis was carried out in two phases; phase 1 and phase 2. In phase I, which was regarded as the base line analysis, the weights of the animals were taken and the blood samples were collected following ocular puncture. In the second phase of the analysis, the group A, B and C were administered 500 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg and 125 mg/kg concentrations of P. grisea respectively while the control group was administered only tragecant solution through the oral route. After 3 weeks of the administration, their blood samples were collected for another analysis using the same method of blood collection. The data obtained were analyzed using GenStat Release 10.3DE (2011) statistical software. Findings: The results showed varying levels of phytochemicals in P. grisea, alkaloids (36.6%), flavonoids (3.6 %), saponins (2.7 %), total phenols (25.15 %), tannins (0.029 %) and terpenes (2.0 %). The results of the in-vivo studies showed that P. grisea had no significant effect on the AST and bilirubin secretions at 125mg/kg after 3 weeks of the administration. This was an indication that there was no liver injury at this dose within the period of administration. Application/improvements: If properly harnessed, P. grisea extract could provide a novel and cheap source of medicine for treatment of liver diseases resulting from AST and bilirubin secretions. Keywords: Phytochemical; Physea grisea; Aspertate Aminotransferase; Bilirubin
Lignans from Opuntia ficus-indica seeds protect rat primary hepatocytes and HepG2 cells against ethanol-induced oxidative stress
