Ameliorative property of Kigelia africana crude and flavonoid leaf extracts on aluminum-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats

Liver diseases could be life threatening. The liver, being an organ of biotransformation of xenobiotics, makes it a target for oxidative stress since most toxins are pro-oxidants. This study investigated the protective property of Kigelia africana crude leaf extract (KAE) and its flavonoid-rich fraction (FKAE) on AlCl₃-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Forty-two adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into seven groups (n = 6). Animals in the negative control group received tap water orally. The hepatotoxic group received 17 mg/kg AlCl₃ daily, for four consecutive weeks. Positive control group received rivastigmine (0.3 mg/kg/day), while groups 4 and 5 received 50 and 100 mg/kg KAE, respectively, daily for 2 weeks followed by combination of KAE treatment with AlCl₃ administration for a further 4 weeks. Groups 6 and 7 were treated in a similar way to groups 4 and 5 but with 50 and 100 mg/kg FKAE, respectively. Markers of oxidative stress, electrolyte levels, and histopathological changes were evaluated in the liver of animals after the period of treatment. Results obtained revealed that 100 mg/kg KAE and both doses of FKAE significantly mitigated AlCl₃-induced oxidative stress, electrolyte disturbance, and histological alterations in rats. It is suggested that Kigelia africana could be a potential source of effective hepatoprotectants.