Comparative Hepatotoxic Effects of Aqueous and Phenolic Extracts of Avocado (Persea americana) Seed in Wistar Albino Rats

Aims: The present study was conducted to determine hepatotoxic effect of aqueous and phenolic extracts of Persea americana seed.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria. November 2012 to January 2013.

Methodology: Wistar albino rats weighing 100 to 110 g were divided into four groups. The aqueous and phenolic extracts were administered orally for 21 days, at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight. Blood samples were collected for the assessment of serum marker enzymes, while the liver tissue was used for histopathological Studies.

Results: The serum levels of AST, ALT, and ALP in aqueous and phenolic extracts groups were found to be significantly higher compared to control group. However, group treated with solution of phenol shows no significant pathology. The Liver biopsy of aqueous and phenolic extracts treated rats shows severe degeneration of the hepatocytes when compared with control group, while group treated with solution of phenol shows little or no significant liver damage.

Conclusion: The result suggested hepatotoxic effect of aqueous and phenolic extracts of Avocado seed, therefore administration of P. americana seed extracts may contribute significantly to liver damage, at higher dose.