Ameliorative potential of ethanol leaf extract of Ficus exasperata in acetaminophen-induced toxicity in albino rats

The leaf of Ficus exasperata has been used locally in managing liver toxicity. Hence, this study was designed to assess the effect of ethanol leaf extract of Ficus exasperata in acetaminophen (paracetamol)-induced albino rats. Hence, qualitative phytochemical screening and HPLC analysis of this extract were carried out using an established protocol. Toxicity was achieved when 2 g/kg body weight of acetaminophen was administered to the albino rats. In addition, different biochemical parameters of liver and kidney were assessed to determine the efficacy of ethanol leaf extract of Ficus exasperata in acetaminophen-induced albino rats. The results obtained showed that phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phlobatannins, phenols, terpenoids and reducing sugars were detected. The HPLC further revealed compounds such as orientin, α-caryophyllene, quercetin and myricetin, among others. Furthermore, for in vivo studies, there was a significant ( P