Hepatoprotective Activity of Guinea Grass(Panicum Maximum Jacq.) Powdered Dried Leaves

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The liver is a vital organ responsible for the detoxification of chemicals, metabolization of drugs in the body, and production of proteins important for bloodclotting. However, many factors including inhaling toxic household materials, pathogens, and intake of alcohol and medicines can induce liver damage. Any harm in this organ causes failure to its role. Liver damage can become worse if not prevented. This research aimed to provide valuable knowledge regarding the prevention of liver diseases with the use of Guinea Grass powdered dried leaves since medicinal plants have been used for the prevention and treatment of illnesses over years of continuous research.

METHODS

The Guinea Grass powdered dried leaves were obtained from pulverizing the guinea grass. Five groups of mice were used in the study --the control and negative control group; the positive control group which was orally administered with Silymarin (7.5mg); and the two experimental groups which received Guinea grass powdered dried leaves (3.5mg and 7.5mg respectively) daily for 7 days; this was followed by the oral administration of paracetamol (PCM) as liver toxicant for 3 days.Their blood samples and liver were collected and subjected to histopathological and biochemical analysis. Serum Glutamate PyruvateTransaminase and Serum Glutamate Oxaloacetic Transaminase were the parameters for the biochemical analysis. SGPT and SGOT levels increase when the liver is damaged. T-test was used to determine whether there are any statistically significant differences between the variables in the study.

RESULTS

The results of biochemical analysis showed that the SGPT and SGOT levels remain even after the toxicant was given. T-test showed that Guinea Grass with 7.5 mg concentration is effective. Also, Powdered Dried Leaves Guinea Grass administration resulted in bringing about an almost normal histological structure of the liver even after exposure to Paracetamol.

DISCUSSIONS

However, several factors have interfered with the outcome of the Histopathological analysis. One of which is the structure of the livers which gained unnecessary lesions. These were possibly due to improper distribution of amounts and concentrations of formalin when the livers were dissected and stored in formalin-fixed specimen containers. Nevertheless, the researchers conclude that the Guinea Grass powdered dried leaves were capable of protecting the liver through pieces of evidence such as the histopathological analysis and the blood tests which supported the claim.