Abstract

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The effects of kolaviron , an active component of Garcinia kola seeds were investigated on sodium arsenite-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Administration of a single dose of sodium arsenite (10mg/kg body weight) orally, increased the activities of serum marker enzymes-Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT). This also led to increase in lipid peroxidation and reduction in the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase(SOD) and catalase(CAT). Treatment with 100mg/kg body weight of kolaviron for thirteen days before and after induction of arsenite toxicity reduced the serum activities of ALT and AST significantly (p<0.05). Levels of endogenous antioxidant (SOD, CAT, GST (glutathione-s-transferase) and GSH (reduced glutathione) were also elevated significantly in rats treated with kolaviron. This study revealed that kolaviron possess antioxidant and hepatoprotective property against hepatotoxicity caused by arsenite.

Keywords: Kolaviron, Sodium Arsenite, Lipid peroxidation, Antioxidants, Hepatotoxicity.