Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

Department of Anatomy,College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Department of Anatomy,College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Department of Anatomy,College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Department of Anatomy,College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria

Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria

Department of Microbiology,Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria.

Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria.
Garcinia kola ,Liver enzymes ,Serum ,Wistar rats ,Wistar rats ,

Garcinia kola has been shown to posses‟ remarkable antihepatotoxic activity against a variety of experimental hepatotoxins including carbon tetrachloride, 2-acetyl-aminofluorene, paracetamol, and galactosamine, and protection against the accumulation of heavy metals in the liver. This study evaluated the effects of ethanolic extract of Garcinia kola (bitter kola) on the liver enzymes of adult wistar rats in varying doses. Twenty four adult wistar rats of weights 180-270g were allocated into four groups (A, B, C, & D) of six animals each. Group A serve as the control and orally administered with 0.3ml of distilled water; the experimental groups B, C, & D were administered 0.2ml, 0.4ml, and 0.6ml of ethanolic extract of Garcinia kola for twenty eight days(28). Twenty four hours after the last administration, the animals were anaesthetized under chloroform vapor and dissected. About 5ml of blood was collected from animals in all the groups by cardiac puncture using sterile syringes and needles. Liver organs were also harvested and weighed. Blood for serum preparation was collected into sterile plain tubes and stored in the refrigerator for analysis. Serum samples from the bloods were analyzed for liver enzymes activities using randox kit method. The result revealed significant increase (P<0.001) in the activity levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphate (ALP) in groups C and D relative to group A (control). Alkaline phosphate (ALP) activity level of group B also increased significantly. Group B also recorded a little increase in activity levels of AST and ALT but it is not statistically significant. The present study therefore suggests that chronic consumption of ethanolic extract of Garcinia kola may be harmful to the liver.

5 , 1 , 2015