Abstract

Objective: In this study, the methanol extract of Homalium letestui root was investigated to determine its effects on liver enzymes, lipid profile, and some haematological indices. 
Methods: The crushed root of Homalium letestui was soaked in methanol for 72 h before being filtered through Whatman paper No.4 and stored at -4°C. Mature rats weighing 150-200 g were divided into four groups of six rats each. Homalium letestui root extract doses of 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 750 mg/kg per body weight were administered orally daily to test groups II, III, and IV. Group I served as the control, receiving 10 ml/kg normal saline.
Results: When compared to the control, there were no significant changes (p<0.05-0.001) in the activities of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in any of the test groups. The results for total and conjugated bilirubin showed an insignificant (p˂0.05-0.001) increase in bilirubin levels when compared to the control. Furthermore, Homalium letestui root extract was observed to cause no significant changes in serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in rats at the administered doses (250,500, and 750 mg/kg bwt). When compared to the control group, treatment with the plant extract did not result in significant changes in the haematological parameters evaluated.
Conclusion: As a result, the fact that no changes were observed in the parameters assessed signifies that Homalium letestui has membrane stabilising and hepatoprotective properties, which may be attributed to bioactive compounds present in its root.