Project Abstract

Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the effect of methanolic leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana on weight parameters in male rats with paracetamol-induced hepatoxicity. Acalypha wilkesiana is known for its hepatoprotective properties due to its rich phytochemical composition. Paracetamol-induced hepatoxicity is a widely used model for studying liver damage in experimental animals. Male rats were divided into five groups Group I served as the normal control, Group II received paracetamol to induce hepatoxicity, Group III received silymarin as a standard drug, Group IV received methanolic leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana alone, and Group V received a combination of paracetamol and methanolic leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana. The treatment was administered for 14 days, and the rats were monitored for changes in body weight, liver weight, and liver weight-to-body weight ratio. The results indicated a significant decrease in body weight in the paracetamol-induced hepatoxicity group compared to the normal control group. However, treatment with methanolic leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana, both alone and in combination with paracetamol, showed a significant improvement in body weight compared to the hepatoxicity group. The group treated with silymarin also showed a similar improvement in body weight. Furthermore, the liver weight and liver weight-to-body weight ratio were found to be significantly increased in the paracetamol-induced hepatoxicity group, indicating liver damage. Treatment with methanolic leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana, either alone or in combination with paracetamol, resulted in a significant reduction in liver weight and liver weight-to-body weight ratio compared to the hepatoxicity group. Silymarin treatment also showed a similar decrease in these parameters. Overall, the findings suggest that methanolic leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana exerts a protective effect on weight parameters in male rats with paracetamol-induced hepatoxicity. The improvement in body weight and reduction in liver weight and liver weight-to-body weight ratio indicate the potential hepatoprotective properties of Acalypha wilkesiana. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action and to explore its therapeutic potential in liver diseases.

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