Ameliorative Potentials of Persea americana Mill (Avocado) Seed Extract on Acetaminophen-induced Hepatic Insufficiency in Rats

Aim: The ability of ethylacetate extract of Persea americana Mill (avocado) seed to ameliorate the hepatotoxic effect of acetaminophen in rats was assessed.

Methodology: Thirty experimental rats were placed in 6 groups of 5 animals per group. Two animal groups received distilled water and the drug vehicle, dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO). Four other groups received acetaminophen (750 mg/kg bw/day) in DMSO for 3 days with 3 of the 4 groups receiving, after 3 days of acetaminophen administration and for 11 days, Persea americana seed extracts (150-, 350 mg/kg bw) and silymarin (200 mg/kg bw). Animals were sacrificed and both serum and liver tissue analysed for markers of liver integrity (AST, ALT, ALP), liver function (total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, triglyceride), antioxidant status (SOD, Catalase) and liver architecture.

Results: The result showed induction of hepatotoxicity by acetaminophen with increased AST, ALT, ALP and decreased SOD and CAT activities. Hepatotoxicity was also observed as increase in total and conjugated bilirubin and decrease in total cholesterol and triglyceride. Administration of Persea americana seed ethylacetate extract reversed the status of the parameters towards normal (except for AST, total protein and albumin). Also the liver architecture which hitherto revealed inflammation, fatty changes and hepatocyte necrosis also reversed to mild inflammation to normal histology. The action of the extract was dose dependent and its effectiveness comparable to silymarin (200 mg/kg bw).

Conclusion: The ethylacetate extract of Persia americana showed ameliorative effect against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity at higher dose, with potentials to reverse disruptions in liver integrity and function, and restore balance in endogenous antioxidant system.