METHANOLIC AND ETHYL ACETATE LEAF FRACTIONS OF ALBIZIA LEBBECK (L.) BENTH. ATTENUATE CARBON TETRACHLORIDE-INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY AND OXIDATIVE STRESS IN RATS

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the antioxidant capacity, phytochemical composition, and hepatoprotective efficacy of leaf fractions of Albizia lebbeck against carbon tetrachloride (CCl_4)-induced hepatic toxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats. Methods: Dried leaf powder was extracted using methanol and partitioned into pet ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and aqueous fractions. Phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents were quantified. Rats received oral A. lebbeck leaf extract (ALE: 100,200,400" mg/kg" ) or Silymarin (50" mg/kg" ) for 14 days alongside (CCl )_4 challenge (1" mL/kg" i.p. on days 1 and 4). Hepatic enzymes, lipid profiles, oxidative markers (SOD, CAT, GSH, MDA), and liver histology were evaluated. Results: The ethyl acetate fraction contained the highest total phenolics (822.99±11.06" mg GAE/g" ) and flavonoids (132.6±11.06" mg Rutin/g" ). Treatment with ALE (400" mg/kg" ) significantly (p<0.001) reversed (CCl)_4-induced elevations in serum ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL, while augmenting total protein, HDL, SOD, CAT, and GSH, and suppressing lipid peroxidation (MDA). Histopathological inspection confirmed structural restoration of central veins and hepatocytes. Conclusion: Albizia lebbeck leaf fractions display notable hepatoprotective activity by mitigating oxidative stress, preserving membrane integrity, and improving dyslipidemia.