The Effects of <i>Sida corymbosa</i> Leaf Extract Against Abnormal Bilirubin and Total Protein in Albino Rats by Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl<sub>4</sub>)

The Sida corymbosa plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine in different countries for prevention and treatment of different diseases such as liver and cardiac diseases. This work aimed at investigating if Sida corymbosa ethanolic leaf extract has preventive and therapeutic effects against abnormal serum bilirubin and total protein in Albino rats by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). This study took place at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State. The rats were grouped into those given 5000, 3000 and 1000 mg/kgbw of the extract before and after CCl4 administration from 7 d to 28 d, those injected CCl4 only which stayed from 7 d to 28 d and those without CCl4 and extract. Male Albino rats weighing 170-190 g were used. Injection of CCl4 (0.4 ml/kgbw i.p) was done using olive as vector before and after oral administration of the Sida corymbosa extract. Serum bilirubin was estimated using Powel’s method while serum total protein was estimated using the Biuret method. Results were analyzed statistically using SPSS statistical software version 21. Analysis done so far revealed that serum bilirubin of rats injected CCl4 without extract administration (negative control) was significantly higher (P<0.05) than other groups, those administered 5000, 3000 and 1000 mg/kgbw of extract before and after CCl4 injection and those without CCl4 nor extract (positive control). The reverse was the case for serum total protein, suggesting protective and therapeutic potentials of the extract. Sida corymbosa ethanolic leaf extract may, therefore, has some protective and therapeutic effects against abnormal serum bilirubin and total protein synthesis in Albino rats by CCl4 thereby improving the liver function.