Flavonoid-rich fraction of Lasianthera africana leaves alleviates hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride in Wistar rats

Lasianthera africana P. Beauv. (Icacinaceae) is a good source of natural antioxidants, having the potential to protect against oxidative stress-related diseases and complications. This study investigated the antioxidant, hepatoprotective and curative effects of flavonoid-rich fraction of L. africana leaves (LAFRF) against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Phytochemical, nutrient content, and in vitro antioxidant activity of LAFRF were determined by standard methods. Fifty Wistar rats were randomized into 10 groups (n = 5). Groups 1 and 2 served as normal and CCl4 controls, respectively. Groups 3A–6A constituted the protective study while groups 3B–6B represented the curative study. The effects of LAFRF at 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant status, liver enzymes activities, and histology of CCl4-intoxicated rats were assessed. LAFRF total flavonoids (281.05 ± 7.44 mg QE/g), indicated LD50 above 5000 mg/kg b.w., and scavenged ABTS*+ with an IC50 of 5.05 ± 0.00 µg/mL relative to butylated hydroxytoluene (4.16 ± 0.00 µg/mL), and a concentration-dependent increase in total antioxidant capacity. Carbon tetrachloride (1 mL/kg) triggered significant (p p