In this study, stem bark extracts of Triplochiton scleroxylon used as panacea for diabetes mellitus in some parts of Nigeria were examined for hepatotoxic activities.The activities of important liver enzyme markers were investigated periodically in the plasma of experimental rats (Wistar strain) with standard methods involving spectrophotometry while sections of the liver were subjected to appropriate histological examination for tissue structures after 28 days of administration of stem bark extracts. Findings showed that aqueous and ethanolic stem bark extracts of Triplochiton scleroxylon caused significant dose-dependent increases in the activities of plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) and alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) relative to normal control (P<0.05). Histological examination reported adverse changes in the liver of test rats with increasing doses of aqueous and ethanolic stem bark extracts beyond 200 mg/kg body weight with the former being safer. Like synthetic drugs, abuse of herbal concoction and decoction could stimulate chronic systemic complications with fatal consequences.

Keywords: Hepatotoxicity, Stem bark extracts, Triplochiton scleroxylon, systemic complication.

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Prof. T. P.Prohp.

Department of  Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Niger Delta

University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Postal: P.O.Box 1373, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

GSM: +2347035700176; E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.