Effect of Methanol Extract of Alchornea Cordifolia Leaf Litter on Catalase Activity in Liver of Rats Fed Crude Oil Treated Diet

Abstract Crude oil exposure induces oxidative stress, leading to liver damage due to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Alchornea cordifolia, known for its antioxidant properties, was investigated for its potential to mitigate oxidative stress and enhance catalase activity. Methodology involved dividing rats into various groups: a normal control group fed with normal saline, a positive control group treated with vitamin C and treatment groups feed with the plant extract at 100mg/Kg, 100mg/Kg, 300 mg/kg body weight, and plant extract + crude oil treated groups at 100mg/Kg, 100mg/Kg, 300 mg/kg body. Catalase activity was measured in the liver tissues of these rats. Results indicated that Alchornea cordifolia significantly increased (P< 0.05) catalase activity in a dose-dependent manner compared to the crude oil-treated group. The highest catalase activity was observed at 300 mg/kg of Alchornea cordifolia, suggesting its efficacy in enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity. Vitamin C showed no significant alteration in catalase activity under normal conditions but helped mitigate the oxidative effects of crude oil. Methanol extract of Alchornea cordifolia leaf litter effectively enhances catalase activity in the liver, counteracting the oxidative stress induced by crude oil exposure. These findings highlight the potential of Alchornea cordifolia as a natural antioxidant remedy for mitigating crude oil-induced liver damage.