EFFECT OF AQUEOUS-METHANOL SEED EXTRACT OF HUNTERIA UMBELLATA

ABSTRACT

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is a colorless, clear, oily liquid having a chemical formula of C16H22O4. DBP is a phthalate ester, which is a highly prevalent class of compounds used to provide polyvinyl plastics and other materials is known to cause acute toxicity in several species including rats. Biochemical and gravimetric analysis were conducted to determine the differential effect of aqueous-methanol seed extract of Hunteria umbellata on Dibutyl phthalateinduced male wistar rats for four weeks. Thirty-five male albino wistar rats weighing between 220 g and 275 g were divided into five groups of seven rats each and were fed with rat chow for four weeks along with water ad libitum. Biochemical parameters determined include direct and total bilirubin, cholesterol, albumin, and total protein. Changes in gravimetric parameters after four weeks were also determined. Results obtained in this study showed significant differences in the mean final body weight of the experimental groups when compared to the control. These results gotten, concluded that Hunteria Umbellata seed extract (HSE) acted as an ameliorating agent on DBP because it reduced the significant differences through the analysis on parameters such as bilirubin, gravimetric properties (body weight and relative body weight) and HSE600mg was the most effective dose in this study.