Bilirubin Lowering Potential of Annona muricata (Linn.) In Temporary Jaundiced Rats

Abstract

Problem statement: Annona muricata is used in Ghanaian traditional medicine for the treatment of jaundice. Work done has demonstrated A. muricata to be effective in treating carbon tetrachloride-and acetaminophen-induced hepatic damage, hepatic jaundice and toxicologically safe up to 1000 mg kg^-1 in animals. Current study evaluated the bilirubin-lowering potential of A. muricata aqueous extract in phenylhydrazine-(40 mg kg^-1) induced jaundice in adult rats. Approach: Jaundice was assessed by measuring the levels of total bilirubin and direct bilirubin in phenylhydrazine-treated animals with or without drug treatment with curative, prophylactic study and in animals with reduced liver capacity. Results: Phenylhydrazine induced jaundice in animals from 1.50 μmol L^-1±0.00 total bilirubin in normal animals up to 29.25 μmol L^-1±2.21 in animals with reduced liver capacity. The hyperbilirubinaemia were restored close to normal levels in animals treated with A. muricata aqueous extract at 50 and 400 mg kg^-1. Total bilirubin level was reduced to 6.22 μmol L^-1± 0.27 at 50 mg, 5.68 μmol L^-1±0.36 at 400 mg kg^-1 and 7.94 μmol L^-1±0.79 with Silymarin, significantly lower (p<0.001) compared with the vehicle group (16.90 μmol L^-1±2.21) maintained with distilled water. Conclusion: Therefore, A. muricata aqueous extract can be used to reduce bilirubin concentration in jaundiced subjects.