EFFECT OF CAPSICUM ANNUUM ON THE LIVER FUNCTION OF ASPIRIN-INDUCED WISTAR ALBINO RATS

Abstract

Peptic ulcer disease remains one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal diseases and has been linked to H. pylori infection and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Capsicum annum is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, nutritional, and medicinal properties. This study aimed to determine the effects of aspirin on liver function parameters (alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphate, serum aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase) in male Wistar albino rats. Twenty-five (25) male wistar albino rats were procured and acclimatized for 2 weeks under normal laboratory conditions and were divided into five groups. Group A (blank control) was fed only food and water and was neither induced with aspirin nor treated. Group B (negative control) was induced with 50 mg/kg of aspirin and was not treated. Group C (positive control) was induced with 50 mg/kg of aspirin and was treated with omeprazole. Group D (low-dose Capsicum anuum) was induced with aspirin and treated with 100 mg/kg of C. annum extract, and group E (high-dose control) was induced with aspirin and treated with 400 mg/kg of Capsicum annum ethanoic extract. Ulceration and treatment were administered orally via intubation. After 4 weeks of treatment, ulceration significantly increased the alanine aminotransferase level (p > 0.05) in the negative control group (28.06 ± 2.10) and decreased when treated with both low-dose and high-dose Capsicum annum extract (25.20 ± 2.40, 21.70 ± 1.80). Changes in other parameters were significant in the low- and high-dose treatments, indicating that the changes in these parameters are dose-dependent.