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Background: The alcoholic decoction of root ethanolic extract of Aristolochia ringens is taken orally to treat various ailments in South-west Nigeria without prior knowledge of its potential toxic effect. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the toxicity potentials of root ethanolic extract of A. ringens on functional indices and histology of the liver.

Methods: Twenty male rats were randomized into four groups of five animals each. Group A (control) received 0.5 ml of distilled water, group B, C and D received 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg b. wt. of the extract respectively. The administration was done orally and lasted for fourteen days.

Results: The extract significantly reduced the activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) as well as reduction in the level of serum albumin and direct bilirubin (P<0.05) while the level of total bilirubin increased. The activities of these enzymes i.e. ALP, ALT and AST increased in the serum at all the doses investigated.

Conclusion: Ethanolic extract from A. ringens root may not be completely safe when administered repeatedly.

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Background: We evaluated ameliorative effects of Jamun seed and orange peel extracts on liver toxicity in cypermethrin exposed rat.
Methods: Rats were given following treatments daily for 30 d:
Group A: Control
Group B: Rats received cypermethrin
Group C: These rats received cypermethrin and Jamun seed extract simultaneously
Group D: These rats received cypermethrin and orange peel extract simultaneously
Group E: Rats received orange peel extract
Group F: Rats received Jamun seed extract
In respective groups dose of cypermethrin, Jamun seed and orange peel extract were 25 mg/ kg body wt, 200 mg/kg body wt and 200 mg/kg body wt, respectively. Liver was fixed for light and electron microscopic studies.
Results: After 15 d cypermethrin or cypermethrin+JSE or cypermethrin+OPE treatment hepatocytes exhibited increased cell size, nuclei became more hyperchromatic and hypertrophied. Degeneration of nuclei and dilatation of sinusoids have been noticed. After 30 d cypermethrin treatment hepatocytes exhibit more pronounced hypertrophy with hyperchromatic nuclei. Few hepatocytes exhibit nuclei with irregular boundaries. Hepatocytes show foamy cytoplasm and few vacuoles. Focal necrosis visible at certain places. Binucleated cells are also encountered. In cypermethrin+JSE and cypermethrin+OPE treated rats, hepatocytes exhibit hypertrophy, hyperchromatic nuclei and dilatation of sinusoids. Degeneration of hepatocytes are seen at some places, however, focal necrosis is not seen in these groups. No noticeable histological alterations are seen in orange peel extract (group E) and jamun seed extract (group F) treated rats.
Conclusion: Cypermethrin induced hepatic toxicity can be protected by treatment with Jamun seed and orange peel extract.

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