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Protective Effects of Urtica dioica and Cimetidine^® on Liver Function Following Acetaminophen Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice

Juma KK, Maina SG, Muriithi JN, Mwangi BM, Mworia KJ, Mwonjoria MJ, Ngeranwa JN and Mburu ND

Studies have demonstrated that Urtica dioica promotes regeneration of the liver cells following damage by carbon tetrachloride. This study investigated the effects of Urtica dioica on liver function following acetaminophen overdose. Mice were divided into eight groups of ten each. Acetaminophen at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg significantly (p<0.05) reduced red blood cells, neutrophils and albumins while mean corpuscular hemoglobin, lymphocytes, alanine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase, prothrombin time and liver pathology were increased. Lactate dehydrogenase was significantly reduced in acetaminophen 250 mg/kg while acetaminophen 500 mg/kg significantly increased alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin. Even after exposure to acetaminophen toxicity, mice pre-treated with Urtica dioica retained the following parameters within normal range: neutrophils, lymphocytes, alanine amino transferase, and liver integrity. Mice co-treated with the drug cimetidine had all parameters within normal except for aspartate amino transferase at acetaminophen dose of 500 mg/kg. The result suggests that Urtica dioica and cimetidine are both hemoprotective and hepatoprotective. They have potential in the management of acetaminophen toxicity.