Hepatotoxicity in rat induced by partially purified toxins from Eupatoriumadenophorum (Ageratina adenophora)

A group of rats were administered a methanolic extract of Eupatorium adenop horum (Ageratina adenophora) oven-dried (60 degreesC) leaf powder and a par tially purified fraction from the methanolic extract. Administration of the methanolic extract and the partially purified fraction elicited a signific ant increase in total and conjugated bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, 5'-nu cleotidase and transaminases. Histopathology of the livers from these anima ls revealed dilated bile ducts and proliferative changes. Hepatocytes aroun d the bile ducts showed necrotic changes. Biochemical and histopathological changes resembled those observed in response to administration of whole le af powder. The hepatotoxin present in E. adenophorum leaves can be extracte d with methanol and partially purified further using the procedure describe d. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.