Darlington N Onyejike^1,2 , Dominic C Ejiofor³, Chimaobi D Nwaonye¹, Azuka C Umeaniebue⁴

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the hepatotoxic potential of D’General Bitters in Wistar rats, by analysing its histopathological and biochemical safety profile. Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into a control group and three study groups of five rats each. The rats in the study groups received 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mL (low, moderate and high doses) of D’General Bitters, respectively, for six weeks. At the termination of the experiment, the liver of the rats was harvested, histologically processed and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. The rat serum was analysed for alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities. In addition, body weight assessments were conducted. Results: Histological examination revealed well-preserved hepatic architecture with no signs of necrosis, steatosis, or fibrosis. Serum AST and ALT levels remained within normal ranges, indicating no hepatocellular injury. However, ALP level of the moderate dose group was significantly lower when compared with the control group (p = 0.048). Body weight increased significantly in the moderate-dose group (p = 0.011), while relative liver weight showed no significant (p > 0.05) change across groups. Conclusion: D'General Bitters does not induce significant hepatotoxic effects under the administered conditions. However, the decrease in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity indicates a notable biochemical alteration, warranting further investigation into its long-term safety and hepatobiliary effects.