Hepatoprotective Potential of Methanolic Extracts from Jatropha integerrima Leaves Against Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4) Induced Rat Model.

Introduction: Liver diseases are a significant public health issue globally, often caused by exposure to hepatotoxins like carbon tetrachloride (CCl ₄ ), which induces oxidative stress and liver injury. Natural compounds, particularly plant-based products, have gained attention for their hepatoprotective properties. Jatropha integerrima , a plant known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, has not been extensively studied for its hepatoprotective effects against CCl ₄ induced liver damage. Methodology: Methanolic extracts of Jatropha integerrima leaves were prepared using a Soxhlet extraction method. Forty Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups: a control group, a CCl ₄ -treated group, a silymarin-treated group (standard treatment), and two groups treated with low (200 mg/kg) and high (400 mg/kg) doses of the Jatropha extract. Liver function biomarkers, including bilirubin, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), were measured. Oxidative stress markers, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidative stress (TOS), were also evaluated. Histopathological analysis of liver tissues was performed to assess structural damage. Results: CCl ₄ -induced liver damage resulted in significant increases in serum liver enzymes and oxidative stress markers. Treatment with Jatropha integerrima extract significantly reduced ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin levels in a dose-dependent manner. The high-dose group showed reductions comparable to silymarin. TAC levels were significantly improved, while TOS levels were reduced. Histopathological analysis revealed that the high-dose Jatropha group showed near-complete restoration of liver architecture, with reduced necrosis and inflammation. Discussion: The hepatoprotective effects of Jatropha integerrima may be due to high concentrations of polyphenols and flavonoids available in this plant to counter act the free radicals and oxidative stress. These results confirm to other research on other species of Jatropha and increase the therapeutic value of Jatropha integerrima as a natural means to treating hepatotoxicity ailments. Conclusion: Methanolic extracts of Jatropha integerrima provide substantial hepatic protection against CCl ₄ induced liver injury in rats through marked improvement in liver function, reduction of oxidative stress and better maintenance of hepatic morphology. These findings indicated that Jatropha integerrima might provide a promising alternative for treating any kind of liver diseases and this study has to pave the way for further research in order to discover the full potential and efficacy of Jatropha integerrima in treating diseases of the liver.