The phytochemical screening and the effects of the methanolic extracts of the leaves of
Phyllanthus amarus
on some biochemical parameters of male Guinea pigs were investigated. Phytochemical
investigations revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, saponins and cardiac
glycosides. The methanol extract of
Phyllanthus amarus leaves (50-800mg/kg) caused a statistically significant (P<
0.05 student’s t-test) decrease in the levels of total cholesterol, AST, ALT, urea, uric acid, total protein, prostatic,
alkaline, and acid phosphatases. The highest reduction effect was obtained with uric acid at 400mg/kg of
P.amarus
extract while the least effect was observed in total cholesterol. These effects were dose- and time- dependent. This
shows that the leaves of
P .amarus have hepatoprotective, nephroprotective and cardio protective properties. The
study therefore, supports the claim on the use of the aerial part of this plant by traditional medicine practitioners as a
hepatoprotective agent. Although further studies need to be done to investigate the contribution of the seeds of this
plant as a hepatoproctective and nephroprotective agent and to isolate, identify and characterize the active principles
in the leaf extracts of this plant.
