TITLE:
Study of Hepatoprotective Potential of Fractions and Phytosomes of Ethanol Root Extract of Millettia aboensis on Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Hepatoxicity in Rats
AUTHORS:
Mercy E. Ugwueze, Caroline E. Onugwu, Cyril C. Adonu, Chukwum E. Ogbuanya, Sunday E. Nwodo, Euphemia N. Eke, Anthony A. Attama, Michael U. Adikwu
KEYWORDS:
Millettia aboensis, CCl4, Phytosomes, Hepatoprotection, Phosphatidylcholine, Rats
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.17 No.11,
November
11,
2026
ABSTRACT: Millettia aboensis (Hook. F.) Baker is folklorically used for the treatment of liver diseases, splenomegaly, venereal diseases and constipation. Phytosomes are complexes of plant extracts and phospholipids developed to enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness of phytoconstituents. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate phytosomes containing ethanol extract and fractions of M. aboensis for enhanced hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Pulverized roots of M. aboensis were extracted by cold maceration using ethanol and subsequently fractionated with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water to obtain the respective fractions. Acute oral toxicity was evaluated in mice using a modified Dietrich-Lorke method. Phytosomes were prepared by solvent evaporation using phosphatidylcholine and the respective fractions in 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1 ratios. The 1:1 complexes were formulated into capsules and characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Capsule quality was evaluated according to British Pharmacopoeia specifications, including weight uniformity, assay, stability, disintegration and dissolution. Hepatoprotective activity was assessed in CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats at 0.75 mL/kg. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Dunnett’s post hoc test, with significance set at p p M. aboensis phytosomes protect against CCl4-induced hepatic injury and may enhance the hepatoprotective activity of the plant fractions.