PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF Ficus capensis STEM BARK AGAINST CCl4-INDUCED CARDIOTOXICITY IN MALE ALBINO RATS

This study was undertaken to investigate the possible protective effect of methanol extract of Ficus capensis stem bark against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. The percentage yield of the stem bark was 4.6% w/w. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the plant secondary metabolites showed the presence of tannin (5.930.40 mg/g), terpenoids (5.130.61 mg/g), flavonoid (4.200.12 mg/g), alkaloid (4.060.18 mg/g), cardiac glycosides (3.080.20 mg/g) and saponins (2.290.21 mg/g). The result of proximate composition showed the presence of carbohydrate (46.050.73 %), protein (14.500.12 %), fats (13.410.41 %), moisture (12.950.17 %), crude fibre (7.100.19 %) and ash (5.991.00 %) while the antinutrient analysis showed oxalates (7.00 ± 0.09 %), tannin (5.88 ±0.59 mg/100g), phytates (0.82 ± 0.04 %), saponin (0.59 ± 0.04 %) and cyanogenic glycosides (484.5 0± 235.00 ppm). The result of vitamin composition revealed the presence of vitamin A (574.726.36 IU), vitamin C (68.340.47 mg/100g),vitamin E (14.670.11 mg/100g), vitamin B1 (6.420.81 mg/100g), vitamin B6 (0.450.08 mg/100g) and vitamin B9 (0.290.02 mg/100g) while the result of mineral composition showed the presence of magnesium (1.120.04 %), zinc (0.310.13 %), iron (0.290.13 %) and calcium (0.100.02 %). A total of twenty-eight (28) adult male albino rats were divided into seven (7) groups (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7), with four (4) animals in each group. Groups 1 and 2 received distilled water only; Group 3 received 1.2 mg/kg b. w of aspirin while groups 4, 5, 6 and 7 received an oral administration of 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg b.w of Ficus capensis bark extract respectively.