ASSESSMENT OF THE HEPATIC EFFECTS OF ALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF CITRULLUS COLOCYNTHIS ON RAT LIVERS AND ANTIBACTERIAL SCREENING OF THE PLANT
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The present study aimed to assess the hepatic effects of the alcoholic extract of Citrullus colocynthis on rat livers and perform antibacterial screening of the plant. The alcoholic extract of Citrullus colocynthis was prepared using standard extraction techniques. Male rats were orally administered varying doses of the extract, and liver function parameters including serum liver enzymes (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase), total bilirubin, and histopathological changes were evaluated. Furthermore, the extract was subjected to antibacterial screening against selected bacterial strains using well diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods. The results indicated a dose-dependent increase in liver enzymes and total bilirubin levels, suggesting hepatotoxic effects of the extract. Histopathological examination revealed severe hepatocellular damage, including necrosis and inflammation, in the liver tissues of rats treated with high doses of the extract. In terms of antibacterial activity, the extract showed significant inhibitory effects against tested bacterial strains, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. These findings highlight the hepatotoxic potential of the alcoholic extract of Citrullus colocynthis and its promising antibacterial properties, warranting further investigation for the identification of active compounds and their potential therapeutic applications.