Effects of Combined Exposure to Ibuprofen and Ethanol Bark Extract of Spondias mombin (Hog Plum) on Liver Injury and Liver Enzyme Markers in Albino Rats: Pre-Treatment and Post-Treatment Study

Drug-induced liver injury remains a major concern associated with the widespread use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. This study evaluated the effects of combined exposure to ibuprofen and ethanol bark extract of Spondias mombin (hog plum) on liver injury, liver enzyme markers, and hepatic histology in albino rats using pre-treatment and post-treatment models. Adult albino rats were administered ibuprofen alone or in combination with S. mombin bark extract following standard experimental procedures. Liver function was assessed using serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, and conjugated bilirubin, while liver tissues were examined histologically using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Ibuprofen administration caused mild but significant elevations in ALT (41.50 ± 1.06 IU/L) and AST (31.50 ± 1.77 IU/L) compared with control values of 37.00 ± 2.83 IU/L and 31.00 ± 0.71 IU/L, respectively, with variable ALP responses. Total and conjugated bilirubin levels remained stable across all groups (0.20 ± 0.00 mg/dL and 0.10 ± 0.00 mg/dL). Histological findings revealed preserved hepatic architecture, particularly in extract-treated groups. Pre-treatment with S. mombin bark extract demonstrated the most pronounced protective effect. The study concludes that S. mombin bark extract exerts hepatoprotective and restorative effects against ibuprofen-induced liver alterations, supporting its potential therapeutic relevance in mitigating drug-induced hepatic injury.