Hepatoprotective Activity of Some Medicinal Plants Against Paracetamol Induced Liver Damage in Rats

Abstract

newline The present study explores the phytochemical investigation and pharmacological screening in terms of possible antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of leaves of three cucurbitaceous plants namely Luffa cylindrica, Lagenaria siceraria and Benincasa hispida. Metahnolic extract of the selected plant(s) was evaluated for its hepatoprotective potential against paracetamol intoxicated wistar rats. The study was conducted by estimation of serum enzyme activities of AST, ALT, ALP and bilirubin and by estimation of some serum antioxidant enzymes like Catalase, Glutathione, Lipid peroxidase and Super dismutase. Elevated serum marker enzymes were significantly reduced to near normal level in extract treated animals. Lipid peroxidation level was decreased significantly by 250 and 500 mg/kg doses treatment groups. In case of antioxidant enzymes SOD, GSH and catalase levels were increased significantly after treatment with extract(s). The antioxidant potential of methanolic extract of leaves was also investigated for the activity of scavenging hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen peroxide radicals and DPPH assay. In all the testing, a significant correlation existed between concentrations of the extract and percentage inhibition of free radicals indicating that the methanolic extract of the leaves possess a significant scavenging effect with increasing concentrations. To correlate with the results obtained by the said activities and to estimate the presence of certain bioactive principles in the plant extract which are capable to scavenge free radicals and can offer protection from oxidative stress and further from hepatotoxins, the isolation of phytoconstituents was performed. Upon successful completion of the aforesaid task, total seven compounds from the selected plant part were isolated using column chromatography as per the details: newline1. Lagenaria Siceraria: 6-C glycoside luteolin (NSLS 1), 6-C-glycoside apigenin (NSLS 2) and apigenin (NSLS 3). newline2. Luffa cylindrica: 1-O-p-coumaroyl-and#946;-D-glucose (NSLC 1), p-coumaric acid (