Hepatoprotective Effect of Ethanolic Stems Extract of Anisochilus carnosus against Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats”

This chapter highlights the Hepatoprotective potential of ethanolic extract from Stems of Anisochilus carnosus against carbon tetrachloride induced toxicity in rat. An ethanolic extract of stems of Anisochilus carnosus (EEAC) was studied for hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Fresh stems were collected from Sri Venkateswara University campus, India. The plant material was dried under shade at room temperature, reduced to moderately coarse powder and extracted successively with 95% ethanol using soxhlet apparatus.

Hepatotoxicity was induced in Albino wistar rats of either sex by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 [CCl4 in olive oil 1:1]. Ethanolic extract of Anisochilus carnosus was administered to the experimental rats at two dose levels 200 and 400mg/kg body weight. The hepatoprotective effect of the extract was evaluated by the assay of liver function biochemical parameters like Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (SGPT), Serum Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase (SGOT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Total Bilirubin and Total Protein. In ethanolic extract treated animals, the toxic effect of CCl4 was controlled significantly as compared to the normal and the standard drug silymarin treated group. CCl4 is one of the most commonly used hepatotoxin in the experimental study of liver diseases. The lipid peroxidative degeneration of bio membranes is one of the major causes of hepatotoxicity of CCl4. The increase in the levels of serum bilirubin reflected the depth of jaundice and the increase in transaminases and alkaline phosphate were the clear indication of the cellular leakage and loss of functional integrity of the cell membrane. Finally, it is concluded that the ethanolic extract of stems of Anisochilus carnosus possess hepatoprotective activities more or less depending on the dose levels.