Hepatoprotective Action Of <i>Cordia dichotoma</i> Against Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Liver Injury In Rats

Abstract

The methanolic extract of the leaves of Cordia dichotoma at 300 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg were studied for hepatoprotective action in male Wistar rats by inducing liver damage using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Silymarin was used as standard drug. The extract (300 mg/kg) significantly reduced the AST (P<0.001), ALT (P<0.001) and TBR levels (P<0.01) and at 500 mg/kg dose significantly reduced the AST (P<0.001), ALT (P<0.001), TBR (P<0.01) and lipid peroxide levels (P<0.05). The antioxidant parameters like glutathione and total antioxidant levels increased considerably although they were statistically insignificant. The hepatoprotective activity of C. dichotoma was comparable with silymarin (100mg/kg).

Keywords: Cordia dichotoma Linn., Boraginaceae, carbon tetrachloride; serum enzyme levels; antioxidants; hepatoprotective activity.

Nigerian Journal of Natural Products and Medicine Vol. 11 2007 pp. 37-40