Hepatoprotective activity of polyherbal formulation against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Abstract

The ethanloic extracts of the polyherbal medicinal plants (Asteracantha longifolia, Cyperus rotundus and Bryophyllum pinnatum) were evaluated for hepatoprotective activity in carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage in rats. The ethanolic extract of polyherbal formulation at 250 mg/kg b.w. exhibited a significant protective effect by lowering serum and liver activities of aspartate  transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), serum bilirubin, serum cholesterol and serum total protein when compared with standard silymarin. The hepatoprotective activity of the extracts may be attributed to increased regeneration of hepatocytes and inhibitory effects on microsomal enzymes.

Key words: Polyherbal formulation, carbon tetrachloride, silymarin.