Hepatoprotective Activity of Ethanolic Extract of the Stems of Anisochilus Carnosus against Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extract of the stems of Anisochilus Carnosus (EEAC) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Methods: Hepatotoxicity was induced in albino Wistar rats of either sex by intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ in olive oil (1:1). Two doses of ethanolic extract of Anisochilus Carnosus (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) were administered to the experimental rats. The hepatoprotective effect of the extract was evaluated by the assay of liver function biochemical parameters like serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin and total protein. Results: In ethanolic extract treated animals, the toxic effect of CCl₄ was significantly controlled by the plant extract as compared to the normal and the standard drug silymarin treated group. Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of stems of Anisochilus Carnosus possesses significant hepatoprotective activity.

Keywords: Anisochilus carnosus, Hepatoprotective activity, Hepatotoxicity, Carbon tetrachloride, Silymarin.