Hepatoprotective Activity of Boerhaavia diffusa on Ethanol-Induced Liver Damage in Rats

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of ethanolic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa root against ethanol-induced hepatic damage. Methods: Ethanol (20% alcohol - 2.5 ml/100 g body wt. for 90 days) was used for the induction of hepatotoxicity. Boerhaavia diffusa root extract (150 mg/kg body wt. for 30 days) was administered orally to rats intoxicated with ethanol. Results : Ethanol feeding resulted in liver injury as indicated by the significant increase in the serum activities of marker enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and gamma glutamyl transferase. Further, there was a significant increase in the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and free fatty acids followed by a decrease in the levels of phospholipids in serum, liver and kidney. Post treatment of Boerhaavia diffusa extract reversed these alterations to near normal. Conclusion : The results of this study confirm the hepatoprotective action of Boerhaavia diffusa