Studies on Hepatoprotective Effect of Flaveria trinervia

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of leaf extract of Flaveria trinervia in rat. Materials and methods: The methanolic extract of the plant was evaluated for the hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver damage in rats by administering orally at 400 mg/kg dose for 10 days. Such effect was compared with silymarin as a standard hepatoprotective drug. In the serum, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, triglyceride and cholesterol contents were determined. In the liver, total protein, peroxide, phospholipid and glutathione levels were estimated. Results: The extract significantly reversed the elevated enzyme levels and altered biochemical parameters compared to control and silymarin. Besides, a significant reduction of the CCl₄-induced changes in the liver histopathology was also observed. Conclusion: The extract showed a considerable potential for hepatoprotective activity possibly by the antioxidant property. Keywords: Flaveria trinerv