Effect of Boerhaavia diffusa on Tissue Antioxidant Defense System during Ethanol-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Abstract

Objective: The present study deals with the effect of ethanolic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa (BD) on tissue defense system against ethanol-induced hepatic injury in rats. Methods: Ethanol (20% alcohol - 2.5 ml/100 g body weight for 90 days) was used for the induction of hepatotoxicity. BD extract (150 mg/ kg body weight/day for 30 days) was administered orally to rats intoxicated with ethanol. Results: Induction with ethanol resulted in an increase in the levels of lipid peroxides with a concomitant decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and reduced glutathione levels. Post treatment with BD root extract reversed the deleterious effects of ethanol and the enzyme activities were found to be near normal. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the protective nature of BD root extract against ethanol-induced liver damage, proving it to be a potent antioxidant.