Evaluation of Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Activity of Stereospermum suaveolens Against Aluminium Fluoride Induced Hepatotoxicity

Abstract

To evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of methanol stem bark extract of Stereospermum suaveolens DC (Bignoniaceae) against aluminium fluoride (AlF₄E)-induced hepatic damage in albino mice. The animals were divided into six groups of seven animals each. Group I served as normal; group II served as control, receives AlF₄E through their drinking water; group III served as standard, receives 500 mg/kg of Liv-52. The groups IV, V and VI were treated with 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg doses of methanol extract of Stereospermum suaveolens orally. After the 24 h of the last dose of AlF₄E, serum biochemical and liver enzymes were assessed along with histopathological studies of liver sections. The AlF₄E-treated group showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in serum biochemical markers like SGOT, SGPT, ALP, total bilirubin, LDL-cholesterol and lipid peroxidation levels in liver homogenate along with significant reduced levels of GSH, total thiols, CAT and SOD. The pretreatment groups with different doses of extract and standard Liv-52 were significantly (p<0.05) reversed the above parameters as compared to control group. From the results it can be concluded that hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of methanol extract may be due to presence of flavonoids and tannins.