Hepatoprotective Effects of the Triterpenes Isolated from the Stem Bark of Diospyros cordifolia Roxb

Abstract

The hepatoprotective activity of the chemical constituents isolated from the stem bark of Diospyros cordifolia Roxb. was screened on male Wister strain rats against carbon tetrachloride induced toxic hepatitis. Significant hepatoprotective activity was observed in the active constituents, ursolic acid, lupeol and betulin isolated from the petroleum ether extract of stem bark. The hepatoprotective activity was assessed by the assay of liver function parameters viz. serum total bilirubin, total protein, alanine aminotransaminase, aspartate aminotransaminase and alkaline phosphatase activities. Histopathological studies also evidenced the hepatoprotective effect of the tested constituents. Ursolic acid showed more significant hepatoprotective activity than lupeol and betulin. The results have comparison with the standard hepatoprotective drug silymarin.