Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of fruit rind extract of Garcinia morella (Gaertn.) Desr.

Abstract

The present work was undertaken to determine the in vitro antioxidant and in vivo hepatoprotective activity of traditionally used Garcinia morella (Gaertn.) Desr. (Kuji thekera in Assamese). Fruit rind extract of G. morella was studied to examine the antioxidant activity of different concentrations (100, 500, 1000 µg/mL) in various in vitro models viz; 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine (DPPH), 2, 2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), Nitric Oxide (NO). Percentage Inhibition was exhibited in a dose dependent manner in all the models. Hepatoprotective activity was determined by measuring the activity of liver function enzymes such as aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and biochemical parameter like bilirubin, total protein in albino rats. Albino rats administrated with CCl₄ elevated the liver function enzymes and bilirubin, but suppressed the production of total protein. Pretreatment with the extract decreased the AST, ALT, ALP, and bilirubin level significantly and increased the production level of total protein in a dose dependent manner. The histopathological observation of liver sections supported the hepatoprotective activity of the extract. Phytochemical investigation revealed that both phenolic and flavonoids groups were present in the plant. Toxicological study confirmed that the plant is non toxic. The present study indicates that the methanolic fruit rind extract of G. morella may be an effective protective agent against the diseases caused by free radicals and it is a viable candidate for treating liver disorder.