Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effect of Actinodaphne hookeri Meissn. leaf extracts against CCl4-induced liver injury in rats

Abstract

The petroleum ether, chloroform and alcoholic extracts of A. hookeri Meissn. leaves were studied to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities in CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Oral administration of the extracts at doses of 200 and 400 mg/Kg once daily for 10 days significantly restored normalization of serum enzyme levels, viz. glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and markers, viz. total bilirubin and direct bilirubin and the results were comparable to the effects of Liv.-52. The chloroform and alcoholic extract at the dose of 400 mg/kg was found to be more potent when compared to petroleum ether extract at similar dose. The hepatoprotection is also supported by histopathology of treated animals. In regard to antioxidant activity, chloroform and ethanolic extract exhibited a significant effect showing increased levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic parameters, viz. catalase, GSH, SOD and decreased level of malondialdhyde (MDA). The results of this study strongly indicate that A. hookeri leaves have potent antioxidant and hepatoprotective action against CCl₄-induced hepatic damage in rats which may be due to the presence of phytoconstituents such as flavonoids and triterpenoids.