EVALUATION OF HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF MORUS INDICA LINN. AGAINST TOXICITY INDUCED BY CARBON TETRACHLORIDE IN RATS

Morus indica- MI-S36 is a potential source of phytochemicals and is well explored for its medicinal properties such as antidiabetic and antioxidant activity. In the present study, Mous indica aqueous (MAq) and dechlorophyllised (MDc) extracts efficacy to protect against the carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄₎ induced hepatotoxicity was studied in rats in comparison with standard drug Liv52. The experimental group rats were pre treated with MAq, MDc and Liv52 for 7days. Healthy control and positive control group animals were fed wth Olive oil and after 7days two doses of CCl₄ was given at 12 and 36 hrs intervals to all the animal groups. After 12 hrs of CCl₄ dosage animals were sacrificed and biochemical parameters analysed in the serum. The total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, total bilirubin were within the normal level in all the groups whereas the hepatic enzymes AST, ALT and ALP activity was less in Liv52 and Morus treated groups. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, were determined. The total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in Morus treated groups were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower than Liv52, CCl₄ and healthy control groups. Also pre treatment with Morus extracts restored the hepatic architecture near to the standard drug treatment which is showed in histopathologicl sections of liver.  Hence the results indicate the liver protective property of Morus indica.