EXPLORATION OF HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF SOLANUM NIGRUM – AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Introduction: Solanum nigrum (S. nigrum) has been shown to be hepatoprotective by Ayurvedic physicians but has not been scientifically evaluated so far. So, the present study was undertaken to explore the hepatoprotective activity of S. nigrum against experimentally induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats.

Aim of the study: To explore the hepatoprotective activity of S. nigrum.

Materials and Methods: Albino Wistar rats weighing 150-200g of either sex were divided into six groups of six animals each. Group I was given normal saline (PO), group II Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) (IP), group III Liv. 52 syrup for twenty days followed by carbon tetrachloride,  group IV, V & VI received aqueous extract of Solanum nigrum ( 2ml/100g/day twice daily) orally for  10, 20 & 30 days respectively followed by CCl4. Blood was collected from anaesthetized animals & liver was dissected out. Alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) & Total bilirubin were estimated and liver was subjected to histopathological examination.

Results: ALT, ALP & Total bilirubin levels were significantly increased in CCl4 treated group but S. nigrum displayed significant limitation of rise in these parameters in group IV, V & VI. This hepatoprotection was also reflected in histologal changes.

Conclusion: It can be concluded from the present study that S. nigrum extract is a potent hepatoprotective agent. It is assumed that this hepatoprotective effect of S. nigrum may be due to several reasons such as antioxidant, free radical scavenger and hepatic regeneration.