GENERAL INVESTIGATIONS ON THE HEPATOPROTECTIVE POTENTIAL OF PHYLLANTHUS NIRURI

Phyllanthus niruri commonly known as Keezhanelli is traditionally used as a medicinal plant in many parts of the world. In this study, phytochemical screening was the hepatoprotective potential of the plant investigated. Two plant forms, namely, dry powder and fresh leaves were used. Aqueous and methanolic extracts were prepared from both forms, and the experiments were carried out. The hepatoprotective potential of the Phyllanthus niruri extracts was evaluated by checking the enzyme activity in CCl₄ toxicity-induced chicken liver. The liver was subjected to different extracts and the SGPT, LDH levels were calculated. The methanolic extracts displayed higher SGPT levels in the liver after CCl₄ treatment (~121 IU/L) while the dry powder aqueous extracts were the lowest (79.5 IU/L). The LDH levels were the highest for fresh leaves methanolic extracts (323.23 IU/L) while the dry powder aqueous extracts (303.01 IU/L) had the lowest level among all extracts. Thus the fresh leaves methanolic extract was proven to be the most efficient out of all of the Phyllanthus niruri extracts. All of the extracts displayed hepatoprotective activity. It can be good herbal medicine and is consumed in all forms by people.