HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF BARLERIA CRISTATA LINN. (WHOLE PLANT)

The present study evaluated the hepatoprotective potential of Barleria cristata extracts petroleum ether (BCL-PE) and ethanol (BCL-EE) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced toxicity in cultured Chang liver cells. CCl₄ is a known hepatotoxin that generates reactive oxygen species, causing oxidative damage and cell death in liver tissues. The cytotoxicity of CCl₄ was assessed using the MTT assay, which revealed an IC₅₀ value of 62.5 µg/mL and a 49.41% reduction in cell viability. A dose-dependent decline in viability was observed, with the lowest level of 7.05% at 1000 µg/mL. To evaluate the protective effects, cells were pre-treated with various concentrations of BCL-PE and BCL-EE before CCl₄ exposure. Both extracts demonstrated a concentration-dependent increase in cell viability. At the lowest tested dose (7.2 µg/mL), BCL-PE and BCL-EE restored viability to 92.94% and 93.52%, respectively. Microscopic analysis supported these findings, showing improved cellular morphology in extract-treated groups compared to cells treated with CCl₄ alone. These results suggest that Barleria cristata possesses significant hepatoprotective properties, likely due to its antioxidant and cytoprotective constituents. The findings support its traditional use in liver-related ailments. Further research is needed to isolate key bioactive compounds and investigate their mechanisms in-vivo, potentially contributing to the development of novel plant-based liver therapeutics.