HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF EUGENIA UNIFLORA ACTIVE FRACTION AGAINST CCL4 INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN MALE WISTAR RATS

Eugenia uniflora known as pitanga or Surinam cherry, belongs to the Myrtaceae family and has essential nutrients that are prerequisites for human health. In the present study, Eugenia uniflora active fraction (EF18) that was obtained from the partial purification of crude ethanolic extract of Eugenia uniflora leaves were evaluated for its carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced liver toxicity in rats. Acute toxicity studies were carried out as per OECD-423 guidelines for identifying the correct and safe dose of EF18. Results of the present acute toxicity study showed that oral administration of dried up to the dosage of 2000 mg/kg was nontoxic. On the basis of the acute toxicity studies, two doses of EF18 were selected, a higher dose (500 mg/kg) and a lower dose (250 mg/kg). For the hepatotoxicity studies, Silymarin was used as a standard drug. In the study, EF18 significantly reduced the impact of CCl₄ toxicity on the liver in a dose-dependent manner. Results of the histopathological analysis also support that EF18 can effectively reduce liver toxicity. The results of preliminary phytochemical screening of EF18 revealed the presence of various pharmacologically active phytochemicals in it. The hepatoprotective effect of EF18 was may be due to the presence of these phytochemicals in it. The overall study results suggested that Eugenia uniflora active fraction (EF18) can be used as a potent hepatoprotective agent against the CCl₄ induced liver toxicity.