POTENTIAL HERBAL HEPATOPROTECTIVE PLANTS: AN OVERVIEW

Received on 15 September, 2013; received in revised form, 21 January, 2014; accepted, 18 February, 2014; published 01 March, 2014

POTENTIAL HERBAL HEPATOPROTECTIVE PLANTS: AN OVERVIEW

Rajesh Kumar Soni*, Vihangesh Dixit, Raghuveer Irchhaiya and Shashi Alok

Department of Pharmacognosy, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT: Hepatic diseases (Liver diseases) are a major worldwide health problem, with high endemicity in developing countries. Hepatic disease is a term for a collection of conditions, diseases, and infections that affect the cells, tissues structures, or functions of the liver. Liver has a wide range of functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of biochemical necessary for digestion and synthesis as well as breakdown of small and complex molecules, many of which are necessary for normal vital functions. There are no specific allopathic medicines used as hepatoprotective, although different research works are going on some drug. Herbal drugs are more widely used than allopathic drugs as hepatoprotectives because they are inexpensive, have better cultural acceptability, better compatibility with the human body and minimal side effects. The present review discusses different types of recently herbal plants containing hepatoprotective activity.

Liver disease, hepatoprotective herb, hepatoprotective plants

INTRODUCTION:Liver is a vital organ of paramount importance involved in the maintenance of metabolic functions and detoxification of the exogenous and endogenous challenges like xenobiotics, drugs, viral infections and chronic alcoholism ¹.

Diverse homeostatic mechanisms are affected if liver function is impaired, with potentially serious consequences. About 20, 000 deaths occur every year due to liver diseases. Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the ten most common tumors in the world with over 2, 50,000 new cases each year.

Although viruses are the main cause of liver diseases, excessive drug therapy, environmental pollution and alcoholic intoxication are not uncommon. Liver disease is a worldwide problem; Conventional drugs used in the treatment of liver diseases are sometimes inadequate and can have serious adverse effects.

Herbal medicines are in great demand in the developed as well as developing countries for primary healthcare because of their wide biological and medicinal activities, higher safety margins and lesser costs ².

Modern drugs have very little to offer for alleviation of hepatic ailments, whereas most important representatives of phytoconstituents used for liver diseases chiefly on regional basis include drugs like silymarine (Silybum marianum) and catechin (Anacardium occidentalis) in Europe, Glycyrrhizin (Glycyrrhiza glarbra) in Japan and chizandrins (Schizandra chinesis) in China ³.

The Indian traditional medicine like Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani are predominantly based on the use of plant materials. Herbal drugs have gained importance and popularity in recent years because of their safety, efficacy and cost effectiveness. The association of medical plants with other plants in their habitat also influences their medicinal values in some cases. One of the important and well documented uses of plant products is their use as hepatoprotective agents. Hence, there is an ever increasing need for safe hepatoprotective agent ⁴.

1. Herbal hepatoprotective plants: Herbal-based therapeutics for liver disorders has been in use in India for a long time and has been popularized world over by leading pharmaceuticals. Despite the significant popularity of several herbal medicines in general, and for liver diseases in particular, they are still unacceptable treatment modalities for liver diseases. The limiting factors that contribute to this eventuality are lack of standardization of the herbal drugs, lack of identification of active ingredients/principles, lack of randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) and lack of toxicological evaluation. The use of natural remedies for the treatment of liver diseases has a long history, starting with the Ayurvedic treatment, and extending to the Chinese, European and other systems of traditional medicines.

The 21^st century has seen a paradigm shift towards therapeutic evaluation of herbal products in liver disease models by carefully synergizing the strengths of the traditional systems of medicine with that of the modern concept of evidence-based medicinal evaluation, standardization and randomized placebo controlled clinical trials to support clinical efficacy ⁵. A large number of plants and formulations have been claimed to have hepatoprotective activity. Nearly 160 phytoconstituents from 101 plants have been claimed by Pharmacopeia Foundation to possess liver protecting activity. In India, more than 87 plants are used in 33 patented and proprietary multi-ingredient plant formulations. In spite of the tremendous advances made, no significant and safe Hepatoprotective agents are available in modern therapeutics.

Therefore, due importance has been given globally to develop plant-based hepatoprotective drugs, effective against a variety of liver disorders ⁶.

1. Hepatoprotective activity reported on following plant
   1. Andrographis paniculata: Andrographolide active constituent of Andrographis paniculata (Family of Acanthaceae) antagonized the toxic effects of paracetamol on certain enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and ALP) in serum as well as in isolated hepatic cells as tested by trypan blue exclusion and oxygen uptake tests, in a significant dose dependent (0.75-12 mg/kg p.o. x 7days) manner ⁷. Neoandrographolide increase GSH, glutathione 5-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, SOD and LPO level ^{8, 9}.
   2. Anoectochilus formosanus: The aqueous Extracts (AFEW-2) of fresh whole plant of Anoectochilus formosanus (Family of Orchidaceae) at dose 130 mg/kg showed inhibition of chronic hepatitis (induced by CCl4) in mice by reducing SGPT and hepatic hydroxyproline level. It also diminished the hypoalbuminemia and splenomegaly. In an in vitrostudy, the LD50 values for H2O2 induced cytotoxicity in normal liver cellswere significantly higher after kinsenoside (isolated from AFEW-2) pretreatment at the dose 20-40 ug/ml ¹⁰.
   3. Azadirachta indica: The effect of Azadirachta indica leaf (Family of Meliaceae) extract on serum enzyme levels (glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, acid phosphatise and alkaline phosphatase) elevated by paracetamol in rats was studied with a view to observe any possible hepatoprotective effect of this plant. It is stipulated that the extract treated group was protected from hepatic cell damage caused by paracetamol induction. The findings were further confirmed by histopathological study of liver. The antihepatotoxicaction of picroliv seems likely due to an alteration in the biotransformation of the toxic substances resulting in decreased formation of reactive metabolites ¹¹.
   4. Aerva Lanata: The hydroalcoholic extract of Aerva lanata (Family of Amaranthaceae)(600mg/kg) was administered orally to the animals with hepatotoxicity induced by paracetamol (3gm/kg). Silymarin (25mg/kg) was given as reference standard. All the test drugs were administered orally by suspending in 0.5% Carboxy methyl cellulose solution. The plant extract was effective in protecting the liver against the injury induced by paracetamol in rats. This was evident from significant reduction in serum enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin ¹².
   5. Acacia catechu: The ethyl acetate extract of Acacia Catechu (Family of Leguminosae) of acute liver damage in albino rats was induced by a single subcutaneous administration of 4 ml/kg dose of 50% v/v of carbon tetrachloride in olive oil and the chronic liver damage by subcutaneous injection of 50% v/v carbon tetrachloride in olive oil at the dose of 2 ml/kg twice a week for 14 days. The hepatoprotective activity was monitored biochemically by estimating serum hansaminase, serum alkaline phosphatase and serum bilirubin in both the cases after intraperitoneal injection of ethyl acetate extract of "katha" (250 mg/kg). The histopathological changes of liver samples were compared with that of control. The extract of "katha" inhibited carbon tetrachloride induced liver toxicity in albino rats at 250 mg/kg, b.w. as assessed by the biochemical and histopathological values ¹³.
   6. Alocasia indica: The hydroalcoholic extract of Alocasia indica (Family of Araceae) (250 and 500 mg/kg) effectively inhibited CCl₄ and paracetamol induced changes in the serum marker enzymes, cholesterol, serum protein and albumin in a dose-dependent manner as compared to the normal and the standard drug silymarin-treated groups. Hepatic steatosis, fatty infiltration, hydropic degeneration and necrosis observed in CCl₄ and paracetamol-treated groups were completely absent in histology of the liver sections of the animals treated with the extracts ¹⁴.
   7. Amaranthus spinosus: The 50% ethanolic extract of whole plant of Amaranthus spinosus (ASE) (Family of Amaranthaceae) was evaluated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced hepatic damage in rats. The ASE at dose of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg were administered orally once daily for fourteen days. The substantially elevated serum enzymatic levels of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (AST), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (ALT), serum alkaline phosphatase (SALP) and total bilirubin were restored towards normalization significantly by the ASE in a dose dependent manner. Higher dose exhibited significant hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The biochemical observations were supplemented with histopathological examination of rat liver sections.

Meanwhile, in vivo antioxidant activities as malondialdehyde (MDA), hydroperoxides, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were also screened which were also found significantly positive in a dose dependent manner. The results of this study strongly indicate that whole plants of A. spinosus have potent hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic damage in experimental animals¹⁵.

8. Amorphophallus paeoniifolius: The  methanol and aqueous extracts of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Family of Araceae tubers against paracetamol induced liver damage in rats. glutamic pyruvic transaminase (sGPT), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (sGOT) and serum alkaline phosphatase (sALP), serum bilirubin (SB) and histopathological change. steroids and flavonoids.

Pre-treatment of the rats with methanol and aqueous extract prior to paracetamol administration caused a significant reduction in the values of sGOT, sGPT, sALP and sB (P<0.01) almost comparable to the silymarin and Liv-52. The hepatoprotective was confirmed by histopathological examination of the liver tissue of control and treated animals ¹⁶.

9. Aloe barbadensis: The shade dried aerial parts of Aloe barbadensis (Family of Liliaceae) were extracted with petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol. The plant marc wasextracted with distilled water. All the extracts were evaluated for hepatoprotective activity on limited testmodels as hexobarbitone sleep time, zoxazolamine paralysis time and marker biochemical parameters. Petroleum ether andchloroform extract were observed to be devoid of any hepatoprotective activity. Out of two active extracts (methanol and aqueous), themost active aqueous extract was studied in detail. Aqueous extract showed significant hepatoprotective activity against bile duct ligationinduced hepatotoxicity as evident by restoration of serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin andtriglycerides.

Hepatoprotective potential was confirmed by the restoration of lipid peroxidation, glutathione,glucose-6-phosphatase and microsomal aniline hydroxylase and amidopyrine N-demethylase towards near normal.Histopathology of the liver tissue further supports the biochemical findings confirming the hepatoprotectivepotential of aqueous extract. The aqueous extract of Aloe barbadensis is significantly capable ofrestoring integrity of hepatocytes indicated by improvement in physiological parameters, excretory capacity of hepatocytes and also by stimulation of bile flow secretion. Aqueous extract did not show any sign of toxicity up to oral dose of 2 g/kg in mice¹⁷.

1. Astragalus kahiricus: The hepatoprotective activity of the ethanol extract of Astragalus kahiricus (Family of Fabaceae) roots against ethanol-induced liver apoptosis was evaluated and it showed very promising hepatoprotective actions through different mechanisms. The extract counteracted the ethanol-induced liver enzymes leakage and glutathione depletion. In addition, it demonstrated anti-apoptotic effects against caspase-3 activation and DNA fragmentation that were confirmed by liver histopathological examination. Moreover, the phytochemical study of this extract led to the isolation of four cycloartane-type triterpenes identified as astrasieversianin, astramem-brannin, astrasieversianin and cycloastragenol. The structures of these isolates were established by HRESI-MS and 1D and 2D NMR experiments. The antimicrobial, antimalarial, and cytotoxic activities of the isolates were further evaluated, but none of them showed any activity ¹⁸.
2. Barleria cristata: The ethanolic leaves extract of Barleria cristata (Family of  Acanthaceae) is evaluated for hepatoprotective activity by using CCl4 (0.7ml/kg, i.p) induced liver damage in male Wistar albino rats at a dose of 100 and 200 mg /kg body weight. The ethanolic extract of B. cristata significantly (P<0.001) decreases the serum levels of hepato specific enzymes like SGPT, SGOT, ALP and total bilirubin levels, total protein levels, cholesterol and triglycerides levels.

Silymarin (25 mg/kg), a known hepatoprotective drug used for comparison exhibited significant activity (P<0.001). The extract did not show any mortality up to a dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight. Histopathological analysis confirmed the biochemical investigations. The results indicate that Ethanolic Extract of B. cristata possess hepatoprotective property which may be due to the presence of alkaloids and flavonoids²⁰.

2. Betula utilis: The ethanolic and aqueous bark extract of Betula utilis (Family of Betulaceae) is evaluated for in vivo hepatoprotective at dose 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight was carried out agains D-galactosamine, which on dose of 400 mg/kg body weight i.p. induces liver injury in rats. The hepatocytes challenged with 50 μl of 10mM solution of D-galN. The group to which toxicant was added showed a significant increase in the ASAT, ALAT, and ALP enzyme level when compared to the normal.

All the biochemical parameters were restored to normal significantly. Minimum restoration was observed at 62.5 µg/ml in both the plant extract and Betula utilis extract protects the liver from severe damage caused by D-galactosamine and may serve as a useful adjuvant in several clinical conditions associated with liver damage ²¹.

3. Boerhavia Diffusa: The hepatoprotective activity of different parts of Boerhavia diffusa Linn. (Family of Nyctaginaceae) such as root and aerial parts against ibuprofen (IB) induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. Boerhavia diffusa L. is one of the well-known folklore medicinal plants. The administration of ibuprofen (500mg/kg. b. wt.) produced significant changes in the normal hepatic cells, resulting in the formation of gastric lesions, centrilobular necrosis, vacuolization, and hepatomegaly. The adverse effect of ibuprofen was reflected in the levels of biochemical parameters of liver marker enzymes such as ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin.

The activities of natural antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were decreased significantly. The methanol extract (85%) of the root and aerial part of Boerhavia diffusa L. (500 mg/kg. b. wt.) produced remarkable changes in affected hepatic cell architecture and restored nearly normal structure and functions of hepatic cells. Similarly the different parts of the Boerhavia diffusa L. (500 mg/kg. b. wt.) restored the altered biochemical parameters of liver marker enzymes close to normal control levels. The observed results show the root of Boerhavia diffusa L. possesses more hepatoprotective efficacy than the aerial part of the same plant. The results suggest that the hydro alcoholic (15:85%) extract of Boerhavia diffusa L. possesses significant potential effect as a hepatoprotective agent ²².

4. Cinnamomum zeylanicum: The protective effect of 80% ethanolic extractofbark of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Family of Lauraceae) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver damage in male Wistar rats. Administration with cinnamon extracts (0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 g/kg) for 28 days significantly reduced the impact of CCl₄ toxicity on the serum markers of liver damage, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. In addition, treatment of cinnamon extract resulted in markedly increased the levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes in rats.

The histopathological studies in the liver of rats also supported that cinnamon extract markedly reduced the toxicity of CCl₄ and preserved the histoarchitecture of the liver tissue to near normal ²³.

5. Chenopodium album: The different extracts (Peterolium ether extract, Ethyl Acetate extract and Methanol extract) of Chenopodium album (Family of Chenopodiaceae) aerial parts were studied for its hepatoprotective effect on CCl4-induced hepatotoxic rats. The extracts were found to decrease significantly CCl₄-induced elevation of SGOT, SGPT, bilirubin and total cholesterol. But it increased HDL cholesterol level and liver weight with respect to CCl₄ toxic rats. Histopathological profiles showed that out of all the extracts, methanol extract had significant protective effect against CCl₄-induced liver injury which is comparable with the standard drug Silymarin (25 mg/kg, p.o.) ²⁴.
6. Cienfuegosia digitata: The hepatoprotective effects of aqueous acetone extract of Cienfuegosia digitata Cav. (Family of Malvaceae) an herbal plant used in Burkina Faso to treat traditionally liver disease in albinos Wistar rats. Animals received by gavage 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight of extract daily for a period of 28 days. Control groups received alcohol 35% and water. In vivo administration of 35% ethanol for a period of 28 days in rats showed an activity of liver marker enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP and GGT), triglycerides, total cholesterol, total bilirubin and direct bilirubin in serum compared with rats which received water (control water).

However, administration of 35% ethanol along with aqueous acetone extract decreased the activities of liver markers enzyme in serum comparatively to the control water group (p<0.05 or p<0.01). We noticed that extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight was highly effective than 25 and 50 mg/kg body weight compared to the control water group (ALT and ALP; p>0.05 and p<0.05). This study revealed that Cienfuegosia digitata presents a hepatoprotective potential and this plant could be traditionally exploited in the treatment of liver disease particularly hepatitis B in Burkina Faso ²⁵.

7. Citrullus colocynthis: The in-vivo hepatoprotective effect of the ethanolic extracts of Citrullus colocynthis (Linn.); (Family of Cucurbitaceae) against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Swiss Albino rats of either sex were used, divided into six groups with six in each group. The animals were maintained under normal control, which were given distilled water only. The animals received paracetamol 50, 100  200 & 500 mg/kg body weight per day for 7 days (p.o). The animals were treated with Silymarin (100 mg/kg p.o) which served as standard and animals were intoxicated with paracetamol. Histopathological findings, different hepatic biochemical parameters viz. AST, ALT, ALP, Total bilirubin, Total cholesterol, Triglycerides, & the body weight before & after treatment were evaluated to investigate the hepatoprotective activity.

Paracetamol induced a significant rise in AST, ALT, ALP, Total Bilirubin, Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides. Administration of 200 mg/kg body weight of ethanolic extract of C. colocynthis effectively reduced these pathological damages caused by paracetamol intoxication. In addition to serum parameters treatment of 200 mg/kg bw of ethanolic extract of C colocynthis also promotes the body weight in albino rats ²⁶.

8. Citrullus Lanatus: The protective effect of citrullus lanatus (Family of Cucurbitaceae) seed oil against CCl4 induced hepatic damage in rat. Thehepatoprotective was on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in ratsby estimated serum hepatic enzyme levels and hisopathological study of livertissues. Citrullus lanatus seed oil; CLSO (125mg) and CLSO (250mg) wereadministered orally for 10 days in rats and compared with standard silymarin(100 mg/kg) orally. The results showed significant decrease in serum ALT,AST and ALP levels treated groups which were increased due to CCl4induced liver damage are comparable with standard drug. Histopathologicalstudy of liver tissue ravels the hepatoprotective activity of Citrullus lanatus seed oil ²⁷.
9. Cnidoscolus Chayamansa: The effect of ethanolic extract of Cnidoscolus chayamansa (Family of Euphorbiaceae) leaves in experimentally drug induced hepatitis in rats. Rats were divided into five different groups each having six. Group 1 served as a control, Group 2 received Rifampicin (RIF) (100 mg/kg, i.p.) and co-administered with Isoniazid (INH) (100 mg/kg, i.p.), in sterile water, group 4 and 5 served as extract treatment groups and received 200 & 400 mg/kg, orally, ethanolic extract of Cnidoscolus chayamansa and group 3 served as standard group and received Silymarin 2.5 mg/kg orally. All the treatment protocols followed 21 days and after which rats were sacrificed, blood and liver were taken for biochemical and histological studies, respectively. The Rifampicin (RIF) and Isoniazid INH treated group rats (G2) showed variable increase in serum AST, ALT, ALP, total protein and total bilirubin levels.

Administration of ethanolic extracts of Cnidoscolus chayamansa significantly prevented Rifampicin-Isoniazid-induced elevation in the levels of serum diagnostic liver marker enzymes aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level in experimental groups of rats. Moreover, total protein and total albumin levels were significantly increased in treatment groups. The effect of extract was compared with a standard drug, Silymarin. The changes in biochemical parameters were supported by histological profile. It is concluded that the ethanolic extract of Cnidoscolus chayamansa protects against rifampicin and Isoniazid-induced oxidative liver injury in rats ²⁸.

1. Chrysanthemum indicum: The hepato-protective effects of Chrysanthemum indicum L. (Family of Asteraceae) flower significantly reduced the levels of GOT (60.1%, P = 0.000) and GPT (64.5%, P = 0.000) compared with the vehicle control group (CCl4 alone). Hepatoprotective activities were evaluated at 250 to 1000 μg/mL concentrations by an in vitro assay using normal human hepatocytes (Chang cell) and hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) against CCl4-induced cytotoxicity.

Cytochrome P450 2E1, which is a key indicator of hepatic injury, was detected by western blot analysis using rabbit polyclonal anti-human CYP2E1 antibody. An in vivo hepatoprotective activity assay was performed at 1000 to 4000 μg/mL concentrations on CCl4-induced acute toxicity in rats, and the serum levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined by standard enzyme assays ²⁹.

1. Curcuma longa: The hepatoprotective effect of Curcuma longa rhizome ethanolic extract (CLRE) (Family of Zingiberaceae) was measured in a rat model of thioacetamide-induced liver cirrhosis over 8 weeks. Hepatic cytochrome P450 2E1 and serum levels of TGF-β1 and TNF-α were evaluated. Oxidative stress was measured by malondialdehyde, urinary 8-hydroxyguanosine and nitrotyrosine levels. The protective activity of CLRE free-radical scavenging mechanisms were evaluated through antioxidant enzymes. Protein expression of pro-apoptotic Bax and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins in animal blood sera was studied and confirmed by immunohistochemistry of Bax, Bcl2 proteins and proliferating cell nuclear antigen ³⁰.
2. Cyperus articulates: The hepatoprotective activity of the methanol extract of Cyperus articulatus Linn. (MECA) (Family of Cyperaceae) against paracetamol induced liver damage in rats. Hepatotoxicity was induced in Wistar rats by oral administration of paracetamol (640 mg/kg suspended in 1% carboxy methyl cellulose), once during the 16 days treatment period. MECA was administered orally at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg daily for 16 days.

Silymarin (25 mg/kg) was used as standard drug. Hepatoprotective activity was evaluated by the biochemical estimation of liver function parameters (SGPT, SGOT, ALP, total protein and total billirubin), antioxidant assays of liver homogenate (lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione content, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity) and histological study of liver tissue.

In MECA treated animals, the toxic effect of paracetamol was controlled significantly by restoration of the biochemical parameters, such as, SGPT, SGOT, ALP, total protein and total billirubin, as well as by the improvement of the antioxidant status to/towards near normal values. Histology of the liver sections of the animals treated with the extracts showed the presence of normal hepatic cords, absence of necrosis and fatty infiltration, which further evidenced the hepatoprotective activity of MECA. The results show that the methanol extract of Cyperus articulatus possesses hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats ³¹.

3. Desmodium oojeinense: The hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extract of Desmodium oojeinense(Roxb) H Ohashi(Family of Fabaceae) against Paracetamol induced Hepatotoxicity in rats. Ethanolic extract showed significant hepatoprotective effect by lowering the serum levels of various biochemical parameters such as SGOT, SGPT, ALP, total Bilirubin and by increasing the levels of total Protein, in the selected model. These biochemical observations were in turn confirmed by histopathological examinations of liver sections and are comparable with the standard hepatoprotective drug Silymarin (100mg/kg bodyweight i.p.) which served as a positive control. Our findings suggested that the ethanolic extract of Desmodium oojeinense (Roxb) H Ohashi possesses the hepatoprotective activity ³².
4. Ecbolium viride: The ethanolic extract of leaves of Ecbolium viride (Family of Acanthaceae) against CCl₄ induced liver damage in rats. The extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) was administered orally to the animals with hepatotoxicity induced by CCl₄ (1ml/kg). Silymarin (25 mg/kg) was given as reference standard. All the test drugs were administered orally by equal volume of olive oil (50% v/v). After the drug treatment all the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Blood was collected from the carotid artery and was allowed to clot for 45 min at room temperature; serum was separated by centrifugation at 2500 rpm for 15 min, used for the estimation of various biochemical parameters namely GOT, GPT, ALP, ACP and Bilirubin. Biochemical parameters such as Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (SGPT), Serum Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase (SGOT), Serum Alkaline Phosphatase (SALP), Serum acid Phosphatase (SACP), Liver, and Bilirubin (total & direct) were determined ³³.
5. Elaeis guineensis: The in vitro antioxidant and in vivo hepatoprotective activity of E. guineensis (Family of Arecaceae)againstexperimentally induced liver injury through serum analysis. Serum activity was measured by monitoring the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and billirubin. The extract exhibits in vitroantioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 814 μg/mL in the DPPH radicalscavenging activity and 37.48 μg/mL in xanthine oxidaseinhibitory (XOI) activity. The results of the paracetamolinducedliver toxicity experiments indicated that mice treatedwith the E. guineensis leaf extract (200 mg/kg) showed asignificant decrease in ALT, AST, and bilirubin levels, whichwere all elevated in the paracetamol treated group (p < 0.01).The hepatoprotective action is likely related to its potent in vitroantioxidant activity ³⁴.
6. Elephantopus scaber: The protective effect of E. scaber (Family of Asteraceae) on ethanol-induced liver damage is still unclear. In this study, we have compared the in vivo hepatoprotective effect of E. scaber with Phyllanthus niruri on the ethanol-induced liver damage in mice. The total phenolic and total flavanoid content of E. scaber ethanol extract were determined in this study. Accelerating serum biochemical profiles (including AST, ALT, ALP, triglyceride, and total bilirubin) associated with fat drop and necrotic body in the liver section were observed in the mice treated with ethanol.

Low concentration of E. scaber was able to reduce serum biochemical profiles and the fat accumulation in the liver. Furthermore, high concentration of E. scaber and positive control P. niruri were able to revert the liver damage, which is comparable to the normal control. Added to this, E. scaber did not possess any oral acute toxicity on mice.

These results suggest the potential effect of this extract as a hepatoprotective agent towards-ethanol induced liver damage without any oral acute toxicity effect. These activities might be contributed, or at least in part, by its high total phenolic and flavonoid contents ³⁵.

7. Ficus bengalensis: The hepatoprotective potentials of the ethanolic extract of the Ficus bengalensis (Family of Moraceae) leaves were tested against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) and ethanol -induced liver damage in rats. Changes in the levels of biochemical markers of hepatic injury viz; -aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total protein (TP) and total albumin (TA) were determined in both treated and control groups of rats. The effects of the extracts were compared with that of silymarin (50 mg/kg). The results showed that CCl₄, and ethanol elevates the levels of AST, ALT and decreased levels of TP and TA. Treatment with the ethanolic extract of Ficus bengalensis (EEFB) 100,200 and 400 mg/kg ameliorated the effects of the hepatoxins and significantly (P<0.05) reduced the elevated levels of the biochemical marker enzymes ³⁶.
8. Feronia limonia: The hepatoprotective effect of the ethanolic extract of fruit pulp of Feronia limonia (Linn.) (Family of Rutaceae) against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Albino rats of either sex weighing between 150-200 g were randomly assigned into six groups of six animals each. Group 1-Normal control: The animals were maintained as normal control, which were given distilled water only. Group 2- Induction of hepatotoxicity: The animals received paracetamol 500 mg/kg bw (p.o) at every 72 h for 10 Days. Groups 3 to 5: Animals received ethanolic extract of fruit pulp of Feronia limonia at 100, 200 & 300 mg/kg bw/day for 7 days (p.o). Group 6: The animals were treated with Silymarin (100 mg/kg p.o) which served as standard. Groups 3 to 6 were intoxicated with paracetamol (500 mg/kg bw) 1 h before the administration of extract or Silymarin for 10 days. Different hepatic biochemical parameters viz. AST, ALT, ALP, Total Bilirubin, Total cholesterol, Triglycerides & the body weights before & after treatment were evaluated to investigate the hepatoprotective activity.

It was observed that in paracetamol intoxicated group; total cholesterol, total bilirubin, triglycerides, AST, ALT, ALP activities were significantly increased as compared to control group. Administration of 300 mg /kg bw of ethanolic extract of Feronia limonia L. effectively reduced these pathological damages caused by paracetamol intoxication. In addition to serum parameters treatment of 300 mg / kg bw of ethanolic extract of Feronia limonia L. also promotes the body weight in albino rats respectively. Inspite of tremendous advances in modern medicine, there are not many effective drugs available that stimulate liver function, offer protection to the liver from damage or help to regenerate hepatic cells. It may be concluded that the ethanolic extract of Feronia limonia L. Showed hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Thus, in future this herbal formulation may be used as a strong hepatoprotective drug ³⁷.

9. Garcinia indica: The protective effects of aqueous extracts of the fruit rind of Garcinia indica (GIE) (Family of Clusiaceae/Guttiferae) on ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity and the probable mechanisms involved in this protection were investigated in rats. Liver damage was induced in rats by administering ethanol (5 g/kg, 20% w/v p.o.) once daily for 21 days. GIE at 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg and the reference drug silymarin (200 mg/kg) were administered orally for 28 days to ethanol treated rats, this treatment beginning 7 days prior to the commencement of ethanol administration.

Levels of marker enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatise (ALP)), triglyceride (sTG), albumin (Alb) and total protein (TP) were evaluated in serum. Antioxidant parameters (reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR)), hepatic triglycerides (hTG) and the lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined in liver. GIE and silymarin elicited significant hepatoprotective activity by attenuating the ethanol-elevated levels of AST, ALT, ALP, sTG, hTG and MDAand restored the ethanol-depleted levels of GSH, SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, Alb and TP. GIE 800 mg/kg demonstrated greater hepatoprotection than GIE 400 mg/kg. The present findings indicate that hepatoprotective effects of GIE in ethanol-induced oxidative damage may be due to an augmentation of the endogenous antioxidants and inhibition of lipid peroxidation in liver ³⁸.

1. Glinus oppositifolius: The ethanolic extract (80%) aerial part of Glinus oppositifolius (Family of Molluginaceae) was prepared and tested for its hepatoprotective effect against paracetamol-induced hepatitis in rats. Alteration in the levels of biochemical markers of hepatic damage like SGOT, SGPT, ALP, cholesterol and bilirubin were tested in both treated and untreated groups. Paracetamol (2 g/kg) has enhanced the SGOT, SGPT, ALP, cholesterol and bilirubin levels. Treatment with ethanolic extract of aerial part of G. oppositifolius (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) has reverse back the altered levels of biochemical markers to the near normal levels in the dose dependent manner ³⁹.
2. Kigelia africana and Anogeissus accuminata: The methanolic extracts of Kigelia africana (Family of Bignoniaceae) and Anogeissus accuminata (Family of Combretaceae) against paracetamol induced liver damage in rats. The methanolic extracts of Kigelia africana (200 mg/kg) and Anogeissus accuminata (300 mg/kg) was administered orally to the animals with hepatotoxicity induced by paracetamol (3 gm/kg). Silymarin (25 mg/kg) was given as reference standard. All the test drugs were administered orally by suspending in 1% Tween-80 solution. The plant extract was effective in protecting the liver against the injury induced by paracetamol in rats. This was evident from significant reduction in serum enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Total bilirubin (TB) ⁴⁰.
3. Leacus cephalotes: The methanolic extract of the plant Leacus cephalotes (Family of Lamiaceae) for hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetra chloride-induced liverdamage in Swiss albino mice and antioxidant activity by hydrogen peroxidescavenging assay in dose dependant manner. Methanolic extract of plant Leacus cephalotes investigate for hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachlorideinduced hepatotoxicity using biochemical markers Serum glutamate pyruvatetransaminase- SGPT, Serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase- SGOT, serumbilirubin, Serum alkaline phosphatase- SALP. The hepatoprotective activity wasalso supported by histopathological studies of liver tissue.

Antioxidant activityinvestigated by in vitro hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay. Biochemical studies ofblood samples of methanolic extract of Leacus Cephalotes showed significantdecrease in the levels of serum markers, indicating the protection of hepatic cells,the extract of above plant could afford significant protection against CCl4 inducedhepatocellular injury. The methanolic extract from Leucas cephalotes exertssignificant antioxidant effects, which were comparable with standard drugs.Administration of methanolic extract of the plant Leacus Cephalotes protect theliver from toxic effects of carbon tetra chloride by reducing the elevated levels ofSerum enzymes which shows the significant protection against CCl4 inducedhepatocellular injury ⁴¹.

3. Litchi chinensis: The chloroform and methanol extracts from Litchi chinensis (Family of Sapindaceae) leaf were evaluated for their protective effects on paracetamol-induced liver damage in Wistar albino rats. Serum biochemical parameters viz. serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum alkaline phosphatase (SALP), total protein, bilirubin, cholesterol, triglycerides; and liver biochemical parameters such as lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH) content and catalase (CAT) activities were evaluated. All biochemical observations indicated that both the test extracts exerted significant hepatoprotective efficacy against paracetamol-induced hepatic damage in rats. The methanol extract was found to be more effective than chloroform extract.

Therefore, from the present study it can be concluded that L. chinensis leaf had remarkable hepatoprotective activity in rats ⁴².

4. Luffa acutangula: The hepatoprotective activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Luffa acutangula (HAELA) (Family of Cucurbitaceae) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) and rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats was evaluated and probable mechanism(s) of action has been suggested. Administration of standard drug- silymarin and HAELA showed significant hepatoprotection against CCl₄ and rifampicin induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Hepatoprotective activity of HAELA was due to the decreased levels of serum marker enzymes viz., (AST, ALT, ALP and LDH) and increased total protein including the improvement in histoarchitecture of liver cells of the treated groups as compared to the control group.

HAELA also showed significant decrease inmalondialdehyde (MDA) formation, increased activity of non-enzymatic intracellular antioxidant, glutathione and enzymatic antioxidants, catalase and superoxide dismutase. Results of this study demonstrated that endogenous antioxidants and inhibition of lipid peroxidation of membrane contribute to hepatoprotective activity of HAELA ⁴³.

5. Madhuca longifolia: In vivo hepatoprotective effect of Ethanolic extract of Madhuca longifolia (Family of   Sapotaceae) leave (EEMLL) extract was evaluated using D-Galactosamine (GalN) induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats. Pretreatment with EEMLL (200mg/kg & 400mg/kg) for seven days significantly reduced the impact of Galactosamine toxicity (400mg/kg,i.p) on the serum markers of liver damage. Furthermore, considering the well-known implication of free radicals in tissue injury, in vitro antioxidant properties of the extract were determined with a view to suggest the possible mechanism of activity. Therefore, presented result suggests that EEMLL is potent hepatoprotective agent that could protect liver against the acute injury and this ability might be attributed to its antioxidant potential ⁴⁴.
6. Melia azedarach: The hepatoprotective activity of Melia azedarach L (Family of Meliaceae) leaves extracts against simvastatin induced hepatotoxicity. The phytochemical screening wascarried on the leaves extracts of Melia azedarach revealed the presence of some activeingredients such as Alkaloids, Tannins, Sponginess, Phenols, glycosides, steroids, terpenoids andflavonoids. Leaves of Melia azedarach was successively extracted with ethanol againstsimvastatin (20mg/kg.p.o) induced hepatotoxicity using Standard drug Silymarin (25 mg/kg).

There was a significant changes in biochemical parameters (increases in serum glutamatepyruvate transaminase (SGPT), Serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), alaninephosphatase (ALP),serum bilirubin and decrease the total proteins content.) in simvastatintreated rats, which were restored towards normalization in Melia azedarach (300 mg/kg and500 mg/kg) treated animals. Thus the present study ascertains that the leaf extract of Melia azedarach possesses significant hepatoprotective activity ⁴⁵.

7. Mentha arvensis: The ethanol, chloroform and aqueous leaf extracts of Mentha arvensis (Family of Lamiaceae) against induced by CCl₄ and the biochemical parameters such as serum glutamate pyruvate transminase (sGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (sGOT), alkaline phosphatase (sALP), serum bilirubin (sB) and histopathological changes in liver were studied along with silymarin as standard Hepatoprotective agents. Treatment of the rats with chloroform, ethanol and aqueous extract with CCl₄ administration caused a significant reduction in the values of sGOT, sGPT, sALP and sB (P<0.01) almost comparable to the silymarin. The Hepatoprotective was confirmed by histopathological examination of the liver tissue of control and treated animals ⁴⁶.
8. Musa paradisiacal: The hepatoprotective activity of alcoholic and aqueous extracts of stem of M. paradisiaca (Family of Musaceae) was demonstrated by using two experimentally induced hepatotoxicity models. Administration of hepatotoxins (CCl₄ and paracetamol) showed significant biochemical and histological deteriorations in the liver of experimental animals. Pretreatment with alcoholic extract (500 mg/kg), more significantly and to a lesser extent the alcoholic extract (250 mg/kg) and aqueous extract (500 mg/kg), reduced the elevated levels of the serum enzymes like serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin levels and alcoholic and aqueous extracts reversed the hepatic damage towards the normal, which further evidenced the hepatoprotective activity of stem of M. Paradisiacal ⁴⁷.
9. Meconopsis integrifolia: The in vitro antioxidant property of Meconopsis integrifolia ethanolic extract (MIE) (Family of Papaveraceae) was investigated by employing various established systems. Rats with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury were used to assess the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effect of MIE in vivo. The level or activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin (TB) in the blood serum and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) in the liver and kidney of the rats were assayed using standard procedures ⁴⁸.
10. Melastoma malabathricum: The present study aimed to determine the hepatoprotective activity of a methanol extract of Melastoma malabathricum leaves (MEMM) (Family of Melastomataceae) using two established rat models. Ten groups of rats (n=6) were given a once-daily administration of 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (negative control), 200 mg/kg silymarin (positive control), or MEMM (50, 250, or 500 mg/kg) for 7 days followed by induction of hepatotoxicity either using paracetamol or carbon tetrachloride. Blood samples and livers were collected for biochemical and microscopic analysis. Based on the results obtained, MEMM exhibited a significant (p<0.05) hepatoprotective activity against both inducers, as indicated by an improvement in the liver function test.

These observations were supported by the histologic findings. In conclusion, M. malabathricum leaves possessed hepatoprotective activity, which could be linked to their phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activity; this therefore requires further in-depth studies ⁴⁹.

1. Melochia corchorifolia: The hepatoprotective activity concluded that M. corchorifolia (Family of Malvaceae) aerial part extracts was assessed against CCl4 induced liver intoxication in rats. The extracts produced concentration dependent percentage protection in decrease of serum enzymes and percentage inhibition on free radicals. Among all extracts methanol extract showed better activity with percentage protection of SGOT (78.98%), SGPT (79.65%), ALP (82.48%) and total bilirubin (80.0%) levels against CCl₄ liver intoxication and also methanolic extract showed better activity with IC50 values on superoxide, hydroxyl and DPPH radicals were 127 μg, 240 μg and 179 μg ⁵⁰.
2. Murraya koenigii: Therapeutic potentials of aqueous curry leaf Murraya koenigii (Family of Rutaceae) extract (CuLE) against lead induced oxidative damage in hepatic tissue. Rats were intraperitoneally injected with lead acetate (15mg/kg body weight). Another group was pre-treated with CuLE (50 mg / kg, fed orally).The positive control group was fed CuLE (50 mg / kg), and the control animals received vehicle treatment i.p. for 7 consecutive days. Concentration of lead in liver was estimated by AAS study. The alterations in the activity of the different bio-markers of hepatic damage, biomarkers of oxidative stress, activities of the antioxidant and some of the mitochondrial enzymes were studied.

Histomorphology and alteration in tissue collagen level was studied through H-E staining and Sirius red staining respectively. Quantification of tissue collagen content was evaluated using confocal microscopy. The results indicate that the CuLE ameliorates lead-induced hepatic damage in experimental rats by antioxidants present in the extract. CuLE may have future therapeutic relevance in the prevention of lead-induced hepatotoxicity in humans exposed occupationally or environmentally to this toxic heavy metal and may be used for development of new hepatoprotective drugs of herbal origin with less cytotoxic effects ⁵¹.

3. Plectranthus amboinicus: The ethanolic extract of leaves of Plectranthus amboinicus (Family of Lamiaceae) possesses hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Six groups of wistar rats were used in the study. The two control groups received gum acacia and paracetamol orally respectively. The three test groups were treated orally with paracetamol followed by 300, 600 and 900 mg/kg of ethanolic extract respectively. The sixth group (standard hepatoprotective) received paracetamol followed by N-acetylcysteine 100 mg/kg orally. The hepatoprotective activity was evaluated by estimating serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, tissue malondialdehyde levels and by histopathological analysis of the liver tissue ⁵².
4. Pippali piper longum: The hepatoprotective activity in paracetamol induced hepatotoxic mice model. Piperine was extracted from Pippali Piper Longum (Family of Piperaceae). Solvent evaporation method was employed to fabricate the microspheres. Optical microscopy demonstrated that the formulation was spherical and had smooth texture with no drug crystals or microsphere aggregation.

Formulations containing 2 mg piperine were administered orally to the animal model. In paracetamol induced hepatotoxic mice model, SGOT and SGPT level demonstrated no significant elevation in the blood by the microspheres formulation. The histopathology and enzyme level results suggested that microsphere formulation can passively target hepatoprotective drug to the liver ⁵³.

5. Spilanthes paniculata: The hepatoprotective effect of Spilanthes paniculata (Family of Asteraceae) flower extracts against paracetamol-induced liver damage. The study was conducted in 36 male Wistar rats of either sex, and six groups were established.

While the first group was maintained as normal control (NC, distilled water), Groups 2–6 were administered 3gm/kg Paracetamol (PAR) for 2 day, 100 mg/kg Silymarin (SMR), 500 mg/kg Methanolic extract (MESP), Petroleum ether extract (PEESP), Ethyl acetate extract of S. paniculata (EAESP) suspended in 0.5% tween 80 plus PAR respectively, PAR was administered in the same schedule as in group 2, the treatment with silymarin and extracts was given for 10 days orally, respectively. It was shown that PAR significantly increased serum ALT, AST, ALP, liver MDA levels (P<0.01) and significantly decreased liver GSH, CAT, SOD activity (P<0.01), when compared with the normal control group (NC).

On the other hand, statistical significant (P<0.01) changes were observed in the biochemical parameters of the group which was administered SMR, PEESP and EAESP. Compared with the pathological changes observed in the liver congested sinusoids and centrilobular necrosis, in the group which was administered paracetamol alone (PAR), lesions were determined to be less severe particularly in the group (PEESP and EAESP). The study had revealed that administration of PEESP & EAESP offered a therapeutic potential for the treatment of hepatotoxicity induced by paracetamol via regulation of endogenous antioxidant system in liver ⁵⁴.

6. Stevia rebaudiana: The leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Bert.(Family of Asteraceae) is commonly known as hypocaloric bio-sweeteners. It can be used in multiple health diseases and traditionally the leaves of Stevia are used as sugar substitute. The present study was carried out to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Stevia rebaudiana leaves against thioacetamide-induced (s.c.) hepatotoxicity.

Aqueous leaves extract of Stevia rebaudiana (AESR) at dose levels of 200 and 400 mg/kg/day were evaluated. Oral administration of Stevia leaves extract at 400 mg/kg resulted in a significant reduction in aspartate transaminase, (AST, 131.1±3.0 IU/L), alanine aminotransferase (ALT, 62.2±1.8 IU/L), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT, 13.0±0.3 IU/L), alkaline phosphatase (ALP, 197.4±3.2 IU/L) and total bilirubin (0.23±0.0 mg/dL) compared to control. The glutathione (GSH) and MDA levels of the liver tissue samples were also measured. Histology of the liver sections of the animals treated with the extract also showed dose-dependent reduction of necrosis. The present investigation revealed the hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous leaves extract of Stevia rebaudiana against thioacetamide induced hepatotoxicity ⁵⁵.

7. Swietenia mahogany: The aqueous leaf extract of Swietenia mahogani (Family of Maliaceae) in chronic alcohol-induced liver injury in rats. The animals were given increasing concentrations (10% ethanol (v/v) in waterfor 1week, 20% (v/v) for another 2 weeks and 30% (v/v) for 9 weeks) per os daily. Treatment with theextract (250 and 500 mg/kg) was instituted 6 h after given the alcohol for the same period the alcoholintake lasted. Thereafter, the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase(AST) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) were assayed in the serum. The levels of other biochemicalmarkers of organ damage such as total bilirubin and creatinine, as well as pentobarbitone sleeping timewere determined.

Histological examination of the liver was also performed. The extract at all doses significantly (P<0.05) reduced the serum activities of ALT, AST, AP,serum levels of bilirubin and creatinine in comparison with the negative control that received onlyalcohol. The duration of pentobarbital induced hypnosis was also significantly shortened. The histopathologicalresult showed significant (P<0.05) protection in the extract treated groups when compared with the group that received alcohol alone ⁵⁶.

8. Tridax procumbens: The potential of an aqueous extract of the leaves of Tridax procumbens (Family of   Asteraceae)to protect against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury was investigated in Wistar albino rats. The carbon tetrachloride was prepared 1:5 (v:v) in olive oil, and administered subcutaneously at 1 mL/kg body weight. The extract was administered to both normal and carbon tetrachloride treated rats at 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg.

On gas chromatographic analysis of the flavonoid fraction of the aqueous crude extract, twenty-three known flavonoids were detected, consisting mainly of apigenin (29.00%), quercetin (21.67%), kaempferol (11.20%), (-)-epicatechin (6.38%), naringenin (4.82%), (+)-catechin (3.28%), biochanin (3.21%), robinetin (3.13%), diadzein (2.57%), and nobiletin (2.07%). Compared to test control, the treatment dose dependently significantly lowered (P<0.05) alkaline phosphatase (54.91-100.52%), aspartate transaminase (37.74-64.79%), and alanine transaminase (32.96-57.82%) activities.

The plasma total bilirubin and total protein levels of the treated animals were lower though not significantly. Histopathological studies provided supportive evidence for the biochemical analysis. The results of this study indicated that treatment with the plant extracts protects the liver against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity, thus supporting the use of T. procumbens in African traditional health care for the treatment of liver problems ⁵⁷.

9. Vernonia amygdalina: The possible antioxidant properties of Vernonia amygdalin (Family of Asteraceae) leaves in preventing damages to the liver and kidney of albino rats. To investigatethis, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was injected into rats in order to induce liver andkidney damage. The rats were simultaneously given oral doses (20mg/kg and60mg/kg body weight) of methanolic extract of leaves of V. amygdalin. The effects ofthese treatments on some liver and kidney enzymes were evaluated.

Administration ofCCl4 alone to rats significantly (P< 0.05) reduced the activities of liver ALT and ASTby 71% and 60% respectively. The values for kidney AST and ALT are 47% and 80%respectively. Simultaneous treatment of CCl4 injection with oral administration of20mg/kg and 60mg/kg body weight of the methanolic extract significantly reversed(P<0.05) these changes in both the liver and kidney. The activities of liver and kidneyGGT were considerably reduced by CCl4 administration and were also reverse by theplant extract.

The present findings suggest that the extract may probably possess components that are hepatoprotective ⁵⁸.

1. Vigna mungo: The acute administration of ethanol causes liver damage, the present study was undertaken to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of methanolic extract of seeds of Vigna mungo (Linn) Hepper (MEVM) (Family of Fabaceae) against ethanol-induced hepatic damage in adult albino rats of either sex.

The hepatoprotective effect was evaluated on the basis of liver function parameters such as increased (liver weight and volume), elevated serum enzyme levels (glutathione pyruvate transaminase, oxaloacetate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin) and increased (thiopentone induced sleeping time). The MEVM treated rats produced statistically significant protection. The results were also supported by histological studies on liver cells ⁵⁹.

1. Vitis vinifera: The ethanolic extract of the root of Vitis vinifera (Family of Vitaceae) was evaluated for hepatoprotective activity in rats with liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride. The extract at an oral dose of 200 mg/kg exhibited a significant protective effect by lowering the serum levels of SGPT, SGOT, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin. The extract at this dose also increases the level of total protein. These biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathological examination of liver sections. The activity of extract was also comparable to that of silymarin, a known hepatoprotective drug ⁶⁰.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: The authors are grateful thanks to Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy, Bundelkhand University Jhansi, (India), for assistance in Literature collection and for other facilities during the preparation of this manuscript.

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    How to cite this article:

    Soni RK, Dixit V, Irchhaiya R and Alok S: Potential Herbal Hepatoprotective Plants: An Overview. Int J Pharm Sci Res 2014; 5(3): 774-89.doi: 10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.5(3).774-89

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