Protective effects of Flacourtia indica aerial parts extracts against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxiciy in rats

The petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of the aerial parts of Flacourtia indica (Burm. f.) Merr., were evaluated for hepato-protective properties. In paracetamol-induced hepatic necrosis in rat models, all extracts were found to reduce serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and serum alkaline phosphatase (SAP). The most significant reduction of the serum level of SGOT and SGPT were exhibited by petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extracts at a single oral of dose of 1.5 g/kg of body weight with a reduction of 29.0% SGOT & 24.0% SGPT level by petroleum ether extract, and 10.57% SGOT & 6.7% SGPT level by ethyl acetate extract compared to paracetamol (3 g/kg of body weight) treated animals. Histopathological examination also showed good recovery of paracetamol-induced necrosis by petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extracts. On the other hand, the methanol extract obtained by successive cold extraction did not show any remarkable effect on paracetamol-induced hepatic necrosis. The hepatoprotective effects exhibited by petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extract might be mediated through the inhibition of microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes.